You may have noticed your dog scratching uncontrollably at night. It’s gotten so bad that it’s now keeping you up at night. Many issues can cause uncontrollable scratching and itching. Dry skin in Pugs is prevalent, so it’s crucial to know the signs and symptoms. That’s why we wanted to share some natural Pug dry skin remedies to help your furbaby get some relief.
While it’s normal to try to rid the skin problem at home, your pup may require a checkup by your veterinarian, depending on the severity. If the itching is seasonal and isn’t causing your dog to self inflict wounds, it may be possible to use some of these at-home remedies to get your dog some relief.
WARNING: Consult your vet before implementing any at-home skincare regimen for your Pug, and stop the treatment immediately if your dog’s symptoms remain the same or become worse.
We’ve rounded up some of the most common home remedies pet owners have used to treat canine dry skin at home. It’s important to know what other Pug skin problems can affect this breed.
#1 Chamomile and Green Tea Soaks
Drinking certain kinds of tea are good for your health, but did you know that some teas can be beneficial for treating dry skin in both humans and dogs?
If your dog is suffering from dry skin, soaking their skin in a chamomile or green tea bath can help bring some relief. Chamomile tea is the most popular tea for relieving dry, patchy skin, even acne.
It contains chemicals called. Flavonoids (a plant nutrient) are what give the tea a medicinal effect.
Green tea is an all-natural healer because it contains anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce skin irritations. Here’s how to use either one to get relief for your pup.
Chamomile Bath: Fill your sink, bathtub, or kiddie pool with lukewarm water, and add a few chamomile tea bags to the water. Wait a few minutes, and then soak your dog in the mixture for no less than five minutes. It’s an excellent remedy for treating your dog’s paws, especially if they come into fertilizers, herbicides, salt, pollen, etc., which can cause them to lick uncontrollably.
Green Tea Bath: Prepare a lukewarm bath for your dog, and add a few tea bags to the water. You can also prepare the tea as you normally would drink it, wait for it to cool, and add it to your dog’s bathwater. Soak your dog in the green tea bathwater for five minutes.
Repeat the process at least once a week to help provide relief against pain, itching, and skin issues. If your pup has one affected spot, you can opt for spot treatments instead of fully soaking.
#2 Coconut Oil
All Natural cold-pressed coconut oil contains antibacterial, antiviral, antimicrobial, and antiprotozoal properties to help soothe dry skin, allergies, doggie eczema, and other skin infections.
You can either give it to your dog orally, put it in their food, or apply it directly to their skin and coat. If your dog has pancreatitis, don’t give them coconut oil orally.
#3 Apple Cider Vinegar
People have been using apple cider vinegar (ACV) for treating different types of skin issues. The vinegar contains antibacterial and antifungal properties that can cleanse the skin and prevent fungi or bacteria.
I’ve previously written about using ACV for uncontrollable itching and walks you through how to prepare a homemade anti-dog spray to help bring your dog relief.
#4 Aloe Vera
It contains Vitamins A can C, antioxidants, and enzymes, and it is highly anti-inflammatory. It can help treat dry skin, acne, and sunburns on both humans and canines.
Rub the gel directly on your dog’s affected areas, hotspots, cuts, scrapes, or other wounds after cleaning the affected area with a wet washcloth. Repeat the process once or twice a day.
The aloe vera will reduce the redness, and itchiness which will make your dog more comfortable. Although it is considered a medicinal plant for humans, it is not safe for dogs to ingest but safe to put on their skin.
Never give it to your dog orally, and take precautions when using it as a skin treatment, to prevent your dog from licking or ingesting it.
#5 Baking Soda
The baking soda you have in your kitchen pantry has amazing ingredients that could help your dog’s uncomfortable skin problems. It is a natural antiseptic with antibacterial properties that can help reduce bacteria that causes acne, fungal infections, yeast infections, dry skin, and swelling from insect bites.
Combine 50% water with 50% water to create a thick paste. Apply directly to your dog’s skin. Leave on skin for 10 minutes before rinsing thoroughly.
Repeat the process or add some baking soda directly to their bathwater.
#6 Dry Dog Shampoo
If you’ve recently bathed your pup, and it’s too soon to do it again, consider using a dry oatmeal shampoo for dogs. You can even create your own by grinding old-fashioned oats in a blender until it is a fine powder. Combine with water until it makes a paste.
Massage the paste directly on the affected area and let sit for 10-15 minutes before rinsing. The oatmeal mask leaves a protective layer on your dog’s skin, protecting them from dryness and itching.
Consider using these Pug shampoos the next time you bathe your pup to protect against other skin conditions.
#7 Vitamin E
If your pup is suffering from dry skin, they’ll likely benefit from a boost in Vitamin E. The oils are a fat-soluble nutrient that supports a healthy immune system while protecting cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Vitamin E can is safe to give your dog both orally or externally. Some people have success by giving their dog a Vitamin E oral supplement. That said, it can be hard to get your dog to swallow it, so you will need to hide it in a piece of cheese or peanut butter.
Another way to introduce Vitamin E into their system is to feed them a high-quality kibble. Feeding your dog a homemade diet with high vitamin E foods, such as; salmon, eggs, spinach, soybean oil, safflower oil, sunflower oil, will take the place of extra supplementation.
#8 Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Eucalyptus oil can not only make your home smell good, but it contains antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties that can be beneficial to dogs.
Never allow your dog to ingest it or apply it directly to their skin, as it can be dangerous. Ensure you’re diluting it properly, as using too much can have an adverse effect.
For topical use, a ratio of 1 drop eucalyptus oil to 50 drops carrier oil. Rub the mixture on your hands, then massage your dog’s coat with your hands. The oil will nourish your dog’s skin and alleviate skin irritations.
That said, some essential oils are not safe for dogs, so it’s important to know which ones can be used safely.
#9 Yogurt
Yogurt is not only delicious to eat, but it can also be used as a skincare moisturizer on both people and pets. The nutrients found in yogurt are; zinc, calcium, lactic acid, and B Vitamins. The live probiotic organisms found in yogurt are beneficial for your dog’s gut and help fight skin infections or recurring ear infections.
While yogurt is not toxic for dogs, it’s important to remember that the canine digestive tract differs from ours. A small dog like a Pug should eat no more than one teaspoon of unsweetened yogurt, preferably Greek yogurt.
Most dogs will eat it right off the spoon, but it can also be mixed with their regular food.
#10 Fish Oil
Fish oil is an essential fatty acid (EFA) that can help reduce dry skin in dogs and cats.
The best EFA sources are sardines, pollock, fish oil, and salmon, which can help improve the skin and coat’s health, reduce inflammation, and help alleviate arthritis symptoms in older pets.
There are many different types of fish oil on the market for Pugs, be sure you do your due diligence or speak with your veterinarian before adding it to their diet.
#11 Olive Oil
Olive oil is not just good for cooking.
It has some significant benefits for dogs as well. It’s a great remedy for dry skin.
Add no more than one teaspoon for every 20 pounds of body weight directly to your dog’s food.
You can also apply it directly to your dog’s skin. But be careful as your dog will rub it all over your furniture and floors, making a huge mess!
Final Word
It’s not unusual for pet owners to try at-home skincare remedies, especially if their dog’s dry skin problems are related to seasonal or other less severe issues.
Like us, several natural skin care remedies are proven to work. You may have to try one or more remedies before your dog gets some relief.
While treating your pooch, monitor closely. If the symptoms become worse, stop immediately, and contact your veterinarian.
The best way to get relief for your four-legged friend is to prevent dry skin from happening in the first place!