Vegetable Oil for Dog Itching

Vegetable oil contains omega-6 fatty acids, which help the dog's coat inside and out. Rub the oil into your dog's skin or feed it to him so that it helps internally. When rubbed onto the skin, the oil works to sooth the skin and moisturize it. When fed to the dog, the vegetable oil's omega-6 fatty acids make the dog's skin moist from the inside out. You can choose to use both methods or just one.

Dip your forefinger and middle finger in vegetable oil and rub it into the dry area. If you want to make the experience more pleasant for the dog, heat the oil until barely warm. This will not only make the skin moist, but the motion of rubbing the oil into the skin along with the heat can serve as a gentle massage for the dog. Make sure the dog's skin absorbs the oil or you risk getting oil all over your home and furniture. Too much oil can also clog the skin's pores and prevent essential oils from being secreted.

WebMD recommends mixing 1 teaspoon vegetable oil into a small dog's food and adding 1 tablespoon to a large dog's food. Feeding your dog too much oil could cause diarrhea. You never want to feed oil directly to your dog. Always mix it in so that you're sure your dog gets enough food with the oil, which will also cut down on the chances of diarrhea.

Too much oil can lead to loose stools and diarrhea. If the diarrhea continues for too long, it could cause dehydration. If your dog begins to have loose stools, cut back on the amount of oil until you find a good balance that helps his itching, but doesn't change the consistency of his stools. Always consult an experienced veterinarian regarding the health and treatment of your pet.