Use Oatmeal To Treat Your Dog’s Dry Itchy Skin

What many don’t realize is that oatmeal is an excellent home remedy for treating dry itchy skin on dogs. It is one of the most overlook ingredients when application is concern. Most would only think of eating oatmeal for breakfast and would not give a second though to other uses.

Its benefit is so great that manufacturers didn’t take long to come out a whole range of oatmeal toiletries for dogs, such as shampoo, conditioner, and skin moisturizer. Needless to say, they are a bit pricey than regular shampoo and conditioner. Charles, a buddy of mine who runs a pet boutique, gave me a bottle of each to try on my dogs. He wanted my review knowing how “brutally honest” I can be at times. It was difficult for me to decline especially I get the products for free.

After the two weeks trial, I saw some improvements on my dogs’ coat but wasn’t compelling enough for me to want to buy them. With the kind of price tag, I really have to think twice. Don’t get me wrong, it’s worth every penny however with my 6 dogs (4 Maltese and 2 Golden Retrievers), it will not be economical for me in a long run. After all I do know a thing or two on making my own home remedies.

Update: Just tested this oatmeal shampoo with conditioner on my boarding and grooming furry clients, and I’m impressed with its effectiveness. I can literally see the difference in one wash. Not only this veterinarian formulated oatmeal shampoo helps soothe and moisturize dry itchy skin, it’s super economical.

Check this out, $11.98 for three 16oz. bottles! $8.34 for three 16oz. (48oz.) bottles!

A Home Remedy for Treating your dog’s Dry Itchy Skin

Things you need:

• Oatmeal, colloidal oatmeal (Aveeno) will also work. The amount of oatmeal you need is largely depending on the affected area.
• Old clean tennis sock
• Aluminum foil
• Wash cloth

Methods:

1. Pour lukewarm water into a bowl of oatmeal.
2. The ratio of water to oatmeal should be 50:50.
3. Stir well to form starchy texture.

You have two options to treat the itchiness. Using the sock method is less effective than using the aluminum foil.

Using the sock method.

1. Pour the oatmeal mixture into the sock.
2. Rub the affected areas in circular motion for 10 minutes.
3. Finish it off by using a wet wash cloth to clean the areas.

Using the aluminum foil method.

1. Apply the oatmeal mixture thinly over the affected areas.
2. Wrap it up with aluminum foil and leave it for 10 minutes.
3. Get your dog to stay still or lie down on his unaffected side.
4. You might want to use a heating pad over the aluminum foil for extra comfort during colder months or those who suffer stiffness in joint areas.
5. Rinse your dog with lukewarm after the treatment.

You may not see any drastic improvement after one treatment but I can assure you that your dog will scratch far much lesser and sleep more soundly at night!