Suddenly, out of nowhere, it seems your dog can’t stop licking his feet and paws or scratching at his face. What do you do? First of all, don’t panic. Dogs can be itchy for all sorts of reasons. Your pup may be allergic to something in his food, or even have seasonal allergies much like humans do. There’s also the chance your dog has those dreaded fleas or ticks. The best thing you can do is take your dog to the veterinarian to have them assess what exactly is causing the itchiness. But if you’re sure your dog is itching due to a bug bite or something equally easy to diagnose, there’s a cheap and easy way to soothe an itchy dog’s skin at home.
Anti-Itch Spray for Dogs
An at-home anti-itch remedy can temporarily soothe your dog’s bothersome spots.
©iStock.com/adogslifephoto
In a spray bottle, combine:
50 percent apple cider vinegar
50 percent water
Add a small amount of lavender oil for a pleasant smell, if desired. Mix and spray on the itchy spots as needed.
Why does this work? Apple cider vinegar has antifungal properties that may help your dog’s skin feel better, especially if the itchy spots have some level of yeast overgrowth. But there are some things to keep in mind. you never want to use this solution on an open wound or raw skin, as it can be extremely painful and irritating for your pooch, and maybe even make the situation worse. Additionally, always dilute the vinegar with water to cut its strength. And finally, this spray isn’t a cure, but merely a way to temporarily make your dog feel better. If things don’t improve shortly or the itching seems to be extreme and in multiple places on your dog’s body, see your veterinarian as soon as you can.
