What ointment can I put on my dog for itching?

Just like humans, dogs can get itchy, dry skin. While nothing beats scratching at a pesky itch, the effects it has on your pooch can do more harm than good. Here at A to Z Animals, we understand that Fido could be suffering from fleas, dry skin, or even a food allergy. 

As pet parents, it’s our job to find out what’s causing the irritated skin and find a solution to put them at ease. It’s best to make an appointment with the vet to get to the underlying issue and fix the overall problem.

In the meantime, we’ve found some of the best itch relief products for dogs. As a bonus, we’ve included natural remedies that are shown to help, as well as a convenient buyer’s guide so you know exactly what you should be looking for! 

What Causes Dogs to Itch?

Itchiness in dogs can indicate a variety of conditions, so if you notice your pup scratching and scraping, make a mental note of where and when they itch to help narrow down the causes. In some circumstances, the cause may be minor enough that you can relieve them with over-the-counter calming lotions and other therapies. 

In some circumstances, you might have to bring your furry friend to the veterinarian for a more thorough examination. Many bacterial diseases, for example, can cause itchy skin, and in some situations, prescriptions will be required to provide relief for your dog.

Fleas

These little insects are notorious for causing a slew of issues in cats and dogs, including acute itching. It’s a good idea to see a vet if you believe your dog has fleas or is susceptible to getting fleas frequently. Sadly, many over-the-counter flea medicines are ineffective, and fleas come back. This is why it’s essential to have regular trips to the vet. 

Bacterial Infection

Many bacterial diseases affect the skin of dogs, resulting in a round, bald crusty sore that many people confuse for ringworm, hot spots, or red, wet, painful patches that are warm to the touch, which is a symptom of other bacterial illnesses. If your dog gets a bacterial skin infection, you should see a veterinarian as soon as possible.

Parasites 

Fleas are only one of the insects that dogs have to deal with. Dogs can contract a variety of parasites as a result of a weaker immune system, having fun outside, or socializing with other dogs. Man’s best friend will require specialist medication to remove parasites, regardless of the type of parasite.

Yeast Infection

A yeast overgrowth on the skin can make your dog incredibly itchy. Malassezia is the yeast that causes the most frequent yeast infection. Persistent yeast infections can cause the skin to darken and thicken, giving it an elephant-like appearance. 

Because yeast infections take time to heal, it’s important to work with a veterinarian to manage them until they’re entirely gone. Let’s take a look at four products that can help take the itch away! 

1. Overall Best: Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Hot Spot & Itch Relief Spray

After plenty of research, we’ve found that the overall best anti-itch product for dogs is the Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Hot Spot & Itch Relief Spray. One of the main reasons this spray beat out other options is that it can be used on both dogs and cats.

Whether your furry friend is experiencing a rash from allergies, insect bites, or something more serious, Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Hot Spot & Itch Relief Spray helps to heal and soothe. 

The spray applicator makes it easy to apply to any area that needs relief. Your pooch will appreciate that it’s fast-acting and veterinarians recommend it! This anti-itch spray is designed for dogs over 12 weeks old. 

Another feature that sets this option apart from others is that it’s paraben and dye-free. Two of the main ingredients, Lidocaine and Hydrocortisone, are designed to bring down redness, itching, and swelling. 

Veterinary Formula Clinical Care

• Can be used on dogs and cats
• Its combination of Lidocaine and Hydrocortisone soothes and heals
• Works on rashes regardless of the cause, from allergies to insect bites to something worse
• Designed for dogs over 12 weeks old
• Paraben and dye-free

2.  Best Budget: Vetericyn Plus Antimicrobial Pet Hot Spot Spray

Taking care of your pup can be expensive. Thankfully, options such as Vetericyn Plus Antimicrobial Pet Hot Spot Spray make affordable anti-itch products to help Rover get some much-needed relief. 

The instantly-cooling spray provides safe and reliable treatment for your pet’s inflammation, abrasions, and other skin concerns. It’s safe to use on any animals, including kittens, dogs, livestock, and even horses! 

This itch relief spray is gentle enough to use near the mouth, nose, ears, and eyes, as well as on sensitive skin. Keep sores clean and moisturized to promote quicker healing. Each item this brand comes out with is designed with scientific research and a high degree of quality.

3. Best Multipurpose: Sulfodene 3-Way Ointment for Dogs

If an itch relief spray isn’t your cup of tea, consider the Sulfodene 3-Way Ointment for Dogs. This ointment resembles what we as humans know as Neosporin. Not only is it fantastic for keeping itching at bay, but it’s also great for helping other skin issues, such as infections or scrapes. 

When your dog continuously itches nonstop, it can quickly become painful. This soothing ointment from Sulfodene helps to relieve pain and provides a natural barrier that keeps germs away from the wound or rash. 

The manufacturer states that this topical solution is best for fungal or bacterial skin conditions. The two main active ingredients are Benzocaine 1.5% and Salicylic Acid 1.6%. It’s made for external use only and can be applied to dogs of all breeds and sizes. 

4. Best Organic: Richard’s Organics Incredible Skin Spray and Shampoo for Dogs

Lastly, we’re going to be talking about two products from the same brand! Richard’s Organics makes a skin spray and shampoo that can provide relief to your pup. For starters, the shampoo is made with oatmeal, echinacea, and sweet almond oil. These natural ingredients help soothe and hydrate your dog’s dry, itchy skin. 

The shampoo also leaves a protective film on the skin that keeps away water and prevents bacteria and germs from getting near the rash or wound. Simply use this shampoo when giving your dog a bath to quickly give them relief from all of that incessant itching. 

Richard’s Organics Incredible Skin Spray uses a blend of 15 plant extracts to get the job done. This group of plant extracts quickly provide antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory action, as well as minimize tiny wound leakage and bleeding, thanks to their natural properties.

Choosing the Best: What to Look For

Because there are so many options of itch-relief products on the market today, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one for your pooch. There are certain features and factors we’ve found that you’ll want to keep in mind when shopping around. 

Price

If one thing is true, it’s that taking care of a dog can be expensive. While vet bills and the monthly kibble allotment can eat away at your wallet, itch relief ointment or spray doesn’t have to. There are a plethora of affordable options available, though you can spend more on an all-natural or organic product if you prefer. 

Needs

As you read above, some ointments and sprays can help with much more than just itching. Let’s say Fido got into some nasty poison ivy and has been itching so much that there’s now an open wound. Many of the products listed in our reviews can provide relief and treat scabs, scratches, wounds, and more. 

The Different Types of Itch Relief Products: Pros and Cons Compared

There are numerous types of itch relief products you can choose from. While they all stop itching where it starts, some have additional advantages, and others have some room for improvement. Let’s take a look at the most common forms of anti-itch products for dogs.

Shampoo

Because environmental allergens are typically absorbed by the skin, shampooing once a week can help to alleviate itching. Your dog’s coat attracts dirt, dander, and irritants, which can be removed with a weekly bath. Shampooing also aids in the removal of dead skin cells that cling to the surface of the skin. Be sure to use warm water, as shampooing too much can further dry out the skin. 

Spray

Try using an anti-itch spray if your dog scratches or chews at a specific area of their body. They are practical, simple to apply, and economical. Be mindful that they provide rapid relief, but this is just brief and indeed a temporary remedy.

Ointment

Topical ointments are beneficial because they often provide healing properties for things like bites, dryness, scrapes, and other skin conditions. This is a great form to use if your pooch has itchy spots in multiple locations. The main disadvantages of ointments are that it’s easy to use too much and that it can transfer onto things like your carpet or a dog bed if the excess is left on the skin.

Supplements

If you want a long-term remedy, consider relaxing your dog from within by adding a tried-and-true vitamin to his food. Flax or fish oil added to your dog’s diet helps reduce scratching while also soothing and calming their skin. Both of these oils have been shown to relieve itching and have anti-inflammatory properties.

Home Relief

Your pooch is bound to find itch relief from one of our favorite four products reviewed above. We want to add a few home remedies just in case they fit your lifestyle better! Let’s take a look at some things that can help your dog’s skin that you may already have at home! 

• Aloe Vera: Aloe vera can help treat the skin while also reducing itching. Just make sure you’re using 100% aloe vera. Avoid using any products that contain alcohol, since this may cause your dog’s skin to burn and alcohol dries the skin out further.
• Coconut Oil: Coconut is an excellent moisturizer that can help relieve itching caused by bug bites, allergies, and other irritations. To employ this cure, start by massaging solid coconut oil into the dog’s fur carefully.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Make an apple cider vinegar and water solution in a 1:1 ratio. After that, you can spritz it on your pup. Please ensure you don’t put it on any raw or exposed skin.
• Oatmeal: Oatmeal is healthy for both dogs and humans, and it provides relief in the same way it does for us. Simply bathe your dog with oats. To do so, make a powder out of oats and sprinkle it into a warm bath. Allow your dog to soak for 10 to 15 minutes. If he eats any, don’t panic; oatmeal is okay for dogs to consume.
• Baking Soda: To make a thick paste, combine equal parts baking soda and water. Apply it to your dog’s skin and leave it on for 20 minutes before rinsing it off. You can also add a tablespoon of coconut oil to the mix.

Verified Review: User Experience

We understand that you just want your pup to feel better. Reading the reviews of products can give you a better idea of what actually works. For example, our top product from Veterinary Formula Clinical Care is known to give dogs much-needed relief. Take a look at this Amazon review from a very happy pet parent:

“This stuff works amazing for my Bernese Mountain Dog! He has suffered from terrible allergies for years!! he will bite lick and rip the fur off his back and give himself terrible scabs and raw spots…  I purchased this and the shampoo I bathed him and let the shampoo soak for about 5-10 minutes and once he dried off a bit I sprayed this on him. HE HAS NOT licked bitten or thrown himself on his back to scratch it on the ground once!”

It doesn’t hurt to get a topical solution that can work on more than just itchy spots. A dog mom has this to say about her experience using the Sulfodene Wound Care Ointment on her pet:

“Seriously one of the best products out there for pets. I use this instead of Neosporin or petroleum jelly. Great for cuts, hot spots, yeast, insect bites, sore paws, or as a preventative layer. So great that when I lose this tube I’m on the internet buying another the same day. A little goes a long way. A thin layer on pretty much any skin ailment usually improves it nearly overnight.” 

We hope this helps you find something that works for your dog so you two can get back to playing fetch, enjoying sunny days, and each other’s company without man’s best friend suffering from any itchiness!