Alex Seilis
Dog skin problems are one of the top reasons people rush to the vet.
But here's the thing: while treatments often focus on the surface, the real issue could be deeper, affecting your dog’s overall health.
From a holistic viewpoint, the skin is connected to many other body systems, like the liver, kidneys, and immune system. That means to truly fix skin issues, you need to look at what’s happening inside your dog’s body, not just on the outside.
Why Skin Health Matters For Dogs
Your dog’s skin does more than just cover his body—it’s part of the integumentary system, which includes things like fur, nails, and ear flaps. The skin helps control body temperature, stores important nutrients like vitamins, and even protects your dog from drying out. It’s a key player in keeping your dog healthy and strong.
When your dog’s skin starts acting up—think itching, redness, or bumps—it could be a sign that something’s wrong inside. The skin can reflect issues with the liver, kidneys, or digestion, so keeping an eye on it can help catch deeper problems before they get worse.
The Problem With Conventional Treatment For Dog Skin Problems
Most vets treat skin issues with antibiotics, antifungals, or steroids, which can help the symptoms for a while. But the downside is these meds often just cover up the problem without really getting to the root of what’s causing it.
Overusing these treatments can actually mess with your dog’s immune system, leading to bigger health issues down the road like food allergies, liver problems, or chronic inflammation. Instead of relying on meds, addressing the deeper cause of skin problems can help keep your dog healthier in the long run.
Why Choose A Holistic Approach For Dog Skin Problems?
Instead of just treating the itching or redness, it’s crucial to figure out what’s really causing your dog’s skin problems.
Often, things like poor diet, stress, exposure to environmental toxins, or deeper imbalances in organs like the liver or kidneys are at play. By addressing these root causes, you can help your dog heal from the inside out, making those skin issues less likely to come back.
To truly improve your dog’s skin health, you need to take a whole-body approach. This means feeding him a fresh, nutrient-rich diet, giving them plenty of exercise, and incorporating things like massage and natural remedies that support his liver, immune system, and overall wellness.
The 8 Best Herbs For Dog Skin Health
When the body is in balance, the skin naturally becomes healthier and more resilient.
The following herbs can help your dog build a healthy foundation and nourish healthy skin from the inside out. To show you how, I'll share the internal and external benefits of each herb.
1. Calendula
Internal Benefits: Calendula is well known for its soothing properties and has long been used as a healing herb that supports a healthy inflammatory response. Internally, it supports the immune system by promoting gentle immune stimulation, while also aiding digestion and detoxifying the lymphatic system. Calendula’s high antioxidant content also helps your dog’s body fight off free radicals that can cause cell damage.
External Use: Calendula is a go-to herb for treating various skin issues due to its ability to improve circulation and stimulate blood flow in the skin. It can be used as a compress or salve to treat dry, cracked, or irritated skin. For dogs dealing with weepy wounds or inflamed skin, Calendula helps dry up excess moisture and speed up the healing process, making it an excellent all-around skin remedy.
2. Nettles
Internal Benefits: Nettles are rich in nutrients like iron, calcium, magnesium, and vitamins A and C, making them a powerhouse for overall health. They are especially beneficial for dogs prone to environmental sensitivities or allergic reactions, as nettles help manage these sensitivities by promoting a balanced immune response. Additionally, they support kidney health by acting as a diuretic, which can help detoxify the body and maintain fluid balance.
External Use: When applied topically, fresh nettle juice provides immediate relief from itching, making it a fantastic natural remedy for inflamed skin, rashes, or areas prone to irritation. The juice can be used directly on the skin to reduce swelling and discomfort, helping to calm inflamed skin after allergic reactions or insect bites.
3. Dandelion
Internal Benefits: Dandelion offers powerful detoxifying benefits, particularly for the liver and kidneys. It acts as a gentle diuretic, supporting the body’s ability to remove toxins and improving nutrient absorption. For dogs dealing with chronic skin issues due to environmental sensitivities or toxin buildup, dandelion can help cleanse the system and restore balance. Its rich vitamin and mineral content also helps maintain your dog's overall vitality.
External Use: Dandelion is effective for addressing skin growths such as warts and skin tags. Its oil or salve form can be applied to these spots to help reduce their size and appearance over time. As a nourishing herb for the skin, dandelion also supports healthy skin regeneration and healing, making it an excellent addition to any skin care regimen.
4. Ashwagandha
Internal Benefits: Ashwagandha is an adaptogen, meaning it helps the body adapt to stress by supporting the nervous system and promoting balance. It works by regulating cortisol levels, which can be crucial for dogs suffering from chronic stress or anxiety, both of which can manifest in skin issues. Internally, Ashwagandha promotes a balanced immune response, making it useful for dogs prone to immune-mediated skin conditions.
External Use: When used externally, Ashwagandha leaves can be simmered to create a soothing poultice that can be applied to swollen or irritated areas on the skin. This herbal poultice helps reduce swelling while promoting the healing of damaged tissues. It’s especially useful for dogs dealing with chronic skin irritation or localized swelling due to hot spots or insect bites.
5. Chickweed
Internal Benefits: Chickweed is a cooling herb that works well for dogs experiencing heat-related skin issues. Its prebiotic properties help maintain a healthy digestive system by supporting beneficial gut bacteria, which can indirectly improve skin health. Chickweed is particularly useful for dogs that are prone to itchy, red skin during warmer months, as it provides both digestive and immune support.
External Use: Externally, chickweed is highly effective for treating hot spots, sores, and dry skin. Simmer the leaves and apply them as a poultice to soothe irritated areas, or use it as a wash to calm ulcerated tissue. The cooling properties of chickweed make it ideal for addressing acute skin irritations like flea bites or areas where dogs scratch excessively, preventing further damage and promoting faster healing.
6. Cleavers
Internal Use: Cleavers are a well-known tonic for the lymphatic system, making them a valuable herb for dogs dealing with chronic imbalances that manifest as skin problems. Cleavers help clear excess fluids and toxins from the body, promoting overall health and reducing the likelihood of skin flare-ups. This herb is especially useful for dogs that suffer from recurring skin infections or conditions linked to poor lymphatic drainage.
External Use: Cleavers can be applied externally as a fresh juice wash to cleanse wounds, skin crusts, and other irritations. It is also known for its ability to reduce swelling, which can be particularly helpful when treating areas of skin affected by infection or irritation.
7. Yellow Dock
Internal Use: Yellow Dock is a potent liver-supporting herb, which plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy skin. It helps cleanse the liver, kidneys, and small intestine, ensuring that toxins are efficiently eliminated from the body. However, due to its strength, Yellow Dock should only be used for short periods and under the supervision of an herbalist or holistic vet, as prolonged use can lead to nutrient imbalances.
External Use: When used topically, Yellow Dock is highly effective in treating burns, itching, insect bites, and general skin irritation. Its natural humectant properties help soothe dry, irritated skin while keeping the area hydrated. This makes it particularly helpful for dogs with eczema, dermatitis, or other dry skin conditions that require moisture and relief from itching.
8. Burdock Root
Internal Use: Burdock Root is a powerful detoxifying herb that works as a body cleanser, supporting the liver and kidneys while balancing hormones. It is known for its ability to clear toxins from the bloodstream, making it an excellent choice for dogs dealing with chronic skin conditions related to internal imbalances. Burdock also acts as a prebiotic, supporting healthy gut flora, which can indirectly improve skin health.
External Use: A decoction of Burdock Root can be used to wash dry, flaky skin and help with hair loss. This natural remedy helps cleanse the skin and soothe irritation, making it a versatile option for dogs suffering from itchy or infected skin. Regular use can promote healthier hair growth and prevent recurring skin issues by addressing both external symptoms and internal causes.
How To Use Herbs For Dog Skin Health
Wondering how to use the herbs above? There are a few different approaches.
Below, I'll walk you through the most common ways to apply the herbs above for dog skin problems ... and the pros and cons of each method.
Tinctures
Tinctures are concentrated herbal extracts and are especially useful when you need quick results or want to ensure a precise dosage. They can be made from a variety of herbs and are easy to store for regular use.
When using tinctures for your dog's skin health, a general rule is to give 1 drop of tincture for every 25 lbs of your dog’s body weight. This should be administered 2-3 times a day, either directly into the dog’s mouth or mixed with food.
Infusions
Infusions are a simple way to deliver herbal benefits through liquid. Infusions are ideal for herbs like calendula or nettles, which release their beneficial properties quickly in water and can support overall skin and immune health.
To prepare, brew 1 ounce of your chosen herb in a quart of hot water. Let the mixture steep for about 30 minutes, then allow it to cool. Once cooled, give your dog 1 tablespoon of the infusion for every 25 lbs of body weight. You can divide this into morning and evening doses for optimal absorption.
Decoctions
Decoctions are used for tougher plant materials like roots or bark, which need more time to release their beneficial compounds. Decoctions are great for herbs like burdock root and yellow dock, which support detoxification and skin healing from the inside.
To make a decoction, simmer 1 ounce of root or bark in a quart of water for 1-2 hours, ensuring that the heat stays low to preserve the herb’s potency. After simmering, strain the liquid and administer it similarly to infusions—1 tablespoon per 25 lbs of body weight.
Poultices And Compresses
Poultices and compresses are excellent for targeting localized skin issues like hot spots, sores, or insect bites. Compresses are made by soaking a cloth in an herbal infusion or decoction and then applying it to the irritated skin. Both methods help to draw out infection and promote faster healing. These external applications can be repeated daily until the skin improves.
For a poultice, chop fresh plant material (such as calendula or chickweed) and apply it directly to the affected area. You can wrap the poultice in clean gauze to keep it in place.
Healing Dog Skin From The Inside Out
Healing chronic skin problems in dogs requires a comprehensive approach that goes beyond just treating the symptoms. Consistency is key—whether you’re using dietary changes, herbal remedies, or other supportive care like massage or chiropractic adjustments, you need to stick with it to see lasting results.
Chronic skin conditions often take months, or even a year, to fully resolve, so patience is essential. Focus on maintaining a balanced diet that supports the skin, rich in essential fatty acids, vitamins, and probiotics. Herbal remedies can act as catalysts for healing, but they work best when combined with regular care and attention to your dog’s overall health.
One of the most overlooked connections to skin problems is gut health. Recurring skin issues may often be linked to conditions like leaky gut, where the digestive tract becomes overly permeable, allowing toxins and allergens to enter the bloodstream. This can lead to systemic inflammation, manifesting in skin flare-ups, itching, and irritation.
To truly heal your dog's skin from the inside out, it's important to address gut health by introducing probiotics, digestive enzymes, and herbs like calendula or dandelion. By treating the root cause—whether it's a gut imbalance or dietary issue—you can prevent future skin problems and support your pup's long-term wellness.
FAQ
How can I treat my dog’s skin infection naturally? To naturally treat your dog's skin infection, focus on using herbal remedies like calendula and burdock root, which promote healing and support the liver and lymphatic system. Adding a raw diet rich in nutrients can also help strengthen the immune system and reduce the likelihood of future infections.
What is the best natural remedy for dog skin allergies? Calendula is one of the best natural remedies for dog skin allergies, as promotes a healthy inflammatory response and supports both the nervous and digestive systems. Essential oils like lavender can also soothe itchy skin while helping manage the symptoms of dog allergies.
What herbs are good for dogs with antifungal benefits? Garlic and yellow dock are excellent herbs with antifungal benefits that can help manage dog skin conditions caused by yeast and fungal infections. These herbs also support the liver and lymphatic system, aiding in overall detoxification and healing.
How do you treat severe skin problems in dogs? To treat severe dog skin conditions, use a holistic approach that includes herbs with anti-inflammatory properties like ashwagandha, alongside a raw diet that supports the immune system. Regular use of essential oils and herbal poultices can also provide relief from your dog’s itchy skin and support long-term healing.
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