Many dog owners have come to find baking soda very helpful when it comes to treating itching in dogs. Dogs, like humans, can develop itchy, painful skin for a variety of causes, some of which may necessitate a trip to the veterinarian, while others can be handled at home.
Mild itching every now and then isn’t usually a sign of anything serious, but if your dog begins to exhibit other symptoms such as frequent or persistent itching or licking, difficulty getting comfortable or restlessness from itching, loss of appetite, or a depressed mood, consult your veterinarian right away. To avoid developing further open wounds and infections in the skin, it’s critical to treat the underlying reason for this extreme, chronic irritation.
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However, if your dog’s itching is either sporadic or minor, there is a completely safe, all-natural remedy to treat it at home. In fact, what you need is likely already in your pantry! Read on to find out how you can use baking soda on your dog for itching…
How To Use Baking Soda On Your Dog For Itching
Baking soda is a miracle worker! Because of its anti-inflammatory qualities, it provides a calming effect. It also serves as an acid neutralizer, resulting in a more basic pH, which aids in the relief of your dog’s itching. Baking soda, when combined with water and mixed into a thick paste, can help to dry out skin rashes, relieve itching, and reduce redness and inflammation. Simply follow the steps below:
- Mix 50% baking soda and 50% water to form a paste. For example, 5 tablespons of baking soda and 5 tablespoons of water.
- You can add a few drops of coconut oil to the mix for a more hydrating result.
- Apply the paste on your dog’s skin paying more attention to the inflamed and itchy areas.
- Leave it on the dog for about 20 minutes to 1 hour.
- Then, rinse thoroughly with cool water.
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If your dog has irritation all over his body, you can also add baking soda to his bath.
A baking soda spray can also be made by combining two tablespoons of baking soda with eight ounces of water. Fill a spray bottle with the mixture and use it as needed. Before usage, give it a good shake.
I have also found the baking soda paste treatment to be really beneficial for dogs with itchy, inflamed feet. Apply the paste on the tops of their feet and between their toes. If baking soda dries and falls on the floor, it is safe and can be easily swept up.
7 Things To Consider When Using Baking Soda On Dogs
Baking soda has numerous grooming benefits for your dog. Baking soda can help your dog smell better until he can receive a complete wet bath if you don’t have time for one. Baking soda can also give your dog’s coat a lustrous luster. Below are some of the things you need to consider or be cautious about when using baking soda on your dog for itching:
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- Every bath you give your dog should include baking soda. You don’t have to use it with the shampoo or manufacture your own baking soda shampoo all of the time. It can deodorize and relieve dry skin only by adding it to the bathwater.
- Do not use baking soda shampoo on your dog’s face, wet or dry.
- Allow the baking soda to stay on the skin for many minutes, depending on the shampoo you use for your baking soda bath, to allow it to act on odors and skin issues.
- Baking soda is frequently used in the home to give off a fresh, clean fragrance. It’s just as simple to use on your dog. To deodorize and neutralize bad scents, be sure to cover your dog’s fur, by simply sprinkling thoroughly all over your dog.
- Brushing your dog before a bath, whether wet or dry, will help the baking soda function better as it will get to the roots more.
- Brushing the dog after a dry baking soda bath can help move the baking soda through the fur and remove any extra baking soda, but it isn’t necessary.
- You can apply baking soda to your dog’s coat, rub it in, and leave it alone. It will either fall off or seep into the fur and skin over time.
Causes Of Itching In Dogs
Dogs scratch for a variety of reasons, and occasionally for no apparent reason at all. It is normal for dogs to scratch, but when they do it frequently while biting, chewing, or even licking, they might injure themselves, which becomes a problem. Find out why your dog is scratching and what you can do about it.
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Itching in dogs is referred to as Pruritus. The most common reason for dog itching is a skin condition that is diseased, too dry, or too greasy. Dry skin is one of the most common causes of dog itching, and allergies are the second most common cause.
Let’s start with the second most common cause of dog itching: allergies! It is a common cause of itchy skin that can be divided into three categories: environment, fleas, and food.
Environment
It is normal for your dog to have dry skin if you live in a low-humidity environment. The dog itches because of his dry skin. One of the sorts of canine allergies is atopy, which is the medical term for environmental allergy. Allergens such as mite, dander, or pollen are easily ingested. It can also be absorbed directly through your dog’s skin, like when they are playing on the grass. Atopy is a difficult condition to treat, and dogs should have their regular meds or shots to be healthy, especially during allergy season.
Fleas
Fleas can irritate pets for a short time, but dogs with a flea allergy are susceptible to them. Just a smidgeon suffices to initiate an essential time of scratching and chewing. Fleas can be difficult to handle, but once they’re under control, the itching will go away as well.
Food
This is a less common source of allergy than allergies to the environment or insects. Hypersensitive response to a protein that the dog’s body mistook for a threat is the most prevalent cause of food allergies. The only way to tell if your dog has a food allergy is to use proper dog nutrition and an elimination diet. Once you’ve identified the allergen, you can switch to different dog food that doesn’t contain it.
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Yeast Infection
Yeast infections in dogs are fairly common, and they commonly arise when the dog’s immune system is unable to combat the Malassezia pachydermatis fungus. These opportunistic skin infections occur when a dog has an immunological weakness and must take immunosuppressive medicines, or when a specific area of the skin produces excessive oils. Yeast infections are more common in wet, warm places like ear flaps and between licked toes. The foul odor caused by yeast infection can be detected in the affected area.
How To Deal With Dog’s Dry Skin
Dry skin is one of the issues that dogs face when it comes to scratching. Dry skin might be a result of living in a chilly environment. When you part your dog’s fur, you may notice dandruff particles in the undercoat and damaged and solid skin. A light contact of the skin can cause your dog to scratch uncontrollably.
Their diet can also have an impact on their dry skin. Some commercial dog food removes the vital oils that provide your dog with good skin and a lustrous coat. Dry dog food causes dehydration in your dog’s skin and hair, which can lead to thirst.
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When feeding your dogs dry food, you might try adding digestive enzymes to their diet. Digestive enzymes increase food absorption while also acting as probiotic bacteria that aid in digestion. If your dog’s digestive system is healthy, he or she can easily absorb fluids from the food they eat, which enhances hydration and increases the moisture levels in their skin and hair coat.
Conclusion
Can I Use Baking Soda On My Dog For Itching? Yes, baking soda has anti-inflammatory qualities, acid-neutralizing, and calming effect which can help in the relief of your dog’s itching. Baking soda, when mixed with water and blended into a thick paste, can help to dry out skin rashes, relieve itching, and reduce redness and inflammation.
Before beginning any skincare program for your dog, see your veterinarian first, and discontinue treatment if your dog’s symptoms remain the same or worsen. Your veterinarian will treat your dog as needed, depending on the cause.