How to Stop A Dog from Scratching Finally? (#4 is the most neglected)

Caring for a dog who’s always itchy can be tough. Dogs can scratch, bite, lick, or chew on their paws, tail, eats, or fur constantly. And to be able to stop it finally, you need to find the cause.

A lot of dogs have multiple food allergies that could cause itching. Other also common factors include tick bites, dandruff, and dry skin. The worst possible cause for dog itchiness may also be an autoimmune disease.

A little bit of scratching around the paws or rump or ears is not a serious concern. So before you go to the vet, you can try the following home remedies. They will show you how to stop a dog from scratching finally.

How to Stop a Dog from Scratching Finally

If you’re looking for the best way, the following are the most effective on them all. They help prevent skin diseases, inflammation, and allergies.

Don’t forget to talk about your dog’s nutrition intake and general health with your vet. Such steps are important if you really want to know how to stop a dog from scratching finally.

1. Apple Cider Vinegar

This is the most popular and general solution of them all. Apple cider vinegar has its roots in human health for lowering cholesterol, blood sugar, etc. This delicious salad dressing has impressive antibacterial properties.

Add apple cider vinegar with water half-and-half in a spray bottle. And wherever your dog is scratching, just spray a spray or two in that area. Apple cider vinegar and water can be a soothing and calming solution for itchy paws.

Note – Just make sure you don’t apply this on open wounds or inflamed skin. If your dog has had some injury that he feels compelled to scratch. Take him to the doctor immediately.

2. Change Your Dog’s Diet

You won’t know for sure why your dog keeps scratching all the time. But one of the prevailing causes may be food allergies. If you’re feeding your dog a staple meal containing a dominating ingredient like meat. Well, then switch to something lighter or healthier.

There are plenty of special diet foods for dogs. Some containing plenty of antioxidants, fatty acids, and essential nutrients. Ask your vet what works for your dog’s constant scratching. And the food is the one effective way to ace how to stop a dog from scratching finally!

Symptoms of food allergies include dry skin, extremely oily skin, or red patches. Doctors don’t know exactly why a food allergy occurs in a dog. But there are safe and effective remedies to curb it. Be it probiotics, antihistamines, or other meds.

Note – Food allergies are serious and hard to address, even by vets. So it’s better not to make any sudden food changes without awareness. Make sure you switch to healthy ingredients if you want to step away from meat.

3. Coconut Oil

I don’t have to tell you the many health benefits of coconut. It’s available in powder, butter, milk, cream, and oil. Coconut oil feels good when you consume it and apply it to your body. For dogs, it has much the same effect. It’s good for digestion, heart, and allergies, bites, etc.

Look for really health-conscious coconut oil brands. Not just any shelved item in a grocery store. It’s important that the bottle mentions the terms “organic”, “unrefined”, or “cold-pressed.”

These are proof that the coconut oil you’re using is 100% safe and effective.

Just dab a bit of coconut oil on your dog’s coat. If he’s itchier around his ears or paws, don’t hold back.

Note – Too much of a good thing is never healthy, right? Apply very little coconut oil so as to not attract dust or dirt on the dog’s coat. It may be a remedying oil but it’s oil after all! It sticks and makes the coat greasy if you apply too much of it.

4. Oatmeal Shampoo

What you give your dog a bath with is as important as nutrition. There are plenty of foolproof and healthy oatmeal shampoos for dogs. That’s right; I said “healthy oatmeal.”

Oatmeal moisturizes and nourishes dry, itchy skin. It absorbs all the heat and inflammation to keep the skin cool and firm. Bathing your dog in oatmeal shampoo eliminates skin infections, eczema, and other skin issues.

Any dirt impurities, spores, or pollen that’s stuck in the fur gets washed right away. It’s stronger than most basic dog shampoo ingredients.

Note – If oatmeal shampoo is not accessible. You can buy plain oats and grind them in a blender. Add the oatmeal powder in hot water to create a paste. You can apply this paste on the itchy skin. If your dog licks the oatmeal off, that’s okay. Oats provide good nutrition too!

5. Aloe Vera

As powerful and effective as coconut oil, Aloe Vera is a revelation. It works wonders just as long as you buy a high-quality product. A lot of dog shampoos come with aloe vera extracts. Or you can buy it from any drug store or supermarket or even an acclaimed pet store.

It’s a healing agent for dry, itchy, and inflamed skin. If your dog’s paws or ear area feels warm and flaky, apply aloe vera around it. It really absorbs the heat and keeps the skin cool. If your dog’s skin is cool, there’s a chance he may forget about scratching, finally.

Note – Parabens and alcohol are dangerous compounds. And some mediocre cosmetic brands add that in aloe vera gel. So make sure you buy the alcohol-free and toxic-free kind.

Conclusion

From what I gather, your dog’s scratching can be a problem if it gets too much. Is there any loss of appetite, fatigue, sleeplessness, or any sudden mood changes? If the answer to any of these symptoms of yes, you need to consult with a vet immediately.

Studies have shown that dogs are also likely to scratch out of depression or boredom. If that’s the case, indulge in challenging and playful activities with your dog. Get him to jump through hoops around the house.

Dogs need a companion as much as you. And if they’re not comfortable in their own skin, they can be a nuisance. Giving them proper attention and care is essential. And that requires you to look for signs of discomfort such as scratching or licking.

And find ways on how to stop a dog from scratching finally. If things get worse, those few minutes of scratching can lead to a severe health problem. So don’t take any chances!