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10 Best Itch Relief Products for Dogs in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

Written by: Jessica Kim

Last Updated on August 21, 2024 by Dogster Team

10 Best Itch Relief Products for Dogs in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

owner applying itch treatment to dogItchiness can be a frustrating experience for both dogs and their owners. It can be difficult to watch your dog scratch, lick, bite, and do whatever else it takes to alleviate skin irritation, and these methods usually end up exacerbating the problem.

If your dog is suffering from itchy skin, it’s important to take them to your veterinarian right away because this issue usually takes a significant amount of time and attention to resolve. You’ll also find a variety of itch relief products that you can use at home to help your dog feel some relief. Our reviews are here to help make the process of finding the right products easier and less stressful for you. You’ll have all the information that you need about itch relief products to help your dog get through their skin irritation and restore their skin and coat health.

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A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2024

Rating Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiseptic & Antifungal Medicated Spr Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiseptic & Antifungal Medicated Spr
  • No stinging
  • Versatile use
  • Contains deodorizing ingredients
  • Best Value
    Second place
    Sulfodene Medicated Hot Spot & Itch Relief Spray for Dogs Sulfodene Medicated Hot Spot & Itch Relief Spray for Dogs
  • Variety of uses
  • Moisturizes the skin
  • Dogs can lick small amounts
  • Premium Choice
    Third place
    Vetnique Labs Dermabliss Anti-Itch & Allergy Relief Medicated Spray Vetnique Labs Dermabliss Anti-Itch & Allergy Relief Medicated Spray
  • Can be used daily
  • Helps heal irritated skin
  • Works best on allergies and insect bites
  • Best for Puppies
    HomeoPet Skin & Itch Dog, Cat, Bird, & Small Animal Supplement HomeoPet Skin & Itch Dog, Cat, Bird, & Small Animal Supplement
  • Chemical-free
  • Easy to administer
  • Also safe for pregnant and nursing dogs
  • Pet MD Chlorhexidine Wipes for Dogs & Cats Pet MD Chlorhexidine Wipes for Dogs & Cats
  • Sting-free formula
  • Helps clear up acne
  • Better control than a spray
  • The 10 Best Itch Relief Products for Dogs

    1. Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiseptic & Antifungal Medicated Spray – Best Overall

    Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiseptic & Antifungal Medicated Shampoo

    Application method: Spray
    Active ingredients: Chlorhexidine gluconate, glycerin usp, chitosan succinimide, hydrolyzed keratin
    Good for: Allergies, lesions, pustules, scaly skin

    The Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiseptic & Antifungal Medicated Spray is an excellent example of a safe and effective anti-itch spray for dogs. We consider it to be the best overall itch relief product for dogs due to its high-quality formula and versatile use. This spray can be used for inflammation caused by allergies, wounds, and dry or scaly skin. Its paraben-free formula is gentle on the skin, and it’s safe to use on puppies as long as they’re over 12 weeks old.

    The spray’s formula doesn’t contain any ingredients that will cause stinging. It’s infused with aloe vera to soothe and calm your dog’s skin, and it also contains deodorizing ingredients to help your dog smell clean and fresh.

    Pros
    • Versatile use
    • No stinging
    • Contains deodorizing ingredients
    Cons
    • Not for puppies younger than 12 weeks old

    2. Sulfodene Medicated Hot Spot & Itch Relief Spray for Dogs – Best Value

    Sulfodene Medicated Hot Spot & Itch Relief Spray for Dogs

    Application method: Spray
    Active ingredients: Benze chloride 0.2%, DL-panthenol 0.05%
    Good for: Hot spots, insect bites, irritated wounds

    The Sulfodene Medicated Hot Spot & Itch Relief Spray for Dogs is one of the most affordable options you’ll find, and it’s the best itch relief product for dogs for the money, as it can be used on a variety of skin irritation issues. This spray is specifically formulated to help soothe hot spots, but you can also use it on allergy irritation and insect bites. Along with containing pain relievers and antibacterials, the formula ingredient list includes moisturizing ingredients to help rejuvenate and restore skin health. The formula also won’t cause any issues if your dog accidentally licks small amounts of it.

    While this spray has an effective formula, its bottle isn’t the best quality. We’ve noticed several customer complaints about the nozzle leaking and breaking quickly, so it’s especially important to pay attention to how you store the bottle when it’s not in use.

    Pros
    • Variety of uses
    • Moisturizes the skin
    • Dogs can lick small amounts
    Cons
    • Nozzle breaks easily

    3. Vetnique Labs Dermabliss Anti-Itch & Allergy Relief Medicated Spray – Premium Choice

    Vetnique Labs Dermabliss Anti-Itch & Allergy Relief Medicated Spray

    Application method: Spray
    Active ingredients: Hydrocortisone 1%, pramoxine hydrochloride 0.5%
    Good for: Allergies, insect bites

    The Vetnique Labs Dermabliss Anti-Itch & Allergy Relief Medicated Spray is worth every penny and is one of the best itch relief sprays for dogs that suffer from allergies. This vet-formulated spray contains a blend of hydrocortisone and pramoxine that works fast to numb and alleviate itchiness. It also contains skin-nourishing natural ingredients like chamomile and oatmeal to heal irritated areas and reduce itchiness in the long run.

    This spray also works well on insect bites, and it’s gentle enough for daily use and frequent applications. However, it’s not meant to be used on wounds, so it’s best to stick to using this spray on hot spots caused by allergies and insect bites.

    Pros
    • Works best on allergies and insect bites
    • Helps heal irritated skin
    • Can be used daily
    Cons
    • Not formulated for wounds

    4. HomeoPet Skin & Itch Dog, Cat, Bird, & Small Animal Supplement – Best for Puppies

    HomeoPet Skin & Itch Dog, Cat, Bird, & Small Animal Supplement

    Application method: Oral
    Active ingredients: Graphites, pulex irr, rhus tox, staphysag, sulfur, urtica ur
    Good for: Allergies

    Puppies are susceptible to having more sensitive skin than adults, and they can also try to lick products that you apply to their skin. So, it’s important to find itch relief products with gentle yet effective formulas, and choosing oral supplements can be safer than topical treatments. The HomeoPet Skin & Itch Dog, Cat, Bird, & Small Animal Supplement consists of a chemical-free formula that uses all-natural ingredients known to be effective for itch relief. It’s safe to use on puppies along with pregnant and nursing dogs.

    Another reason we love this product is that it’s easy to administer. You can feed drops directly into your puppy’s mouth or mix them with food or water. The only downside is that this product is only meant to address skin allergies and won’t be as effective in alleviating itchiness caused by other factors.

    Pros
    • Chemical-free
    • Easy to administer
    • Also safe for pregnant and nursing dogs
    Cons
    • Only used for allergies

    5. Pet MD Chlorhexidine Wipes for Dogs & Cats

    Pet MD Chlorhexidine Wipes for Dogs & Cats

    Application method: Wipe
    Active ingredients: Chlorhexidine 2%, ketoconazole 1%
    Good for: Bacterial and fungal infections, acne

    If your dog doesn’t like the sensation of being sprayed, these Pet MD Chlorhexidine Wipes for Dogs & Cats are likely to be the preferable choice. The wipes are soaked in a sting-free medicated formula that contains calming and soothing ingredients like aloe and glycerin. They can be used on a variety of skin issues, including fungal and bacterial infections, ringworm, and acne.

    The wipes also provide better control and will enable you to target hard-to-reach places more easily than a spray. The only downside to these wipes is the strong fragrance, as the medicated scent can be overpowering for both dog and human noses.

    Pros
    • Sting-free formula
    • Helps clear up acne
    • Better control than a spray
    Cons
    • Strong fragrance

    6. Healers Hot Spot Relief Hydrocortisone Dog & Cat Ointment

    Healers Hot Spot Relief Hydrocortisone Dog & Cat Ointment

    Application method: Ointment
    Active ingredients: Hydrocortisone 1%
    Good for: Hot spots, insect bites, abrasions, foot sores

    If your dog tends to lick a lot, this Healers Hot Spot Relief Hydrocortisone Dog & Cat Ointment may be a considerable choice for you. This ointment can be a bit more challenging to use than a spray because you must spend a little extra time rubbing it on your dog’s skin. However, it has a fast-absorption formula that dogs won’t be able to lick off easily. So, you can end up saving more time and money in the long run by reducing the number of reapplications.

    This ointment has a variety of uses and can help alleviate irritation caused by hot spots, insect bites, minor abrasions, and foot sores. It contains a blend of natural skin-nourishing ingredients like jojoba oil, olive oil, tea tree oil, myrrh, and aloe vera. It also has hydrocortisone to soothe inflammation and itchiness and a coconut-based conditioner to moisturize the skin and help it heal.

    Pros
    • Fast absorption
    • Can treat various causes of itchiness
    • Contains natural skin-nourishing ingredients
    Cons
    • Takes longer to apply than a spray

    7. PetHonesty Allergy Anti-Itch Shampoo

    PetHonesty Allergy Anti-Itch Shampoo

    Application method: Shampoo
    Active ingredients: Sodium a-olefin sulfonate, cocamidopropyl betaine, decyl polyglucoside
    Good for: Allergies, hot spots

    If your dog suffers from having larger patches of irritation on their skin, it’s often helpful to use shampoos specifically designed to alleviate itchiness. The PetHonesty Allergy Anti-Itch Shampoo has a gentle and moisturizing formula that’s free of parabens, sulfates, and phthalates. Instead, it consists of natural ingredients, including coconut oil, aloe, jojoba oil, and oatmeal extract. It also doesn’t interfere with topical flea medication, so it’s safe to use after the flea medication has had some time to work its way through the skin.

    This shampoo works best on allergy-related skin issues, but you can also use it for general skin inflammation, hot spots, and bad odors. One thing to keep in mind is that this shampoo does require waiting 5–10 minutes after you’ve lathered and massaged it onto your dog’s coat. So, it may be more challenging to use on dogs that don’t like taking baths or have difficulty sitting still in the bathtub.

    Pros
    • No harsh chemicals
    • Doesn’t interfere with flea medication
    • Reduces bad odors
    Cons
    • Must sit for 5–10 minutes

    8. Skout’s Honor Probiotic Itch Relief Dog & Cat Shampoo

    Skout’s Honor Probiotic Itch Relief Dog & Cat Shampoo

    Application method: Shampoo
    Active ingredients: Lauryl glucoside, cocamidopropyl betaine, probiotic blend
    Good for: General dry and itchy skin

    Skout’s Honor Probiotic Itch Relief Dog & Cat Shampoo is one of the more expensive itch relief shampoos, but it’s one of the safest choices for dogs. It has a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic formula that doesn’t use harsh chemicals, including parabens and sulfates. The formula contains live topical probiotics that work to stop itching caused by minor skin infections, dry skin, and environmental factors.

    Another great thing about this shampoo is that it’s safe to use on both cats and dogs, so it’s a considerable choice for multi-pet homes. It’s also safe to use on puppies older than 8 weeks old.

    Pros
    • Fragrance-free and hypoallergenic
    • Safe for 8-week-old puppies
    • Safe for cats and dogs
    Cons
    • Relatively expensive

    9. Native Pet Allergy & Immune Chews

    Native Pet Allergy & Immune Chews

    Application method: Oral supplement
    Active ingredients: Colostrum, spirulina, dried yeast fermentate, algae oil, bacillus coagulans
    Good for: Seasonal allergies

    Dogs that suffer from chronic itchiness caused by allergies can benefit from taking allergy supplements to keep skin inflammation and hair loss at bay. Native Pet Allergy & Immune Chews are high-quality supplements designed to bring relief to seasonal allergy symptoms by supporting your dog’s immune system. The chews contain spirulina, colostrum, probiotics, and algae oil, which all work together to alleviate itchy and inflamed skin and boost immunity. They’re also air-dried to preserve the ingredients’ natural integrity and minimize processing.

    These supplements have a short, limited ingredient list that leaves no room for additives and other unnecessary ingredients. Many dogs will also enjoy eating them as treats, as they contain savory bone broth gelatin and chicken. However, since it contains real chicken, it’s not safe for dogs with chicken allergies.

    Pros
    • Boosts immune system
    • Limited ingredient list
    • Savory bone broth and chicken flavor
    Cons
    • Not safe for dogs with chicken allergies

    10. Zesty Paws Itch Relief Bites Chicken Flavored Soft Chews

    Zesty Paws Itch Relief Bites Chicken Flavored Soft Chews

    Application method: Oral supplement
    Active ingredients: Fish oil, vitamin C, biotin, zinc
    Good for: Skin allergies, dry skin

    Zesty Paws is another reputable pet health and wellness brand known for its extensive line of supplements. These particular supplements are formulated for dogs with dry skin that is prone to itchiness and inflammation. One of the main ingredients is sustainably sourced fish oil, which is an excellent source of omega fatty acids that nourish and maintain skin moisture. The supplements also contain antioxidants, vitamin C, biotin, and zinc to support healthy skin further and boost the immune system.

    While these supplements are nutritious and can help improve skin health to reduce itchiness, they are a bit lacking in flavor. They contain chicken liver for flavor, but they’re still not the most popular choice among picky dogs.

    Pros
    • Contains sustainably sourced fish oil
    • Formulated to boost immune system
    • Nourishes and maintains skin moisture
    Cons
    • Doesn’t have a very palatable flavor

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    Buyer’s Guide: Finding the Best Itch Relief Products for Dogs

    Before you shop for itch relief products, it’s important to identify the cause of the itching. Make sure to take your dog to your veterinarian so that they can make a diagnosis, provide the proper treatment, and recommend any at-home products you can use. Here are a few types of itch relief products your veterinarian may recommend.

    nurse veterinarian caring a old dog at animal hospital
    Image Credit: ARVD73, Shutterstock

    Topical Sprays and Ointments

    Topical sprays and ointments are most commonly used for minor scrapes and wounds. They have itch-relief ingredients that help prevent dogs from licking or scratching wounds while they heal.

    It’s also common to find ointments formulated to alleviate itchiness caused by hot spots. Ointments provide better control for targeting affected areas. However, they can be a bit more difficult to use than sprays. Sprays usually dry quickly, while ointments take much longer to dry. Therefore, you have to keep an eye on your dog or have them wear an e-collar while you wait for the ointment to get absorbed.

    Shampoos and Conditioners

    Medicated shampoos and conditioners are typically used on dogs that have more widespread itchiness. They usually contain soothing and moisturizing ingredients such as colloidal oatmeal and aloe vera. When shopping for itch relief shampoo, make sure to stick to hypoallergenic options. Since many dogs suffering from itchy skin have allergies, it’s best to play it safe and choose products that are least likely to cause allergy flare-ups.

    Supplements

    Supplements can also be used to keep itchiness at bay. The majority of itch relief supplements contain sources of omega fatty acids and antioxidants. Omega fatty acids heal and nourish the skin and coat, while antioxidants help boost the immune system.

    You won’t see immediate results with supplements, so they’re often used in tandem with topical treatment. They can help improve your dog’s health in the long run by adding nutrients to their diet that benefit their skin and coat health.

    Every dog is unique in their supplement needs, so we recommend reaching out to your vet for advice.

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    Conclusion

    To recap our reviews, Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiseptic & Antifungal Medicated Spray is the best itch relief spray because it addresses multiple skin issues and has a gentle yet effective formula. Sulfodene Medicated Hot Spot & Itch Relief Spray for Dogs is a great budget-friendly option that still targets a variety of skin irritation issues. Lastly, despite its price, Vetnique Labs Dermabliss Anti-Itch & Allergy Relief Medicated Spray is a worthy investment, as it does an excellent job of alleviating itchiness caused by allergies and bug bites.

    Related Read:


    Featured Image Credit: Anikin Dmitrii, Shutterstock

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