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This post was originally published in 2012. It was updated with new information and republished in 2019.
When Sydney and Rodrigo were puppies, they often itched after being outside. We were told that this could be due to the growing mushrooms in the yard. We added ground flaxseed to their diet, and the itching stopped. Today, I understand this is because of the Omega 3s in flaxseed. Our dogs now eat a raw food diet, and I have found a better way to treat a dog's itchy skin.
Food/Supplements for Dogs with Itchy Skin
1 – Transition to a Species Appropriate Raw Diet
Feeding a balanced raw diet (or fresh food) helps to build a more robust gut microbiome, which leads to a healthier immune system, reduces inflammation, and more. In my experience, switching to a fresh food diet greatly impacts my dogs' skin and coat health, reducing itchy skin and other allergy symptoms. Some dogs may need additional support in the form of whole food supplements. My favorites are:
2 – Omega 3 Fatty Acids for Dogs
Omega-3 fatty acids, specifically eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) found in fish oil, have anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce allergy symptoms and itchy skin in dogs. These fatty acids inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory substances, such as cytokines and leukotrienes, that contribute to allergic reactions and skin inflammation. By modulating the immune response and reducing inflammation, omega-3 fatty acids can alleviate itchiness, redness, and irritation associated with allergies in dogs, providing relief and promoting healthier skin.
Because of these benefits, I alternate fatty fish (sardines, mackerel, salmon) and salmon oil by Life Line Pet Products in my dogs' raw diet.
3 – Digestive Enzymes for Dogs
Digestive supplements, such as probiotics and digestive enzymes, can help reduce allergy symptoms and itchy skin in dogs by promoting a healthy gut microbiome and improving digestion. Probiotics introduce beneficial bacteria into the digestive system, which can enhance the immune system's response, reduce inflammation, and support a balanced immune function. Digestive enzymes, on the other hand, aid in the breakdown of food, facilitating nutrient absorption and reducing the burden on the digestive system. By improving digestion and supporting a healthy gut, digestive supplements can help alleviate allergies, enhance nutrient absorption, and reduce skin irritation and itchiness in dogs.
A few of my favorite supplements are:
- Gussy's Gut DAILY
- Daily Dawg by Real Mushrooms
- Adored Beast Apothecary Gut Soothe
- Adored Beast Apothecary Healthy Gut (digestive enzymes)
4 – Functional Mushrooms
Functional mushrooms, such as reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) and turkey tail (Trametes versicolor), have properties that can reduce allergy symptoms and alleviate itchy skin in dogs. These mushrooms contain bioactive compounds like polysaccharides and beta-glucans that modulate the immune system and have anti-inflammatory effects. By regulating the immune response, functional mushrooms can help suppress excessive allergic reactions and limit inflammation. This can result in reduced itchiness and irritation in dogs with allergies. Moreover, functional mushrooms may support overall immune system health, which can contribute to better allergy management and healthier skin in dogs.
If you're interested in tinctures versus pills and powders, Adored Beast Apothecary has an excellent turkey tail product.
5 – Nettles for Dogs
Nettles, specifically stinging nettle (Urtica dioica), contain compounds that can help reduce allergy symptoms and itchy skin in dogs. Nettles have histamine-blocking properties, which can inhibit the release of histamines, the chemicals responsible for allergic reactions and itching. By reducing histamine release, nettles can alleviate allergy symptoms like sneezing, itching, and inflammation in dogs. Additionally, nettles may have anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe and calm irritated skin. For dogs with allergies, incorporating nettles into their diet or using nettle-based supplements may offer natural relief from allergy symptoms and promote healthier, more comfortable skin.
Nettle Tea Recipe
- Add nettle leaves to water and bring to a boil.
- After the water comes to a boil, turn off the stove and allow the pot to sit for about five minutes.
- Strain leaves out of the tea.
- Pour cooled tea into a dish for your dog. You can also join your dog; add some honey to your mug.
Loop in Your Veterinarian
Don't leave your vet in the dark. Our dogs' itchy skin was cured with a change in diet; however, not every dog owner is this fortunate, so if your dog's itchy skin is causing misery, please contact your vet for more recommendations.
I no longer give our dogs flax seed; I’ll have to update this post. Today, I give our dogs Bonnie & Clyde fish oil and a digestive supplement called FullBucket. Those supplements combined with a raw food diet cured Rodrigo’s itchy paws about 99%. When his paws are bothering him, I wipe them down with a 50/50 mixture of organic apple cider vinegar and water, dry them off, and massage coconut oil onto them. I only do the coconut oil part when we’re turning in for the night and he won’t be going outside again.
How much flax seed did you give your dogs? I have a 70lb mixed breed who eats 1 1/2 cups of food two times a day.
In my experience the most consistently effective supplement is Extra Virgin Salmon Oil because of its purity and high omega-3 fatty acid content. I used to give my dog, a little amount salmon oil every day.
Nice article on . Gave me food for thought (no pun intended!) onalleviating itchy skin in dog. I too am a great fan of Blue Buffalo products, particularly their Freedom Grain-Free Chicken Recipe.
Hi Kimberly,
My bichon first got bright red paws when he was about 6 months old. Thankfully my Vet is older and very experienced. Instead of expensive testing, he recommended a very inexpensive anti-histamine that worked like a dream. Then when the ground froze up, the paws never got red. It’s only on wet grass, esp. fresh cut grass, that his paws turn red.
I am lucky to live right beside a huge park that includes woodlands and the river. My dogs have never been walked on the street, hence no salt!
All the best,
Nancy and the 2 bichons and PWD
Our dog is similar. But he has trouble in the winter when it gets too cold too; so we limit his time in the frost and snow. We’e found that rinsing his paws regularly help.
My white bichon gets red paws every spring from the grass. He is fine all winter.
I’ve heard from many people that switching to a grain free diet made a difference. My thought is that if it works and your dog is getting good nutrition, then go for it! Thanks for sharing!
Kimberly
We have our dogs on a grain-free diet, due to our golden retriever’s tendency to get itchy. (Currently, they eat the pork formula of Precise Holistic Complete.) However, the diet has never been a cure-all, and we still have to give him benadryl (or the generic Walfinate) pretty regularly. One of the vets at the office we go to insists that there’s very little connection between food and itchy skin, but we steer clear of the grains and chicken, anyway.
Really? Grass and snow, wouldn’t make a connection. To me those are completely different substances, unless, of course, contaminated by some common crap.
For Rodrigo, he’s the common denominator. Our vet shared that many dogs have sensitivities to grass starting in the spring and the snow. The salt from salt water at the beach is just irritating for already sensitive paws. Plus it’s yummy, encouraging more licking. I’ve found that if I rinse off his paws on days when they’re going to be irritated and put some salve on them (more in the winter season) then he feels loads better. Plus our vet approved Benedryl, 1mg per body weight, on days when he’s really bothered (grass days).
I’d be curious what do freshly cut grass, salt water and snow (unless salted) in common … ?
So very true, Jana
Our Rodrigo gets itchy paws for 3 reason: fresh cut grass, salt water at the beach, and long exposure in the snow. No diet change is going to do this, so we have other steps to help us that were approved by our veterinarian. We’re lucky that our dogs don’t have any food allergies to contend with; that has to be frustrating for dog owners to figure out.
Kimberly
Thanks for the recommendation, Peggy!
California Natural venison formula; here’s a link just in case anyone wants to check it out:
California Naturals GF Venison Dry Dog Food 15lb
I think that here is the thing. These are some good options and it certainly won’t hurt to try.
Dogs can be itchy for a variety of reasons, though, and depending on the cause, what works for one dog might not work for another.
For example, if food allergy or intolerance is involved, the best diet won’t help if it does contain the offending ingredient(s).
When the liver is involved, then liver-supporting or liver-cleansing diet or supplementation will work best.
Some things are generally universal, such as omega-3 supplementation is likely to help or make matters matter regardless of the cause. Cartenoids, zinc, vitamin E complex …
I worked with the veterinarian at Natura and he recommended California Natural venison formula for Brooks’ itchy skin, and it’s worked great!