Important Precautions When Using Topically
Applying oils topically can be irritating to the skin — yours and your dog's. This is counterproductive for treating skin conditions and can add to your dog's discomfort. Therefore, without proper professional guidance, it's best to avoid using essential oils topically or directly on your dog.
Diluted lavender oil is generally considered safe for topical use on dogs. Lavender essential oil is extremely potent. Just like for humans, pure lavender essential oils should not be applied to the skin or ingested. Instead, they should be mixed with a carrier oil.
"[Lavender oil] can be used to calm and soothe your dog by gently rubbing it into your dog's ear, fur and skin while giving your dog a pleasant massage," Cornelius said. "Lavender oil also has antibacterial and anti-itch agents. This is great if your dog has a skin irritation."
Diluted lavender oil is generally considered safe for topical use on dogs. Lavender essential oil is extremely potent. Just like for humans, pure lavender essential oils should not be applied to the skin or ingested. Instead, they should be mixed with a carrier oil.
Properly-prepared, diluted lavender oil is generally considered safe for use topically on dogs. The most common uses of lavender oil for dogs are to soothe itching, irritation, and inflammation. It is relatively versatile, helping dogs with multiple issues, said Sadie Cornelius of CanineJournal.com.
List of essential oils safe for your dog's coat
If there is no need for medical treatment, here are some home remedies that are completely safe and can help with itch relief.
Essential Oils Flea Spray Citronella, eucalyptus, peppermint, tea tree, and rosemary will all naturally repel fleas. If your dog doesn't mind a spray bottle, dilute a few drops of your chosen essential oil into a 300ml-400ml of water and spray directly onto your dog's coat.
Other over-the-counter medications safe to use on canine skin include Neosporin—an antibiotic ointment—and Benadryl cream, a topical pain reliever. "Hydrocortisone cream is usually more effective than Benadryl cream," says Butzer. "But oral Benadryl can help with reducing inflammation in the affected area."
Dogs Keep Itching Due to Bacterial and Fungal Skin Infections. Dogs who keep itching but don't have fleas or mites are more likely to have a skin infection. These infections may be bacterial or might be fungal. Yeast infections may also be a culprit for some itching in dogs.
Safer oils to use that repel fleas are eucalyptus, peppermint, cedarwood, and citronella. To make an essential oil spray for dogs, combine 30 drops essential oils to one cup of water and to spray on a dog's fur. Shake bottle well before spraying each time to mix the water and essential oils.
List of essential oils safe for your dog's coat
Coconut oil can add moisture to your dog's skin and prevent flaking. It also helps freshen up a dog's coat if used with a light touch. To use it topically, simply rub a very small amount onto your hands and then gently pat the coat, run your fingers through the fur, and massage a little down onto the skin.
First, try these easy options to ease your dog's itching.
If there is no need for medical treatment, here are some home remedies that are completely safe and can help with itch relief.
Here are 10 simple solutions that can help soothe your pup's dry skin:
Acting as an insect repellant: Lavender oil acts as an insect repellant for both humans and dogs. If your dog has an issue with fleas and ticks, or if pesky mosquitoes swarm on your next trek out of the house, applying some diluted lavender oil to your dog's coat could help reduce the chance of bites.
Apple Cider Vinegar Apple cider vinegar's slightly acidic pH level creates an inhospitable environment for fleas. Mix six cups of ACV with four cups of water (use a 6:4 ratio), add a pinch of salt, and spray the mixture on your dog's coat and underbelly, making sure to avoid their eyes and any wounds they may have.
Unfortunately, you can't just use your own human lotion on the dog, because our moisturizers may contain harmful chemicals and ingredients. Dogs are likely to lick topical treatments off their noses and paws, so any skin-soothing product you use on your dog has to be 100% dog-safe.
Coconut Oil Coconut Oil for Itchy Dogs For this reason, coconut oil is among the best oils for canine skin, which is why so many products for pups use it as a key ingredient. Many natural beauty products now contain coconut oil because of its antibacterial and antifungal properties.
First, try these easy options to ease your dog's itching.
Chamomile and Herbal Tea Soaks Chamomile, calendula, and green tea have properties to soothe and cool irritated skin and reduce inflammation, making them very helpful additions to a dog bath. These soaks are best for dogs who have hot, itchy patches of skin at risk of becoming raw.
“Topical application can be moisturizing and protective,” she says. “It also has some antifungal properties.” Look for dog-friendly coconut oil such as Zesty Paws organic extra virgin coconut oil or Petpost coconut oil for dogs, which can both be used topically or given in moderation with food.
Chamomile and Herbal Tea Soaks Chamomile, calendula, and green tea have properties that soothe and cool irritated skin and reduce inflammation, making them great additions in a dog bath for itchy skin. These soaks are best for dogs who have hot, itchy patches of skin that are at risk of getting rubbed raw.
Essential Oils Flea Spray Citronella, eucalyptus, peppermint, tea tree, and rosemary will all naturally repel fleas. If your dog doesn't mind a spray bottle, dilute a few drops of your chosen essential oil into a 300ml-400ml of water and spray directly onto your dog's coat.
Coconut Oil Coconut oil contains a fatty acid called lauric acid, a component that kills fleas. The fat covers the flea's exoskeleton and essentially suffocates the pest. Only apply coconut oil to your dog's coat outdoors. Because the acid works as a natural flea repellent, the pests may leap out of your dog's fur.
“Topical application can be moisturizing and protective,” she says. “It also has some antifungal properties.” Look for dog-friendly coconut oil such as Zesty Paws organic extra virgin coconut oil or Petpost coconut oil for dogs, which can both be used topically or given in moderation with food.
Coconut oil Coconut oil can improve many skin conditions including itchiness and dryness. It also can reduce allergic reactions. You can apply coconut oil directly to your dog's coat, dry, cracked pads, cuts and sores. Dym likes to add a little coconut oil to food.
Chamomile and Herbal Tea Soaks Chamomile, calendula, and green tea have properties that soothe and cool irritated skin and reduce inflammation, making them great additions in a dog bath for itchy skin. These soaks are best for dogs who have hot, itchy patches of skin that are at risk of getting rubbed raw.
Just lukewarm water, or water and a mild soap, can help get fleas off your pet's fur and skin. The dish soap can help to drown adult fleas. If you're thinking about using a flea shampoo or something similar, talk to your veterinarian first. It can strip oils from your pet's fur and dry out their skin.
The most common product used to kill fleas on dogs instantly is Nitenpyram, more commonly known as Capstar. This single-use tablet is administered orally and kills fleas within 30 minutes. It is recommended that you contain your pet in a small area when using Capstar.
Your vet will conduct a thorough assessment to determine the cause of your pet's itching, but anti-itch medications, such as Oclacitinib (Apoquel), and Prednisolone may be prescribed to reduce the itching. Antihistamines can also be used in some cases, as well as medicated shampoos and topical ointments.
Just lukewarm water, or water and a mild soap, can help get fleas off your pet's fur and skin. The dish soap can help to drown adult fleas. If you're thinking about using a flea shampoo or something similar, talk to your veterinarian first. It can strip oils from your pet's fur and dry out their skin.
Here are 10 simple solutions that can help soothe your pup's dry skin:
Quercetin: A Natural Antihistamine For Dogs Are you looking for a natural anti-histamine for dog allergies? Quercetin is a bioflavonoid that acts as an antihistamine for dogs and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Many veterinarians suggest Benadryl or Apoquel for allergies in dogs.
7 Top Home Remedies for Fleas on Dogs
Chamomile and Herbal Tea Soaks Chamomile, calendula, and green tea have properties that soothe and cool irritated skin and reduce inflammation, making them great additions in a dog bath for itchy skin. These soaks are best for dogs who have hot, itchy patches of skin that are at risk of getting rubbed raw.
If there is no need for medical treatment, here are some home remedies that are completely safe and can help with itch relief.
Apple Cider Vinegar Apple cider vinegar's slightly acidic pH level creates an inhospitable environment for fleas. Mix six cups of ACV with four cups of water (use a 6:4 ratio), add a pinch of salt, and spray the mixture on your dog's coat and underbelly, making sure to avoid their eyes and any wounds they may have.
How to Get Rid of Fleas on Dogs
Prescription treatments present one of the best ways to kill fleas fast. Bravecto (fluralaner) begins to kill fleas within two hours and lasts for three months, while products containing spinosad (Comfortis, Trifexis) begin to work within 30 minutes and last for one month.