If you own a German Shepherd, you’ve probably gone through the excessive body licking and chewing stage. This is a pretty common occurrence in all dogs when they experience skin itchiness.
If you were able to alleviate the irritation and identify the core problem, then there’s nothing to worry about. Otherwise, excessive licking or scratching can lead to serious infections and wounds.
Thus, we’ve compiled a list of the best anti-itch spray for German Shepherd dogs. We’ll also go over three of the most common causes of itchiness, so let’s get started!
The Top 4 Anti-itch Sprays for German Shepherds
Best Overall: Vetericyn Hot Spot Spray
Our first pick will be the Vetericyn hot spot spray, which is one of the most effective anti-itch sprays available on the market. Although it’s the most expensive product on our list, it’s undoubtedly well worth the cost.
Spraying it on your doggo’s irritated areas will immediately relieve them so he won’t feel the urge of licking or biting them. This is critical during the healing process of any affected area.
You see, the more your canine licks to alleviate the pain, the more likely it is to cause inflammation and infection. That’s why this spray works like a charm in treating hot spots, dermatitis, and other similar conditions in German Shepherds.
We also like how it’s made entirely of non-toxic ingredients, which means your buddy is unlikely to experience any side effects. Vetericyn doesn’t include any antibiotics or steroids; instead, it employs hypochlorous technology.
Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is known for its astounding effects on skin protection and repair. It’s fantastic for fighting bacteria, reducing inflammation, and speeding up the healing process while being extremely gentle on the skin.
Runner-Up: Wondercide Skin Tonic Hot Spot & Itch Relief Spray
In this spray, Wondercide harnessed the power of essential oils, and they didn’t disappoint! Their spray is slightly less expensive than Vetericyn, but we can’t say it’s any less effective.
It’s incredible how this Wondercide spray contains only natural ingredients, relying on essential oils like:
- Neem
- Lavender
- Cedarwood
- Lemongrass
This powerful mix will instantly calm the infected area and alleviate any associated pain. For example, animal studies have shown that cedarwood can reduce inflammation and swelling. Similarly, lemongrass has potent anti-inflammatory properties in animals.
Since it’s an all-natural spray, it’s completely safe to use on your German Shepard of any age and will have no adverse reactions. One minor drawback of this product is that it may cause a quick stinging sensation when applied to your doggo.
You should also keep in mind that lemongrass oil can leave yellow stains on your furniture. Luckily, there won’t be any visible discoloration on German Shepherds because of their dark coats.
Best Budget: Vet’s Best Dog Hot Spot Itch Relief Spray
The Vet’s Best itch relief spray is the way to go if you’re currently on a tight budget and want to treat your furry friend. It’s the least expensive option on our list, but it still gets the job done.
The effectiveness of this spray relies on the properties of three natural ingredients:
- Chamomile
- Tea tree oil
- Aloe vera
First off, chamomile tea has long been used to relieve itchiness and inflammation in canines. In fact, chamomile soaks are considered one of the most efficient home remedies for relieving skin irritations.
Then there’s tea tree oil, which has antibacterial properties that help in preventing topical bacterial and yeast infections. This allows the infected area to heal faster and without complications. Not to mention that this oil also has anti-inflammatory properties.
Lastly, aloe vera helps in cooling the burning sensation while keeping your doggo’s skin hydrated.
If you choose to use this spray, you need to follow the directions on the label. Be aware that excessive amounts of tea tree oil can be toxic to dogs and that it shouldn’t be ingested. Moreover, it’s not advised to use this spray on puppies younger than 12 weeks old.
Best All-Natural: Bodhi Dog Anti-itch Oatmeal Spray
Bodhi Dog outdid itself with this all-natural spray! This spray contains the perfect blend of oatmeal, baking soda, and vitamins A, D, and E. They work together to quickly soothe itchiness and keep your dog’s skin moisturized.
This spray is safe for all ages and won’t cause any harm if ingested. It’s even suitable for sensitive skin as it doesn’t contain any toxic ingredients.
The cherry on top is that baking soda works as a deodorizer. Since it absorbs foul odors by nature, your buddy will smell fresher for longer.
Ultimately, you can’t go wrong with the Bodhi Dog spray. Its ingredients are so well thought out and proven to calm skin irritation while being safe for your furry friend.
What Causes Itchiness in German Shepherds?
Now that you know how to calm your dog’s skin irritation, it’s time to learn about its possible causes. There are numerous causes of excessive itchiness in canines, but here are three of the most common:
1. Allergic Dermatitis
Allergic dermatitis is an inflammatory skin condition associated with allergies. German Shepherds’ bodies, like those of most dogs, can overreact to certain allergens.
For instance, you might notice your buddy itching after inhaling airborne substances such as pollen or dust. He can also develop this condition if he eats something to which he is allergic.
Allergic dermatitis typically affects the following areas:
- Feet
- Ears
- Armpits
- Front legs
- Face
2. Flea Allergy Dermatitis
Flea allergy dermatitis is a type of allergic dermatitis brought on by a flea bite. When fleas begin to feed, they inject a small amount of saliva into the canine’s body. The antigens or proteins in the saliva cause intense itchiness, particularly in the following body parts:
- Thigh
- Groin
- Rump
- Tail
3. Bacterial or Fungal Infections
Several bacteria and fungi normally live on your dog’s skin. However, their negative effects are controlled by his immune system, so when it’s compromised, bacterial and fungal infections can occur.
These infections cause flaky skin, which leads to itching. They can also cause inflammation, hair loss, and an unpleasant odor.
Wrapping Up
We hope you can now pinpoint the cause of your German Shepherd’s itchiness. Regardless of the condition, investing in an anti-itching spray is critical for the healing process. Besides, it’ll help make your lifelong companion feel more at ease.
The Vetericyn hot spot spray is the best anti-itch spray for German Shepherd dogs, but eventually, it all comes down to your preferences!
