best anti itch food for dogs
10 Best Itch Relief Products for Dogs in 2024 Reviews & Top Picks
Is your dog suffering from itchy, irritated skin? Itchiness is a common problem in dogs and can have a variety of causes. Your dog may have a hot spot or maybe got into some trouble with poison ivy or a bees nest. Your dogs itchy skin can also be caused by environmental allergies, food sensitivities, or a skin condition like dermatitis.
Be sure to talk to your vet if your dog is suffering from itchy, irritated skin. Serious skin problems may require veterinary treatment and prescription medication. For less serious occasional itchy skin, over-the-counter remedies can be helpful, but which one should you choose?
These reviews will help you find the right itch-relief product for your dog.
A Quick Look at Our Favorites in 2024
The 10 Best Itch Relief Products for Dogs
1. Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Hot Spot & Itch Relief Spray Best Overall
| Application method: | Spray |
| Active ingredients: | Allantoin, lidocaine, hydrocortisone |
| Good for: | Itchiness, inflammation, pain |
Our choice for the best overall itch relief product for dogs is Veterinary Formula Clinical Cares Hot Spot & Itch Relief Spray.
It has active ingredients that address multiple issues: pain, itchiness, swelling, redness, and wounds. It also contains ingredients to help soothe and moisturize skin.
Pros
- Multi-symptom relief
- Can also be used on cats
- Can be used with their itch-relief shampoo
Cons
- Pets should not lick the treated area
2. HomeoPet Hot Spots Homeopathic Medicine for Hot Spots Best Value
| Application method: | Drops |
| Active ingredients: | Rhus Toxicodendron, sulfur, Hepar sulphuris calcareum |
| Good for: | Itchiness, flaky skin, wound healing |
Our pick for the best itch relief product for dogs for the money is HomeoPets Hot Spots drops. These drops contain natural homeopathic ingredients. They are meant to be administered orally and should not be applied to the skin.
Pros
- Formulated specifically for hot spots
- Can be given to cats, birds, and small pets
- All-natural and chemical-free
3. Vetericyn Plus Antimicrobial Pet Hot Spot Spray Premium Choice
| Application method: | Spray |
| Active ingredients: | Hypochlorous acid |
| Good for: | Hot spots, wounds |
This itch relief product helps to soothe hot spots. It also cleans and heals skin wounds caused by constant scratching and biting. It is an antimicrobial spray that can also be used on other injuries like cuts, burns, and abrasions.
Pros
- Antimicrobial
- Safe for use around eyes, nose, mouth, and ears
- Can be used on cats and other pets
Cons
- Does not treat inflammation
4. Sulfodene 3-Way Ointment for Dogs
| Application method: | Ointment |
| Active ingredients: | Benzocaine, salicylic acid |
| Good for: | Itchiness, pain relief, wounds, infections |
Sulfodene 3-Way Ointment helps relieve itchiness caused by hot spots, allergies, and other skin irritations. It also can be used for wound care, pain relief, and help heal bacterial and fungal infections.
Pros
- Multiple uses
- Ointment formula to protect skin
Cons
- Some consumers dont like the smell
5. Richards Organics Incredible Skin Spray for Dogs
| Application method: | Spray |
| Active ingredients: | 15 plant extracts |
| Good for: | Itchiness, ringworm, inflammation, wound care |
This is an all-natural itch relief product that contains a blend of plant extracts formulated to relieve itchiness, reduce inflammation, and provide anti-viral and anti-bacterial wound treatment.
Pros
- All-natural
- Multiple uses
6. Healers Hot Spot Relief Hydrocortisone Dog Ointment
| Application method: | Ointment |
| Active ingredients: | Hydrocortisone |
| Good for: | Itchiness, inflammation, irritation |
Healers Hot Spot Relief contains hydrocortisone and soothing plant oils to calm itchy skin and reduce inflammation. It is good for hot spots, lick granulomas, and other dermatological conditions. It also has anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties.
Pros
- Multi-symptom relief
- Anti-fungal and anti-microbial
- Can be used on cats
Cons
- Not intended for use on wounds
7. Vets Best Moisture Mist Conditioner for Dogs
| Application method: | Spray |
| Active ingredients: | Aloe vera, vitamin B5, allantoin |
| Good for: | Itchiness, dry coat |
This is a leave-in skin and coat conditioner that can help to soothe your dogs dry, itchy skin and moisturize and soften a dull coat. It can be used right after bathing or any time between baths.
Pros
- Good for skin and coat
- Can be used between baths
Cons
- Some consumers say it makes the coat sticky
8. Vetnique Labs Dermabliss Anti-Itch & Allergy Relief Medicated Dog Spray
| Application method: | Spray |
| Active ingredients: | Hydrocortisone, pramoxine hydrochloride |
| Good for: | Itchiness, redness, pain relief |
This itch relief spray contains active ingredients that relieve redness and itching and numb the affected area of the skin. It can be used for hot spots and itchy, irritated skin caused by allergies and insect bites.
Pros
- Relieves itching
- Numbs pain
Cons
- Not intended for wound treatment
9. Dr. Maggie Skin Care Ointment Wound Care & Anti-Itch Grooming for Dogs & Cats
| Application method: | Ointment |
| Active ingredients: | Allantoin and other plant-based ingredients |
| Good for: | Itchiness, dry skin, wound care, insect bites |
This is a multi-use ointment that soothes itchy, irritated skin and can also be used as a wound care first aid treatment. It contains natural ingredients with anti-bacterial, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Pros
- Multiple uses
- Can be used on cats
Cons
- Some consumers complain it is thick and hard to get out of the tube
10. Wondercide Skin Tonic Itch + Allergy Relief Dog & Cat Spray
| Application method: | Spray |
| Active ingredients: | Neem oil |
| Good for: | Itchiness, rashes, dry skin, insect bites |
Wondercide Skin Tonic is an all-natural itch relief product that contains plant oils, including neem oil which has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. Its made from food-grade ingredients and contains no artificial colors or fragrances.
Pros
- Naturally derived ingredients
- Can be used on cats
Cons
- Not intended for wound care
Buyers Guide Finding the Best Itch Relief Products for Dogs
There are many treatments for itchy skin in dogs. Itchiness is a common problem and finding the root cause and best treatment can be challenging for dog owners.
Its always a good idea to talk to your vet when you see changes in your dogs skin or notice excessive scratching and discomfort. Itchiness can be a sign of many different skin problems, and some are more serious than others. But even minor skin irritation can become a problem if frequent scratching causes open wounds and infection.
Common Causes of Itchy Skin
What are the most common causes of itchy skin in dogs? Allergies to seasonal and environmental irritants, fleas, and food ingredients can cause itchiness.
Youve probably also heard a lot about hot spots in dogs. Hot spots are areas of the skin that have become irritated due to lots of licking, scratching, and biting. Theres usually some underlying issue that leads to the development of a hot spot. It could be an allergy, an insect bite, or even just overly dry skin.
Your vet can help you determine if your dogs itchiness is temporary and easily treatable or a more serious chronic condition that requires prescription medication.
What Types of Treatment Are Available?
For at-home treatments, many vets will recommend over-the-counter topical anti-itch treatments like the ones weve talked about here. Itch relief products for dogs come in a variety of forms, but youll mostly see sprays and ointments. Many dog owners like the convenience of spray-on treatments.
Your vet may recommend an itch relief product that contains a steroid, like hydrocortisone. Hydrocortisone is used to treat itchiness and inflammation of the skin. Some dog owners prefer itch relief products that contain natural, plant-based ingredients like aloe vera, coconut oil, and oatmeal.
The product you choose might depend on the severity of your dogs skin condition. Some products soothe itchy skin, but others have added ingredients for pain relief and wound care.
If your dog has an open wound, be sure to read all product information carefully. Some itch treatments are formulated for wound care, some are not. When in doubt, talk to your vet.
Product Safety
You should also verify if the product is safe to lick or not. You may need to prevent licking with a cone. Talk to your vet if your dog has itchy ears, as many hot spot-type treatments are not intended to go inside the ear canal.
Which itch relief product will work for your dog? You may have to try a few different ones before you find the most effective treatment for your dog. Lets review our top picks.
Conclusion
These reviews include a variety of itch-relief products. All dogs are different and so are itch treatments. Here are a few of our top picks you might consider for your dog. Dont forget to talk to your vet if you have any questions!
For the best overall itch relief product, the Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Hot Spot & Itch Relief Spray contains ingredients to soothe itchy skin, relieve pain, and reduce inflammation. If you are looking for a natural, plant-based itch relief product, Richards Organics Incredible Skin Spray for Dogs combines several plant extracts for soothing itch relief. For an itch relief ointment, the Sulfodene 3-Way Ointment for Dogs treats itchy skin, relieves pain, and prevents infection.
Featured Image Credit: schubbel, Shutterstock
9 Best Dog Allergy Supplements: Anti-Itch Chews, Oils, Vitamins & More
Itchy skin and digestive issues are common problems with our pups. And sometimes, allergies or intolerances to environmental or food allergens are to blame. If you suspect your dogs symptoms are due to allergies, youre certainly not alone. Thats why the commercial market is flooded with supplements that claim to relieve dog allergies.
As with all consumer products, some allergy supplements for dogs are of a higher quality and more effective than others. Weve done our research to weed through your options, and we think the best allergy supplement for dogs is Pet Honesty Allergy Support Chews. But depending on your dogs needs, there are many others to consider that might fit the bill better. Lets dive in to help you find allergy relief for your furry friend among our top picks.
At A Glance: Best Dog Allergy Supplements
Best Allergy Supplements For Dogs
Weve chosen the best supplements for dogs with allergies based on several factors, including the active ingredients, quality, pricing, customer feedback, and more. See ouringredient sectionbelow if youre not familiar with the most beneficial active ingredients we include in our reviews.
Weve noted in our reviews the products that have the quality seal of approvalfrom the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) for safe manufacturing practices.The NASC is a non-profit trade organization thats committed to setting standards for pet supplements, which arent regulated by the FDA.
3 Expert Tips
- Always check with your vet before giving your pup any supplements.
- Keep in mind that dog allergy supplements can take up to six to eight weeks of daily use to see noticeable benefits.
- Not all allergy supplements work for every dog. It can depend on whats causing your dogs allergies and how your pup tolerates ingredients.
Best Overall: Pet Honesty Allergy Support Chews Review
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Pet Honestys top-selling Allergy Support Chews are an excellent all-natural daily supplement for dogs with occasional environmental and food allergies. Their premium vet-formulated blend of colostrum, salmon oil, astragalus root, a seven-strain probiotic, turmeric, quercetin, organic medicinal mushrooms, and apple cider vinegar has multiple benefits to improve your pups allergy symptoms.
These soft chews can help maintain normal histamine levels, support a healthy immune system and gut, and soothe skin problems associated with allergies. Pet Honesty also carries several other dog allergy chews, oils, shampoos, and more to help improve allergy symptoms.
Recommended use: one chew daily per 25 pounds of weight
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Competitively priced | Some customers said it caused vomiting and diarrhea |
| Chews contain no artificial preservatives, corn, wheat, soy, or GMOs | |
| NASC-certified | |
| Comes in peanut butter and salmon flavors | |
| 30-day money-back guarantee | |
| Save 20% with auto-shipping | |
| Made in the USA |
Price
With Pet Honesty, you can subscribe for auto-shipping and save 20%. They also offer free shipping on orders over $49.
Full Review Of Pet Honesty
Best Advanced: Zesty Paws Advanced Aller-Immune Bites Review
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Several types of Zesty Paws allergy immune supplements for dogs get many rave reviews from pup parents. Weve chosen to highlight the Advanced Aller-Immune Bites because of their potent ingredients. These all-natural, salmon-flavored soft chews contain colostrum, salmon oil, quercetin, bromelain, astragalus root, a five-strainprobiotic, vitamin C, and other premium ingredients to help support immune, histamine, and digestive health. Theyre intended for skin, seasonal, and environmental allergy issues.
Recommended use: begin with half the recommended amount and gradually increase.
- Up to 25 lbs: 1 chew daily
- 25-75 lbs: 2 chews daily
- Over 75lb: 3 chews daily
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| All-natural and grain-free | A few reports of diarrhea and lethargy |
| NASC-certified | Some say their dogs didnt like the taste |
| 100% satisfaction guarantee | |
| Made in the USA |
Price
Fully Zesty Paws Review
Best For Seasonal Allergies: Native Pet Allergy Chews Review
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Founded in 2017, Native Pet is making its mark as a premium pet supplement manufacturer. And many customers find success for their pups allergy relief with Native Pets allergy chews. Active ingredients include colostrum for immune health, spirulina (superfood algae), dried fermentate (increases allergen-fighting antibodies), algae oil, andB. coagulans(a probiotic that boosts cell response to infections and supports gut health).
Featuring only nine all-natural ingredients, these chews are made in the USA and are slow-cooked and air-dried to preserve nutrients and freshness.They also include real chicken and pork bone broth, so take note in case your pup has allergies to one or both of these animal proteins.
Recommended use:
- For the first 14 days, give 2 chews for every 25 lbs of dog body weight.
- After the first 14 days, give 1 chew for every 25 lbs of dog.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Vet-formulated | Doesnt have NASC certification |
| All-natural with only 9 ingredients | Some complaints that the chews are too hard and the chew sizes are inconsistent |
| 30-day money-back guarantee | |
| Save 15% with auto-shipping | |
| Made in the USA |
Price
You can save 10% off the following price by signing up for auto-shipping.
Full Review Of Native Pet
Best Multivitamin: NaturVet All-in-One Dog Supplement Review
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Are you looking for a supplement that offers much more than allergy relief? Naturvets All-In-One supplements are among the best vitamins for dogs with allergies. These soft chews provide health support for skin and coat, joints, and digestion, plus a wealth of essential vitamins and minerals.
Ingredients such as 3, 6, and 9 omegas, probiotics, biotin, and other vitamins in this supplement help maintain skin and coat health. However, it doesnt include some other key ingredients, like quercetin and turmeric, to address histamine levels and skin inflammation.
Recommended use: Give at mealtime (can be divided among AM & PM meals)
- Up to 30 lbs: 2 soft chews
- 31-50 lbs: 4 soft chews
- 51-75 lbs: 6 soft chews
- Over 75 lbs: 8 soft chews
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent multivitamin for multiple health benefits | May not be as effective for serious allergies as some other allergy-specific supplements |
| Wheat-free | Requires a lot of chews for larger dogs |
| NASC quality seal of approval | |
| Money-back guarantee | |
| Made in the USA |
Price
Best Fish Oil: Pet Honesty Wild Caught Omega-3 Fish Oil Review
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A lot of pup parents swear by fish oil to help control their dogs allergy symptoms, and this Pet Honesty oil is a premium choice. Made only with anchovy oil, herring oil, mackerel oil, and sardine oil, it contains high amounts of DHA, EPA, and other omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s can help relieve irritated skin and stiff joints and are excellent for immunity, heart, brain, and overall health.
Pet Honesty is also committed to quality. The fish they use in this oil are low in mercury and toxins and are caught in the clean waters off of Icelands coast. And the oil doesnt have a fishy odor like many other fish oils for dogs.
Recommended use: Pump directly onto your dogs food and mix well. Give daily 1 pump per 10 lbs of body weight.
Our Personal Experience With Pet Honesty Omega-3 Fish Oil
Since starting our dogs on this supplement, their coats have become so soft and shiny, and skin issues have entirely disappeared. One squirt a day in each dogs bowl is all we use, so the bottle lasts more than a year! This is a great value, especially for such an effective product.
Michelle Schenker, co-founder of Canine Journal and mixed-breed rescue parent
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Each serving has 800mg of EPA and 525mg of DHAand other omega-3s | Several complaints that the pump doesnt work well and leaks |
| Fish are carefully sourced | |
| Purified naturally to remove fishy odor and taste | |
| 30-day money-back guarantee | |
| Save 20% with auto-shipping | |
| Made in the USA |
Price
You can subscribe for auto-shipping and save 20%. They also offer free shipping on orders over $49.
Full Review Of Pet Honesty
Best Organic: BIXBI Skin & Coat Powder Review
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Its widely believed, particularly in Eastern medicine, that medicinal mushrooms have powerful benefits for the immune system and anti-inflammatory properties (among many other health benefits). This BIXBI organic pet superfood daily mushroom supplement is formulated for pets with seasonal allergies to support a healthy immune system response and skin and coat health. Theyre made witha proprietary blend of USDA organic mushrooms, including reishi, beech, king trumpet, and more.
The founder and CEO of BIXBI grew up on a mushroom farm, so he has a lifetime of knowledge about their various health benefits. The company also carries other mushroom supplements for joint pain, digestive problems, and overall immune health, as well as a variety of all-natural dog food and treats.
Recommended use: Administer orally daily during or after mealtime. Give 1/4 teaspoon (.5 grams) per 25 lbs. For best results, double the dosage for the first 7 days.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| USDA organic mushrooms | On the pricey side |
| Grain and gluten-free with no artificial ingredients | Mixed customer reviews about effectiveness |
| NASC-certified | |
| Made and sourced in the USA | |
| Comes with a measuring spoon | |
| Suitable for dogs and cats |
Price
Full Review Of BIXBI
What About Finn, STRELLALAB, & Vets Best?
These dog allergy supplements didnt make it into our top picks, but theyre popular and relatively affordable products that you may want to consider.
Finn Allergy & Itch Supplement For Dogs Review
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A relative newcomer to the dog supplement industry, Finns all-natural products are quickly becoming a popular choice among pup parents. The companys philosophy is to only use scientifically backed ingredients in its products. Their Allergy & Itch Supplement contains colostrum, wild Alaskan salmon oil, quercetin, bromelain, prebiotics, a one-strain probiotic, bee propolis, and other key ingredients to help support your dogs immune response and soothe itching and dry skin.
These chews are formulated to address seasonal allergies in dogs and are cold-pressed to preserve the potency of ingredients. They contain real cheese, bacon, and beef liver, all dog-favorite flavors.
Recommended use: Administer 1 soft chew daily per 25 lbs of body weight.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| All-natural with no corn, wheat, soy, or artificial ingredients | Some say their dogs didnt like the taste |
| NASC-certified | Mixed customer reviews about effectiveness |
| 60-day money-back guarantee | |
| Save 15% with auto-shipping | |
| Made in the USA | |
| Tins made with 100% recycled steel |
Price
You can save 15% off the following price and get free shipping by subscribing for recurring deliveries.
Read Full Finn Review
STRELLALAB Allergy Relief Immune Chews Review
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Many pup parents find relief for their dogs with STRELLALAB Allergy Relief Immune chews. These soft chews are formulated to help with skin and digestive symptoms resulting from food, environmental, and seasonal allergies. They contain salmon oil, quercetin, bromelain, turmeric, grape seed extract, probiotics, and other beneficial ingredients.
However, if you want to know all the ingredients in a supplement before giving it to your pup, you may want to look elsewhere. STRELLALAB doesnt disclose all of the ingredients in their allergy chews on their website.
Recommended use: Give daily (can be divided between morning and evening meals).
- Up to 10 lbs: 1 chew
- 10-30 lbs: 2 chews
- 31-60 lbs: 3 chews
- 61-90 lbs: 4 chews
- Over 90 lbs: 5 chews
Note: The above feeding guidelines are from STRELLALABs website and differ from whats listed on Amazon.com.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordably priced | Doesnt have NASC certification |
| All-natural with no fillers | Not transparent about all ingredients on their website |
| Comes in chicken, bacon, peanut butter, and vegetable flavors | Mixed customer reviews about effectiveness |
| Made in the USA |
Price
Vets Best Seasonal Allergy Support Review
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This popular Vets Best supplement was formulated by a veterinarian to specifically help dogs with seasonal allergies by helping to maintain normal histamine levels and supporting adequate skin moisture. The chewable tablets include quercetin and methylsulfonylmethane(MSM), a naturally occurring antioxidant compound that has anti-inflammatory benefits. Other natural ingredients, such as vitamin C, fish oil powder, bee propolis, nettle extract, perilla leaf, and ocean kelp, boost immune and skin health.
Vets Best is a respected brand thats been making plant-based animal supplements for over 30 years. These tablets are only intended for dogs over one year of age.
Recommended use: Give the following amounts twice daily.
- 10-24 lbs: 1/2 tablet
- 25-49 lbs: 1 tablet
- 50-75 lbs: 1-1/2 tablets
- Over 75 lbs: 2 tablets
Our Personal Experience With Vets Best Seasonal Allergy Support
Our dog Barley started breaking out in a red rash on his belly this spring and summer as the grass started growing in our yard. We started giving him this supplement, and the rash is gone. Check with your vet first, but I would recommend it for managing a dogs skin allergies.
Michelle Schenker, co-founder of Canine Journal and mixed-breed rescue parent
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Veterinarian-formulated | Doesnt include prebiotics or probiotics for gut health |
| Affordably priced | Some say their dogs didnt like the taste |
| NASC-certified | |
| Customers say the tablets are easy to break apart to get the correct amount | |
| Made in the USA |
Price
7 Active Ingredients To Look For In Dog Allergy Supplements
While many herbs and ingredients can help relieve itching and inflammation, these are the major ones you want to keep in mind for an effective allergy supplement for your pup.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids, commonly found in fish oils, have been shown in research studies to help decrease inflammation in allergic dogs. Omega-3s also promote a shiny, healthy coat and joint and heart health.
- Probiotics support stronger gut health, which has been shown to promote a healthy immuneresponse to allergens.
- Quercetin is a natural plant flavonoid that acts as an antihistamine, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant (called natures Benadryl). Its often paired with bromelain for maximum efficacy.
- Colostrum contains natural antibodies that can help boost immune health and improve inflammation.
- Turmeric is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory that can help relieve redness, swelling, and itching.
- Astragalus, extracted from the stems or dried roots of the Astragalus membranaceus plant, has been shown to improve the cellular immune level in immunosuppressive dogs.
- Biotin is a B-complex vitamin that supports skin and coat health and is often used in humans for hair loss.
How Can I Figure Out Whats Causing My Dogs Allergies?
Determining the cause of your dogs allergies can be extremely difficult. We recommend that you consult your veterinarian to try to nail down the problem. But another first course of action is to give your pup anat-home dog allergy test kit. These kits test forintolerances to many food and environmental factors.Then, you can share these results with your vet to work on further diagnostics and a treatment plan.
Did You Know?
Pet insurancecan cover testing, treatment, and prescription shots or medications for allergies as long as no signs or symptoms appear until after your policy enrollment and waiting periods have passed. Learn more about
pet insurance coverage for dog allergies.
A Healthy Diet Can Make A Difference
Feeding your dog ahigh-quality diet can boost his immune system, which helps protect him from severe skin reactions.If you and your vet think a dog food change might help your pups allergy symptoms, you may want to consider our picks for the best dog food for allergies or afresh dog food delivery service.
How Are Dog Allergies Treated?
Dog allergies and intolerances can wreak havoc on your pups well-being. If youre struggling to help your pup with constantly itchy skin, we recommend you consult your vet. You may also want to learn more about allergy treatment options for different types of allergies and the best allergy medications for dogs.
Tagged With: Allergies, Supplements
