Has your dog developed an itch that they can’t seem to scratch? As pet owners, we can feel lost when it comes to helping our pets in distress, especially when a vet may not be the available option at the moment.
In this post, we will be recommending products to help relieve your dog’s itch and discomfort at home and discussing what can possibly cause itching in dogs, and when to see a vet.
All featured products are independently researched and recommended by our editors. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links at no additional cost to you. The price and stock are reflected at the time we publish.
Winners at a Glance
5 Best Products for Itchy Dogs
Best Mixed Fish Oil
Nordic Naturals Omega-3 Soft Gels (120ct)
This natural, non-GMO oil formula is made with a mixture of anchovy and sardines – each soft gel provides Omega-3 and essential fatty acids to support your pet’s skin and coat health.
Key Ingredients: Anchovy and Sardine oil
What’s Great
- Sustainably & ethically made in a zero-waste facility
- Can be given to both cats and dogs
- No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
What Can Improve
- Capsule – some pet owners find it hard and inconvenient to feed
- Origins of fish are unclear
What Customers Say
“My 10-year-old Golden Retriever developed severe itching to the point where he would bite his skin raw. I decided to try omega 3 rather than an autoimmune drug because of the side effects. He is a much happier boy!”
Best Salmon Oil
AlwaysPups Pure Salmon Oil and Hemp with Vitamin E (16oz)
AlwaysPups’ Wild Alaskan salmon oil formula is fortified with organic hemp seed oil and vitamin E for a complete Omega 3,6,9s that help with the itch and immune support. We love the easy-to-use pump which makes adding Omega to your pet’s meal so easy with just a few squirts!
Key Ingredients: Wild Alaskan salmon oil, organic hemp seed oil, Vitamin E
What’s Great
- Human-grade Wild Alaskan salmon which contains higher DHA than most fish
- Organic hemp seed oil for extra skin health benefits
- Vitamin E added to prevent oil oxidation
What Can Improve
- Refrigeration recommended
What Customers Say
“LOVE that this doesn’t have an overly fishy, gross smell. Both of my dogs, as well as my cats enjoy this on their meals. Definitely have noticed their coats are smooth and shiny after using this for a little bit now.”
Best Omega Chews
Zesty Paws Omega 3 Alaskan Fish Oil Chew Treats (90ct)
Zesty Paws omega chews are as tasty, as they are nutritious! These chicken flavored treats are packed with rich omega-3s to help maintain and restore moisture to your dog’s skin barrier.
Key Ingredients: Alaskan Pollock oil, Biotin, Vitamin C and E
What’s Great
- Grain-free & Includes vitamins
- No fishy taste
- Easy to feed for most dogs
What Can Improve
- Contains palm fruit oil which may cause upset stomachs for sensitive dogs
- Some chews came crumbled which makes it difficult to estimate the dosage
What Customers Say
“Both dogs were instantly drawn to the jar when it was first opened. It has been about 10 days since receiving Omega Bites and the scratching and chewing is greatly diminished.”
Best Anti-Itch Spray
Pet MD Hydrocortisone Spray (4oz)
PetMD hydrocortisone spray helps get rid of your pet’s itch quickly and easily using its vet-approved formula. This easy-to-use spray works with the immune system to prevent an over-reaction to triggers that cause skin irritation.
Key Ingredient: Hydrocortisone USP
What’s Great
- Easy-to-use spray bottle
- No fragrances or dyes
- Produced in the USA
What Can Improve
- Small size for a price
- Can cause a burning sensation if used on open wounds
What Customers Say
“I use this for hotspots and itchy skin on my dogs. It provides them with some relief from the itching and seems to soothe the hotspot. I like that it’s in a spray bottle and the spray isn’t super powerful so it doesn’t startle the dogs.”
Best Anti-Itch Shampoo
Vet’s Best Allergy Itch Relief Dog Shampoo (16oz)
Vet’s Best is a well-known and trusted brand founded by a professional veterinarian. This shampoo is formulated using plant-based ingredients that work together to provide an effective cleansing and itch relief for your dog.
Key Ingredients: Oatmeal, Aloe, Vitamin E
What’s Great
- Certified natural ingredients
- Veterinarian formulated
- Made in the USA
What Can Improve
- Contains essential oils that may irritate sensitive skin
- Some customers reported leaks from packaging
What Customers Say
“I like that it’s made from natural ingredients, and leaves a fresh, lasting smell on her coat.”
What Makes Dogs Itchy & When to See a Vet
Possible Causes & Symptoms:
Below are the most common and possible causes and symptoms of skin itching in dogs.
Note: this information is not intended to replace the advice of your veterinarian. We encourage you to consult with a vet whenever possible before trying any products or if symptoms don’t improve.
Parasites (Fleas, ticks, and mites)
These are transmittable, tiny organisms found anywhere on your dog’s body. Parasites are most often found on the hind legs, the tail base, and the rear end.
Symptoms: excessive itching, loss of hair, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss.
Food Allergies
Animals can develop allergies to specific foods, causing adverse reactions. The most common food allergies for dogs are chicken, beef, and wheat.
Symptoms: Excessive itching, stomach discomfort, vomiting, diarrhea, and lack of energy.
Skin Infection
The two most common skin infections that can affect our pets are yeast and bacteria.
Yeast infections look red and greasy and have a distinct odor. These usually affect areas of folded skin such as ears, neck, under the tail, or around your dog’s toes. Yeast infections often occur due to trapped water or allergens.
Bacterial infections can look pimple-like, or as dry patches of flaking skin. These affect any part of the body and should be treated immediately to prevent them from spreading. Bacterial infections often occur due to irritated or damaged skin.
Symptoms: Thickened skin, itching, hyperpigmentation, recurrent ear infections.
Contact Dermatitis
The two common types of dermatitis are either allergic or irritant contact dermatitis.
Allergic contact dermatitis occurs when the immune system develops a response. This is usually due to a harmless substance for those that are not allergic to it. Examples include food allergies and allergic reactions to non-harsh shampoo ingredients.
Irritant contact dermatitis occurs when the skin comes into contact with harsh substances. These usually cause damage or irritation to the skin. Examples include hash soap ingredients, essential oils, and chemicals found in grass.
Symptoms: Itching, inflamed patches of skin, scaling, fluid discharge
Hormonal Imbalances
Hormone balance affects almost every part of the body, including the skin. This happens your pet’s body does not produce enough of the thyroid hormone or puts out too much cortisol.
Symptoms: Itching, increased drinking and urinating, weight loss and gain, excessive panting
Boredom/Anxiety
Symptoms of itching are also seen in dogs with psychological distress. Examples include boredom, anxiety, and even OCD compulsions.
Symptoms: Itching, urinating or defecating in the house, excessive barking, pacing.
Can I Give My Dog Benadryl for Itchy Skin?
How Benadryl Can Help
Benadryl can be a safe and effective way to relieve your dog’s itch when it’s onset by an allergic reaction.
The way Benadryl works are by blocking receptors that receive histamines in the body from registering. This relieves symptoms of itching, sneezing, and hives.
Before giving your dog Benadryl, make sure to check the correct dosage, caution, and any side effects that might occur from below.
Remember to consult a vet whenever possible to avoid side effects and overdosage.
Dosage
Dosage is determined by weight and pre-existing conditions that may affect the way that the body processes the drug.
According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, the recommended dosage is 2-3 milligrams per kilogram of bodyweight 2-3 times a day.
Children’s Benadryl (pill form) is the safest option for your pet. Alternative forms may contain sodium and other harsh ingredients that lead to side effects.
Caution
Consult your veterinarian before using Benadryl if your dog experiences the following conditions:
- Glaucoma
- Cardiovascular disease
- Hypothyroidism
- Seizure disorders
- Hypertension
- Allergic lung disease
- Pregnancy
Side Effects
Some dogs might experience side effects from using Benadryl including:
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Urinary retention
- Hypersalivation
- Increased heart rate
- Rapid Breathing
- Dilated pupils
- Agitation
- Constipation
- Seizures
When to See a Vet
Natural, at-home remedies can help reduce your dog’s itch depending on the root cause. You should always consult a vet if itching persists as it can cause significant physical and mental distress to your animal best friend.