Is your dog suffering from allergies and hotspots? Dry, itchy skin leaves anyone feeling miserable and your dog is no exception. All this scratching can be unbearable to watch and give you the itches. To remedy the situation, try these easy, safe and natural remedies to soothe dry, itchy skin and give your dog some relief.

Treatments like Neosporin or hydrocortisone should not be used for your dog's hot spots. It is not dangerous to the dog, they just tend to lick the cream from the spot.

Prepare the Hot Spot
Before you can apply the solution of your choice, you need to clean the area. Depending on your dog's fur, you should use dog hair clippers to trim around the inflamed area. Once the skin is exposed, just like any wound, clean the skin with an antibacterial shampoo and a saline wash. Regular blue Dawn dish soap works in a pinch. (You also may want to give your dog a full bath.) Need help calming your dog during the hot spot preparation process? Give them a long-lasting chew like yak cheese or a thick bully sticks. 

After the hot spot is clean and dry, you can apply these home remedies: 

1. Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera soothes and moisturizes dry or itchy skin. Cut open some leaves from an Aloe Vera plant or use store bought for relief. Gently massage the pulp and juice into your dog’s skin. One major benefit of aloe vera is its anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal. It's a special plant! Make sure that your dog does not ingest the Aloe Vera as it can be toxic. If your dog does eat any Aloe Vera, monitor them closely for side effects and call your vet if your dog vomits, has diarrhea, or stops eating.

2. Oatmeal Paste or Bath

Another home remedy for an itchy dog is to put a half cup of oatmeal in a quart of water, bring to a boil, strain, and let it cool to room temperature. Pat the mixture on the itchy spots and let dry.

Alternatively, you can draw a warm bath and sprinkle in raw oats. Let your pet sit in the water for ten to fifteen minutes.

3. Olive Oil & Lavender

Oils can be used as a home remedy for dry, itchy skin. Mix ½ cup of olive oil with ½ teaspoon of lavender essential oil. Dip a cotton ball in the oil mixture and rub on the itchy areas.

You can also add a little bit of olive oil to your dog’s food. One tablespoon of olive oil a few times a week should help your dog’s skin and coat. Omega-3 fatty acids are great for getting rid of dry skin.

4. Coconut Oil

Not only is coconut oil a great natural moisturizer, but it is also antibacterial and antifungal. Take some chilled, solid coconut oil and massage on affected areas of your dog’s skin and coat. Chilling the oil slightly will provide some added itch relief.

The anti-fungal and antibacterial qualities are great for dogs suffering from itchy skin conditions such as eczema, yeast infections, or insect bites and stings. For dogs that are prone to itchy, dry skin, look for shampoo products that contain coconut oil.

5. Chamomile or Black Tea

If your dog is itchy all over, steep a warm bath with several chamomile or black tea bags for several minutes. Remove the tea bags and let your dog soak for 5-10 minutes. Herbal teas have properties that soothe irritated skin. Black tea contains tannic acid which can protect against skin infection.

6. Fish Oil as a Supplement

Another option for DIY itchy skin relief is with fish oil. Apply fish oil directly to the skin and coat, or put a bit of the oil in your dog’s food once or twice a week. You can also give the supplement as a fish oil capsule. Consult a vet for proper dosage.

A Note about At-Home Remedies: At-home remedies are not meant to replace veterinary care. Rather, they contribute to the treatment of a diagnosed, known health condition. Many pet owners are familiar with the cycle of hot spots, and you know your dog best. Hot spots can show up quickly, and most often don't turn into more complicated conditions but it is important to visit the vet if you're concern about your pet's health or think the condition has moved beyond common allergies. 

Consult your vet if itching is persistent and does not get any better. This could be a sign of something more serious.

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