If your dog is scratching away at his skin, he could be suffering from a number of conditions, including allergies, skin irritation or external parasites. After bringing your pooch to the vet for diagnosis and treatment, you can help to provide him with some relief from his itchy skin using a homemade spray. Create a spray using natural, nontoxic ingredients that help calm skin irritations and inflammation.
Vinegar Spray
Apple cider vinegar helps to relieve minor skin irritations, has anti-fungal and antibacterial properties and may even repel fleas if they are the ones causing the itching. Dilute it with an equal part of water and apply it to your dog's coat in a spray bottle or make a spray containing green tea to help soothe his skin.
Step 1: Brew Tea
Brew some green tea and allow it to cool in the refrigerator. Green tea has anti-inflammatory properties and will help counteract the odor of the vinegar.
Step 2: Mix the Vinegar
Mix apple cider vinegar with an equal part of water.
Step 3: Mix the Tea
Mix the cool green tea with an equal part of water.
Step 4: Make the Spray
Combine the green tea mixture and vinegar mixture.
Step 5: Chill and Use
Chill the spray in the refrigerator and use it on your dog's itchy skin.
Warning
Don't use vinegar on any open wounds because it can sting and be painful for your dog. See the vet about these wounds.
Chamomile Tea Spray
Chamomile tea isn't just good for calming your nerves; it can calm your dog's itchy skin too. Brew it and spray it all over your dog's coat to help relieve any itching. You also can combine it with other itch-fighting ingredients, such as peppermint.
Step 1: Brew Chamomile Tea
Brew some chamomile tea, using two tea bags per cup of water, but don't add any sweeteners to it. Let the tea steep for several minutes and refrigerate it.
Step 2: Brew Peppermint Tea
Brew some peppermint tea. Peppermint has a cooling effect on the skin. Allow the tea to cool.
Step 3: Combine the Teas
Combine equal parts peppermint and chamomile teas and spray it on your dog.
Warning
Dogs with an allergy to ragweed also may react negatively to chamomile.
Aloe and Oatmeal Spray
Both aloe vera gel and oatmeal have skin-soothing effects for dogs. While you can use these two ingredients separately, combine them to create an effective anti-itch spray for your pup.
An important note: aloe vera gel is perfectly fine to use on your dog, but never apply aloe straight from the aloe leaf, as this could be harmful if the dog licks it. Pure aloe contains saponins, which can be toxic if ingested.
Step 1: Grind Oats
Grind up some dried baby oatmeal to create a powder using a food processor or coffee grinder.
Step 2: Combine with Water
Add a teaspoon of oat powder to 2 cups of warm water. Mix together.
Step 3: Add Aloe
Mix 2 to 3 teaspoons of aloe juice with the warm water solution.
Step 4: Spray and Rinse
Spray the solution on your dog and allow it to dry. If your pup's coat feels dry or coarse from the dried oatmeal powder, you can rinse the solution off after about 20 minutes.
Lavender Hydrosol Spray
Lavender essential oils have skin-soothing properties, but may be a little too strong for dogs. Instead, use a lavender hydrosol, which is the byproduct produced during the process of distilling lavender essential oil.
You can spray the hydrosol directly on your dog and allow it to dry. The hydrosol will naturally help to repel fleas, make your pup smell good and calm his skin.