Top 5 Best Itch Relief for Dogs Remedies in 2020 (Itching and Hots Spots)

There are different causes and irritants responsible for itching in dogs.

The most common causes for itching are skin conditions, yeast infections, hot spots, parasites, allergies, and environmental factors.

After you consult with a veterinarian and any serious medical issues, have been ruled out, the easiest way to solve this is with an itch relief for dogs remedies.

In a recent 2017 study (PDF), researchers found topical treatments to treat itchiness in dogs effectively. Successful tests included both OTC treatments and prescribed antibiotic itch medications.

Other studies showed that even a holistic approach with the use of essential oils and coconut oil might sometimes be effective for an itchy dog, too.

Topical treatments with Triamcinolone acetonide were very effective at treating these conditions in dogs (1). They decreased swelling, redness, rashes, and itchiness.

For oral medications in more severe itchy dogs, Dextromethorphan was the most effective treatment while also reducing licking, chewing, and biting in dogs (2).

As a dog owner, important to talk with your veterinarian about any specific best itch relief for a dog’s treatment.

However, before you request a stronger antibiotic solution, some less intrusive over-the-counter dog itch relief remedies may solve this problem.

We’ll review these top five rated brands below:

Why Is My Dog So Itchy?

Studies on causes of itchiness in dogs (Pruritus) show that the two most common culprits are dry skin and allergies.

Dry skin in dogs could be caused by improper nutrition, food, or environmental allergies (3).

Mites, house dust, pollen, mold spores, and antigens were all observed to contribute to skin issues causing dogs to itch.

Dry Skin on Dogs

Cold, dry air in winter is known to dry out the skin.

If you live in an area with very low humidity, you may notice that your dog’s skin is dry year-round.

You can solve this with a dietary change and the use of dog clothes to protect your pet’s skin outdoors.

In most cases, a dog’s itchy skin is only a small nuisance.

However, sometimes dry skin on dogs may be caused by parasites, hypothyroidism, Cushing’s disease, or even more serious health problems.

It’s crucial to diagnose an itchy dog’s exact cause and dry skin before deciding on treatment.

Allergies in Dogs

Another common cause of itchiness in dogs is allergies, both environmental and food-related.

The only way to find out the exact allergen is to have your dog undergo allergy testing at a vet clinic.

For food allergies (nutritional dermatitis) causing a dog’s itchiness, there are three ways to fight them:

(a) switch to a different dog food brand

(b) use nutritional supplements proven to block allergic reactions

(c) topical use of best itch relief for dogs treatments

For supplements, pet owners need to use something to block the dog’s histamine release.

Histamine release is what’s causing inflammation, redness, swelling, and itching in a dog.

One way to accomplish this is by including conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) in your dog’s diet.

Additionally, introducing probiotics into a dog’s diet, particularly Lactobacillus rhamnosus strain, was shown to reduce allergic reaction and itchiness in dogs, too (4).

Flea, Tick, Bug Bites

Not only flea and tick bites, but other bug stings can cause itchiness, too.

Your pooch is exposed to all kinds of pests and parasites when they’re outdoors: mosquitoes, fleas, spiders, ticks, flies, and bees can cause serious itchiness. When bitten, dogs tend to experience minor swelling and itching.

In the case of flea allergy dermatitis, dogs may itch more intensely (5). Studies showed cat fleas to be the most common fleas to bite dogs and one of the major causes in an itchy dog (6).

To treat this, topical creams with selamectin were proven to be the most effective and fastest solution for serious flea itchiness (7).

The next favorite in studies was imidacloprid/flumethrin solution (8).

All of these scientifically studied itch relief for dogs treatments designed for different causes is something you would need your veterinarian’s prescription for.

They are typically used in more severe cases of an itchy dog. Here are the five best itch relief for dogs solutions to buy over-the-counter for more benign and mild issues with itchiness.

Top 5 Best Itch Relief for Dogs Remedies

1. Bodhi Dog Anti Itch Oatmeal Spray for Dogs

Bodhi Dog Anti-itch Spray is an itch relief spray made with oatmeal and baking soda and wheat germ, botanical extracts, and natural ingredients that deliver vitamins A, D, and E to the dog’s skin.

It is formulated to provide relief to dogs itching due to hot spots, insect bites, allergies, and other skin irritations.

The spray is also a natural deodorizer. We found that Bodhi’s anti-itch spray instantly soothed itching and stopped chewing and licking in our two dogs.

It does not contain alcohol or any toxic ingredient.

After a few successful tests, we’ve also scanned through other dog itch spray reviews from pet owners and found most reported great results with Bodhi’s product where their dogs immediately slowed down and relaxed their itching.

Bodhi stops irritation of the skin and allows the skin to heal faster, resulting in less itchiness.

This is especially helpful at night when the itching seems to be worst in most dogs.

This best itch relief for dogs treatment has a mild pleasant scent that also seems to be a factor in calming the dog’s demeanor.

The fresh scent stays on the dog for days and really works as a deodorizer.

The first time you spray it, you may have to do it with a few gentle gusts before spraying full blast.

The sudden fizz from the spray often scares dogs away, and you don’t want your dog disliking the spray even before it can do him or her any good.

PROS: Made with oatmeal and baking soda It also works as a natural deodorizer Does not contain alcohol 100% non-toxic Hypoallergenic

CONS: The smell may be too strong for some dogs

2. Bexley Labs Curaseb Chlorhexidine Spray for Dogs

Bexley Labs’ Curaseb Antiseptic Spray contains chlorhexidine and ketoconazole as active ingredients.

It is formulated to treat skin diseases in dogs caused by bacteria, fungi, and allergies.

We’ve found that many veterinarians recommend this formula for immediate relief from ringworm, pyoderma, yeast infection, dermatitis, blisters, scabies, hotspots, rashes, and other skin irritations. We also liked its pleasant scent, and our dogs didn’t find it annoying.

Unlike most skin treatment formulations, Bexley Labs’ itch relief spray does not contain steroids, nor do you want steroids in your pet’s skin treatment formula, unless for very severe cases.

While they effectively reduce inflammation, they also bring a host of side effects.

In most general cases, Curaseb does the job of reducing the itching and inflammation without the long-term side effects very well.

When sprayed at the onset of a rash, Curaseb would effectively stop the itch and its progression. You’ll notice that most times, a dog’s skin problem is not solely bacterial, or fungal, or allergic; oftentimes, it’s the combination of several factors.

For instance, itchy dogs can first have a rash due to allergy, which can be exposed to bacteria later if your dog continues scratching.

This is where Curaseb might be the best itch relief for dogs solution since it attacks several causes at once and is a wide-spectrum skin treatment for dogs.

PROS: Active ingredients are proven to be effective for itchy dogs (chlorhexidine and ketoconazole) Formulated to treat several causes of itchiness at once: bacteria, fungi, and allergies Does not contain steroids Made in the USA

CONS: Some others report that it did not soothe their dog’s itchy skin Not recommended to let the dog lick and consume this treatment

 

3. Vet’s Best Hot Spot Itch Relief Spray for Dogs

Vet’s Best Hot Spot Spray is a topical solution made from tea tree oil, aloe vera, and chamomile.

Tea tree oil for dogs has been proven as an effective antiseptic, antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral treatment. If you ever decide to make your own tea tree oil for your dog you need to make sure it is diluted first.

The aloe soothes and helps repair damaged skin while also conditioning the scalp and hair.

Chamomile has antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal properties as well.

These three potent ingredients in one formulation worked well for our dogs to stop itching and irritating the skin.

This contains no alcohol, has a mild scent, and did not sting the skin in our case. It will not interfere with other topical solutions applied to the dog, either.

You need to apply this directly on the dog’s skin for it to work (as shown in the photo above).

You may have to part the hair to do that, or for dogs with thick fur, you may need to shave them before applying this spray to get better results.

While the effect is immediate, you will find that you’ll need to reapply it several times a day.

If your dog finds the spray disconcerting, try another applicator or try rubbing with a cotton swab because it could just be the sound of the spray.

Vet’s Best Hot Spot Spray will not prevent rashes from appearing on other parts of a dog’s body, similar to the two other itch relief spray solutions mentioned above unless the source of the rash is treated.

If the desired outcome is to prevent the occurrence of rash on other areas, then the best solution, in that case, would be an oral treatment rather than a spray.

PROS: Made with natural ingredients Has antiseptic, antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties Contains no alcohol Will not interfere with any other topical treatments (like flea & tick treatments)

CONS: Spray is only effective for a short period of time and needs to be reapplied several times a day. The scent of a spray may be too strong for some dogs

 

4. Bodhi Dog All Natural Pet Hot Spot Spray

Unlike the first mentioned Bodhi’s itch relief spray, this Bodhi Dog Hot Spot Spray is a plant-based treatment, particularly for dogs with hot spots.

It is made from a blend of lemongrass, peppermint, eucalyptus, menthol, and clove.

This special formulation cools and soothes intense itching caused by hot spots, allergies, and other skin irritations.

This is the best option for dogs sensitive to chemical-based topical solutions because it contains no harmful chemicals or steroids, and it’s even naturally scented.

It immediately promotes itch relief, soothes the skin, and lessens discomfort but doesn’t appear to be as effective and as long-lasting as the first-rated product.

It works as quickly as 10 minutes after application, however.

By that time, you’d notice your dog calming down from intense scratching and the spot looking less angry.

As soon as you see your dog stop scratching and aggravating the hot spot, that’s one step toward healing.

That effectively prevents the skin from tearing and microbes from setting in.

This botanical blend has antiseptic and antibacterial effects, so you’ll notice that after the itching eases down, the sores begin to dry up and start healing.

You may need to use this in tandem with the doctor’s prescription to treat the infection more vigorously for more severe infections.

Continue using the Bodhi Dog Hotspot Spray to keep dogs from chewing and scratching the hot spot and hasten to heal.

PROS: Plant-based remedy Contains no alcohol or steroids Naturally scented Antiseptic and antibacterial properties

CONS: Natural smell of this spray is not very pleasant Some reports claim this to be ineffective for very itchy dogs

 

5. Vet’s Best Itch Relief for Dogs Supplement

Vet’s Best Shed+Itch Healthy Coat Natural Formula is a supplement used to relieve itching in dogs and regulate shedding.

It comes in chewable tablet form. Its active ingredients are methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, quercetin, yellow dock root, Oregon grape root, nettle leaf, burdock root, and red clover blossom.

MSM is a natural sulfur compound that treats inflammation and helps to relieve pain.

This is formulated by a veterinarian and is an all-natural supplement that does not require a vet’s prescription.

We recommend this product for dogs suffering from nonspecific itching and excessive shedding.

Dogs with this problem also tend to have a dull and thin coat and likely have an unpleasant smell. You will not immediately see results with this Vet’s Best formula.

Vet’s Best itch relief supplement for dogs works from the inside, and it takes time to catch up, so give it at least for 3-4 weeks.

You will first notice your dog scratching less and less, and then shedding will be more normal. Before you know it, you’d have a dog with beautiful fur.

The smell would be gone, too.

When topical remedies fail, this will be a good option.

Unlike topical solutions, though, the desired results will not be noticeable in minutes or hours; it would be more like weeks or months.

This will work if your dog is not averse to pills because it has a medicinal smell that makes it difficult to hide in food or give as a treat.

PROS: Convenient chewable tablet form that is easier to administer than sprays and topical treatments All-natural supplement Formulated by a veterinarian but does not require a prescription

CONS: Some dogs may not enjoy the taste of these supplements Some reports claim this to be ineffective around 2-3 week mark

Bonus Itch Relief: Home Remedies

Your dog is most likely to get relief from his itching with the above products. However, you can also try some home remedies.

Just remember, if you consult your vet, you should always follow his directions instead of swapping out a medicine or over-the-counter treatment for a home remedy.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera can help heal skin and reduce itching as well. Just make sure to use 100% aloe vera. Do not use a product with alcohol, as this could burn your pup’s skin.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Try combining a 1:1 solution of apple cider vinegar and water. You can then spray it on your dog. Just make sure not to spray it on any skin that is open or raw.

Baking Soda

Mix equal amounts of baking soda and water to create a thick paste. Apply it onto your dog’s skin, wait 20 minutes, and rinse it off. You can also add some coconut oil to the mixture.

Coconut Oil

Coconut is a great moisturizer and can relieve itching from insect bites, allergies, and more. To use this remedy, start with solid coconut oil and gently massage it into your dog’s fur.

Oatmeal

Oatmeal is safe for dogs and humans and provides them with relief just like it does for us. Just give your dog an oatmeal bath. To do so, grind oatmeal to create a powder and sprinkle some into warm bathwater. Have your dog soak for about 10 to 15 minutes. Don’t worry if he licks some as oatmeal is safe for dogs to eat.

Tea

Both green tea and chamomile have soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. You can take advantage of this by giving your dog a tea bath. Just fill the tub using lukewarm water, let a few tea bags steep in it, remove the tea bags, and have your dog soak for about five minutes. Or, you could just steep a tea bag, remove it from the tea and apply it directly to an itchy patch.

Yogurt (plain and sugar-free)

Sometimes, just giving your dog a teaspoon of yogurt can boost his gut health. This can translate into fewer allergies, hives, or rashes.

You can also try making some basic changes. For example, make sure to use a moisturizing shampoo the next time you bathe your dog. Or, when drying your dog after a bath (or a grooming appointment), avoid using the blow dryer on a hot setting.

Common Questions About the Best Itch Relief for Dogs Remedies

The following FAQs help summarize the above information and add other information that people commonly want to know:

Why is my dog so itchy but has no fleas?

An itchy dog without fleas may have food allergies or environmental allergies. Your vet can also see if something else is the cause.

What can I put on my dog’s irritated skin?

You can try dabbing apple cider vinegar on your dog’s irritated skin. Other home remedies include oatmeal, chamomile tea, and coconut oil.

What can I give my dog for itching besides Benadryl?

Antihistamines are safe for your dog and may help with itching. Steroid creams, gels, and sprays may also be an option. Your vet can suggest other treatments as well, or you can try one of the options on the above list.

What is the best supplement for dogs with itchy skin?

Some good supplements that vets commonly recommend for itchy skin include fish oil, coconut oil, quercetin, yucca, and digestive enzymes.

What can I give my dog orally for itchy skin?

You can try giving your dog a little yogurt, but make sure it is plain and sugar-free. Your vet can also suggest remedies.

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