There’s no mistaking when our best friends have itchy skin. Between the soundtrack of constant scratching and licking to the angry-looking evidence on bellies and paws, ongoing skin discomfort can make your dog miserable. While it’s usually a good idea to schedule a check-up to rule out health concerns, many simple dog skin irritations can be easily treated at home. The following skin soothers for dogs can help to clear up a variety of minor irritations for fast relief.

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Our Top Picks

Best Skin Soother for Dogs

These itchy dog treatments can help address a variety of skin conditions, from hot spots to environmental allergies.

DerMagic Skin Rescue Lotion

DERMagic Skin Rescue Lotion
Buy at Amazon

Canine skin issues often piggyback on each other, and this dog skin soother is formulated to address many of the top concerns. DerMagic lotion combines the healing power of organic whole leaf aloe with antifungal mineral sulfur to treat everything from dandruff to alopecia. Veterinarian created and made in the USA, this calming lotion is a winner for hard to treat itchy skin on dogs.

Highlights

  • Veterinarian formulated
  • Two sizes available, 8 ounce and 4 ounce
  • USA made
  • Safe if licked

Things to Consider

  • Some users complained about the odor and consistency
  • Results can take time 

CeraSoothe® CHX+KET Antiseptic Wipes 30 Ct

skin soother for dogs
Buy at Amazon

For support in the recovery of bacterial and fungal skin infections, CeraSoothe offers a convenient 30-pack container of wipes containing chlorhexidine and ketoconazole. Your dog, cat, or horse reaps the benefits of skin-nourishing nutrients in a convenient pad form. Inspired by veterinarians, each pad is infused with ceramides and avenanthramides to calm skin and renew the skin barrier.

Highlights

  • Convenient antiseptic wipe form makes it easy for pet parents to use
  • Container is easy to travel with
  • Ingredients help support the skin’s natural immune system
  • Can be used on dogs, cats, and horses
  • Product can be used one to three times daily or as directed by your veterinarian

Things to Consider

  • Always consult with your veterinarian before starting a new product
  • Also available in other forms (i.e., shampoo, antiseptic)

kin+kind Hot Spot Relief Stick

kin+kind Dog Hot Spot Treatment
Buy at Amazon
Buy at Walmart

Hot spots, those inflamed, infected areas of skin often found on paws, necks and hips, can be tricky to treat, but kin+kind’s USDA organic skin soother for dogs tackles the problem with an easy, mess-free roll-on application. This vet-formulated treatment is said to provide visible relief for dogs suffering from environmental allergens within two weeks, guaranteed. Hand formulated with organic ingredients like coconut oil and beeswax, this calming treatment soothes on contact.

Highlights

  •  Made in the USA
  • Cruelty-free
  •  Can be used on dogs and cats
  • Money back guarantee

Things to Consider

  • Some users said the product’s consistency made it difficult to apply
  • The natural fennel aroma might be too strong for some

Natural Dog Company Skin Soother

Natural Dog Company Skin Soother
Buy at Amazon
Buy at Walmart

This workhorse balm combines antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties to fight a host of skin concerns. Appy this organic skin soother up to three times a day for help with everything from hot spots to itchy skin, to yeast infections to inflamed bug bites. (Some users claim that it helps with mosquito bites on humans as well!) Skin Soother is plant-based, with no artificial preservatives or harmful ingredients. Ingredients include cocoa butter, vitamin E, almond oil, lavender, and chamomile oil.

Highlights

  • USA-made
  • Three sizes, two application methods (from a tin or a roll-on)
  • Fast acting
  • No artificial scent

Things to Consider

  • Some users report the product’s thick and sticky consistency made it tough to apply
  • The cost per ounce might be prohibitive for dogs suffering from ongoing issues

Earthbath Hot Spot Relief Spray

earthbath Hot Spot Relief Spray
Buy at Amazon
Buy at Petco

Some dogs aren’t comfortable with up-close-and-personal lotion or balm application on tender areas, so this spray is a great choice for pups who can’t tolerate touch on irritated skin. Earthbath Hot Spot Relief is made from colloidal oatmeal, vitamin E, organic aloe vera, and other plant-derived ingredients and is safe for dogs over 6 weeks old.

Highlights

  • Easy to use spray
  • USA-made
  • Cruelty free
  • Happiness guarantee

Things to Consider

  • Might not be concentrated enough for deeper skin issues
  • Some users complained about the scent
  • Contains tea tree oil

Silver Honey Hot Spot & Wound Care Spray Gel

Absorbine Silver Honey Hot Spot & Wound Care Spray Gel
Buy at Amazon
Buy at Petco

Another hands-free option for those painful or hard-to-treat spots on your dog, this spray gel is effective on hot spots, dermatitis, cuts, abrasions, and sores. Formulated with Manuka honey, which is known for antibacterial benefits, this spray gel is a thicker option for larger treatment areas. 

Highlights

  • Fast acting
  • Touch-free application
  • Also comes in a cream formula

Things to Consider

  • Added bitter element in product might not be enough of a deterrent to keep dogs from licking
  •  Some users complained about the scent

Penelope’s Bloom Soothing CBD Pet Balm for Dogs and Cats

Buy at Penelope’s Bloom

For pet parents who prefer an all-natural CBD balm that can be used as a daily moisturizer, Penelope’s Bloom is a worthy investment. Made in the USA with shea butter, essential oils, and full-spectrum CBD oil, the balm is designed to keep your dog’s skin, paws, nose, and elbows soft and hydrated.

Highlights

  • Two concentrations available: 150 mg and 300 mg of organic CBD oil
  • Can be used daily for skin, nose, paw, allergy irritations, and bug bites
  • Designed to target and treat irritations
  • Third-party, ISO-certified lab tested

Things to Consider

  • Can be a bit pricey
  • Multi-dog households may use the product faster

Skin Soothers for Dogs: Buyer’s Guide

Dog outside itching

If you’re wondering how to soothe itchy skin on dogs, there are some factors to take into consideration before choosing the right skincare product.

Formulation. Products to soothe a dog’s itchy skin come in a variety of formulations, including:

  • Balms: Balms are thick and often have an oilier texture, which means they might not absorb as quickly and could stain fabric. 
  • Lotions: This skin treatment can range from runny to thick, and usually absorbs quickly.
  • Sprays: A lighter alternative to balms and lotions, sprays are easy to apply but require good aim in order to be effective.
  • Foams: Similar to spray treatments, foam skin soothers come in a bottle and usually require minimal touch to apply.

Safety. Since many dogs will lick treatments, make sure that anything you apply is 100 percent safe for ingestion. (That said, if your dog won’t stop licking the treatment, try covering the area until it’s fully absorbed.) 

Standards. Though marketing claims don’t guarantee quality, you may want reassurance that the product is vet-formulated, vet-recommended, or made in the USA. Aside from looking at the label, you can visit the brand’s website to see if there are any other certifications or requirements they adhere to.

Cost. Quality skin care products come at a price, so consider the size of the skin that needs attention and the duration of treatment in relation to the cost of potential products. 

Dog Skin Soother Tips

While it’s fine to treat minor cuts, chafing, or environmental allergies with over-the-counter products, the safest first step for any skin issues is scheduling a visit to the veterinarian. Skin problems that are resistant to healing might require antibiotics to fully eliminate. And keep in mind that some skin irritations can be due to systemic issues and won’t improve unless the underlying condition is treated, like rashes due to food allergies.

When treating minor dog skin issues at home, try the following tips:

 Prevent your dog from licking the treatment off by covering it or using an e-collar or dog cone alternative until it’s fully absorbed.

  • Clean your hands prior to application
  • Part fur to ensure the product reaches your dog’s skin
  • Make the application a positive experience by pairing the process with high-value dog treats