Natural Remedies for an Itchy Pet

It's no fun being itchy, and itchy pets aren't happy pets. If you notice your pet itching, you'll want to closely examine it for any signs of fleas or ticks, or other possible allergens. If your pet is itching frequently, chews on various body parts or seems to be losing patches of fur, you will want to take it to the vet for an examination. Itching is a common symptom of many pet diseases or conditions such as ringworm, mange, thyroid problems, allergies and more.

Avoid Itching in Pets

Bathe your pet regularly with a gentle shampoo. A variety of natural shampoos are available for pets, and some owners swear by human shampoos as well. Be sure to rinse thoroughly as leftover residue can also cause itching. Brush your pet daily, which will remove potential allergens from the skin and remove excess hair. Keep an eye on the ingredients in your pet's food. Soy, corn and wheat are common allergens for pets and can cause itching and lethargy.

Natural Remedies for Itchy Pets

Some people have found the following items useful to alleviate their pets itch. However, if the cause of the itch is not discovered, there is no way to truly cure the itch, so these should be considered temporary symptom relievers only.

• Tea Tree Oil  Relieves itch and works as an antiseptic.
• Olive Oil or Fish Oil  When put in pet's food, oil can alleviate dry skin and improve coat shine.
• Witch Hazel  Apply with a cotton ball to hot spots to relieve itch.
• Aloe Vera  Soothes human and pet skin. Apply cream or gel directly to the skin.
• Baking Soda  Mix with water and apply to hot spots.
• Epsom Salt  Add to warm bath water and soak pet. Do not allow pet to drink water.
• Colloidal Oatmeal  Prepare a bath with water and colloidal oatmeal which will soothe the itch. This works great and is especially comfortable for itchy humans as well.
• Apple Cider Vinegar  Applied topically or sprinkled over food, ACV helps improve skin and coat condition as well as digestion.

Remember, you'll want to determine what is causing the pet's itch, or there is no way to completely alleviate it. Be sure to check with your vet and make an appointment if needed. Work on each possible allergen at a time; begin by changing the pet's food, especially if it contains larger amounts of wheat, soy or corn, to see if that eases the itch. Consider other sources of potential allergens including pet's shampoo, bed (wash it), and other environmental triggers, both indoors and outdoors.

Sources:

http://www.paw-rescue.org/PAW/PETTIPS/DogTip_InsectBites.php

http://www.natural-pet-care.com/natural-pet-health-blog/pet-health-issues/useful-home-remedies-for-dry-itchy-skin-and-other-skin-ailments-in-dogs-2/

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