Itching in dogs: Which ingredients can soothe the skin

Itching in dogs is one of the most common skin problems. Many dog owners are familiar with the situation: the dog constantly scratches, licks its paws or belly, and seems restless. Often, there is no serious underlying condition, but rather irritated or dry skin.

The skin is a dog's most important protective layer. It protects against bacteria, dirt, and environmental irritants while also helping to retain moisture. If this natural barrier is compromised, the skin can become dry—and itching occurs.

Common signs: How itching manifests in dogs

• The dog is constantly scratching
• Dog licks its paws
• Red or dry skin
• The dog has dandruff or small bald patches
• Restlessness caused by persistent itching

Why do dogs so often suffer from itching?

A dog's skin is exposed to various factors every day. Weather, dry heated air, parasites, or environmental irritants can disrupt the skin's balance.

Itching is often caused by dry skin in dogs. If the skin lacks moisture, it loses its protective function and becomes more sensitive to irritants.

My dog is constantly scratching: Which ingredients help strengthen the skin barrier?

Certain ingredients can help strengthen the skin barrier and lock in moisture.

Ceramides

Ceramides are natural components of a dog's skin. They act like a "cement" between skin cells and help stabilize the skin barrier. This helps the skin retain moisture more effectively and keeps external irritants at bay.

Balloon Vine (Cardiospermum halicacabum):

Balloon vine is a medicinal plant commonly used in dermatology for its anti-inflammatory properties. Its active ingredients can inhibit certain inflammatory enzymes in the skin, thereby reducing irritation and itching. When applied to a dog’s skin, it has a soothing effect and can significantly alleviate redness or inflammatory reactions.

Vitamins A, E, and panthenol:

Vitamins A and E, as well as panthenol, are key active ingredients that support skin regeneration and protection. They promote cell renewal, protect the skin from oxidative stress, and deeply moisturize it.

Dogs lick their paws: Which ingredients moisturize the skin?

Hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronic acid can bind large amounts of water. It deeply moisturizes the skin and helps regenerate dry or irritated skin.

Glycerin

Glycerin acts like a moisture magnet and helps dog skin retain moisture, ensuring it stays hydrated and supple for longer.

Colloidal Oats:

Colloidal oats are made from very finely ground oats, which are used in skincare for their soothing properties. When applied to a dog’s skin, they form a protective film that locks in moisture and supports the skin barrier. The beta-glucans they contain can relieve itching and soothe irritated skin.

Together, these ingredients can help soothe dry skin and support the skin's natural protective function.

Relieve itching in dogs: Plant-based ingredients with a soothing effect

Witch hazel:

Witch hazel, also known as Hamamelis, is a botanical active ingredient prized in skincare for its soothing and astringent properties. When applied to a dog’s skin, witch hazel acts as an astringent, meaning it gently tightens the skin and can thus reduce redness and irritation.

Calendula:

Calendula, also known as marigold, is a medicinal plant. Its active ingredients promote wound healing and can help soothe minor skin injuries or scratches more quickly. Calendula is particularly effective for itchy or irritated skin, helping to nourish the skin and gently support the healing process.

Colostrum and the Skin Microbiome: How Antibodies Protect a Dog's Skin

Colostrum Antibodies:

Colostrum antibodies are derived from the first milk produced by mammals and contain many bioactive immune factors. On a dog's skin, they help inhibit harmful bacteria such as staphylococci, which are often associated with skin problems. In this way, they strengthen the skin's defenses and help reduce bacterial skin irritations.

Medical Honey:

Medical honey is a specially prepared honey used in skincare for its powerful antimicrobial properties. When applied to a dog’s skin, it acts as an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agent, which can soothe irritated or damaged areas of skin. It also supports natural wound healing and creates a moist, healing environment for the skin.

The Doderm Repair Gel combines all these ingredients

The Doderm Repair Gel was specially developed to care for irritated dog skin. It combines:

• Strengthening the skin barrier with ceramides, balloon vine, vitamins A and E, and panthenol: Helps the skin protect itself more effectively—which can help reduce scratching.
• More moisture for the skin thanks to hyaluronic acid, glycerin, colloidal oats: Well-hydrated dog skin feels less dry—this can reduce constant licking, e.g., on the paws.
• Soothing active ingredients: Can relieve itching and soothe irritated skin.
• Support for the skin microbiome: Ingredients such as colostrum help stabilize the natural balance of the skin flora and strengthen the skin's defenses.
  

The combination of our ingredients helps soothe dry and irritated skin and promote regeneration.

Try Doderm Repair Gel for dogs to soothe your furry friend's skin.

Doderm Repair Gel: For itchy and irritated dog skin

• Expose the fur: Carefully part the fur so that the affected area of skin is clearly visible.
• Clean skin: If necessary, gently remove any dirt or residue so that the gel can work directly on the skin.
• Apply a thin layer of gel: Apply a small amount of the gel directly to the affected area and spread it gently.
• Apply regularly: Apply the product one to several times a day as needed.
• Continue consistently: For best results, apply regularly over several days.

Conclusion: Treat itching in dogs specifically with the right ingredients

Itching in dogs is often caused by a compromised skin barrier, dry skin, or external irritants. Certain ingredients can help soothe the skin, lock in moisture, and strengthen the skin’s natural protective function. Active ingredients such as ceramides, hyaluronic acid, colloidal oats, botanical extracts, and colostrum can work together to care for irritated skin and support the skin microbiome. Targeted care can thus help reduce scratching, licking, and skin irritations in dogs over the long term.

➡️ Learn more about Doderm Repair Gel here