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Home Remedy for My Dog’s Itchy Bum

Jack Russell Terrier sitting on a rug with white cabinets in the background

When you notice your dog scratching their butt across the rug, you know itchy dog butt syndrome has hit again. While this isn’t a lovely sight to witness (particularly if you have visitors), it may be the reason for alarm. 

There are several reasons for chronic or severe itching and scratching. 

Some may necessitate a visit to your veterinarian, while others may be treated at home! If your dog has been itching for a long time, is unhappy, or is getting self-inflicted wounds due to the itching, it’s time to try some home treatments. 

In this piece, we’ll go through various home treatments to try before heading to the vet. If your dog’s condition worsens, take him to the vet as soon as possible. 

Let’s have a look at some home remedies: 

Soaks in Chamomile and Herbal Tea 

Chamomile, calendula, and green tea offer soothing and cooling qualities. These soaks are ideal for dogs with heated, itchy skin that is in danger of being rubbed raw. Fill your tub or sink with warm water and soak several herbal tea bags for three minutes if your dog is itching all over. 

Remove the tea bags and immerse your dog for at least five minutes in the bath. Alternatively, steep one or two tea bags in roughly two glasses of hot water for smaller itching areas. Pour the tea on your dog’s skin as a fast cure after it has cooled, letting it drip dry without rinsing. 

Water Spray with 50/50 Apple Cider Vinegar 

Person with small spray bottle spaying opposite hand from the bottle

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a natural, safe remedy for itchy, dry skin. Apple cider vinegar’s antibacterial and antifungal properties make it an excellent treatment for poison ivy, but it should not be used on raw or exposed skin. 

(If your dog has scratched himself raw, this solution will sting the exposed wound.) To prevent putting vinegar in any open cuts, fill a spray bottle halfway with water and half with ACV and target afflicted areas. Soak your dog’s paws in the solution for up to five minutes if they went through an area of poison ivy, oak, or sumac. 

Oatmeal Bath

Oatmeal is an age-old treatment for dry, itchy skin that is also safe to use on our canine companions! Oatmeal is commonly used as an active component in hypoallergenic dog shampoos to soothe and prevent inflammation. Begin by powdering plain oats to sprinkle in your dog’s warm bath. 

No matter what the cause, the oatmeal will generally take 10 to 15 minutes to cool down red, irritated skin. It’s also harmless, so it’s okay if your pet licks it off after a long wash. If this seems like a long time for your puppy to remain in the tub without a fight, consider some of our Bath Time Fears Treatments. Making an oatmeal paste is another way to avoid a full-fledged bath. 

Take your ground oatmeal and gradually add a small amount of water at a time until you have a spreadable mixture. For optimum treatment, target the areas troubling your dog and make sure the paste meets the skin on longer-haired dogs. 

Yogurt without sugar 

Small white unlabeled yogurt containers with white and pink yogurt on a counter top

There are several health benefits to feeding your dog plain, unsweetened yogurt. The digestive system of your dog might cause yeast infections and skin irritation. 

This treatment is beneficial for dogs that suffer rashes, hives, or allergies—feeding one teaspoon of yogurt to small dogs and two tablespoons to large dogs once a week will enhance their general intestinal health. Most dogs enjoy yogurt on its own, but it may also be combined with food to aid digestion. 

Coconut Oil

Because of its antibacterial and antifungal qualities, coconut oil is currently used in many natural cosmetic products. It is also an excellent moisturizer for dogs since the oils may permeate the fur and directly touch the skin. 

Using coconut oil can help dogs with dermatitis, allergies, yeast infections, and even insect bites and stings. Location the coconut oil in the refrigerator or a cold, dry place until it becomes excellent. 

Massage the oil into your dog’s coat and skin when suffering from dry skin for immediate relief. You will notice an improvement in your dog’s coat as well as relief from the constant scratching! 

Warm compresses

Blue hot water bottle on a wooden surface

To assist in improved drainage, make a compress out of a warm damp towel and place it on your pup’s bottom for 5 minutes. To keep the cloth warm while doing this, you may need to reset it. 

Try to empty the smell glands after a few minutes. Heat and moisture can occasionally aid in the expulsion of fluid from difficult-to-express glands. 

Increase the amount of fiber in their diet. 

One treatment for constipation-related rectal irritation is to switch to a higher fiber dry diet. Alternatively, fiber-rich vegetables like carrots, beets, and pumpkins can be added to their diet. 

Make use of a dewormer. 

If you believe your dog has parasites or has recently had fleas, it’s a good idea to give them a dewormer. Worms are especially dangerous to puppies because they may be transmitted from mother to child. 

Full-spectrum dewormers, which comprise two or more antiparasitic medicines such as pyrantel and praziquantel, are typically recommended by veterinarians. Because no one antiparasitic is effective against all intestinal parasites, it’s typically best to pay a little extra for a broad-spectrum treatment. 

Increase the frequency of dog’s exercise

Black and tan dog running down a grass path

This may appear to be an unusual treatment for rectal irritation, but it works wonders for constipation. Exercise not only increases metabolism but also improves stomach motility, allowing dogs to pass feces more readily. Who would have guessed? 

Stimulate the anal glands 

We cannot emphasize this enough. Those. Anal. Glands. Must. Be. Expressed. Excessively filled anal glands are not only unpleasant and irritating, but they are also harmful to Fido’s health. 

Expelling anal glands is simple but somewhat unpleasant, so wear old clothing when you do it. It is ideal for conducting anal gland expression while taking a bath since warm water relaxes the muscles and allows the fluid to flow more easily. If you are not comfortable doing it yourself, have your groomer or veterinarian perform it for you. 

Provide Fido with a hygienic trim. 

You might be amazed at how well a trim can relieve rectal irritation. Unsure about how to do a proper sanitary trim? Take a look at this hygienic trim guide. 

Herbal drops

Anecdotal research suggests that herbal drops might aid digestion and alleviate constipation. For this purpose, formulas including marshmallow root and slippery elm are very beneficial. 

Probiotics

Pills spelling the word "Probiotic" and a heart on a green background

Probiotics function by introducing beneficial microorganisms into the digestive system. These may also help to avoid constipation and firm stools. 

Antibiotics

Antibiotics are occasionally required to treat infected anal glands. Veterinarians will typically only prescribe them in extreme circumstances. 

Dog-safe pain reliever

If your dog appears to be in discomfort, your veterinarian may advise you to use dog-safe pain medications. Never feed your dog human medicine unless specifically instructed to do so by a veterinarian. 

These at-home therapies are safe for most dogs and most skin disorders; but, before using one of these treatments on your pet. A correct diagnosis is essential for giving the most effective therapy for your dog’s itchy skin. Feel free to use any combination of these treatments after consulting with your veterinarian since they are all non-toxic and natural! 

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