The Benefits Of Colloidal Oatmeal For Dogs

If you’ve ever had a bad rash or skin issue, you’ve probably experienced the soothing relief of a colloidal oatmeal bath. From chicken pox to poison ivy, a colloidal oatmeal bath is often the remedy of choice. 

Believe it or not, dogs can suffer from skin irritation and rashes too. Insect bites, environmental allergies, rolling in weird things in the yard, there are lots of ways your dog can develop itching and irritation. When you have an itchy dog, it can be difficult to find the cause and soothe the itch. So you may be wondering if colloidal oatmeal can benefit your dog’s skin the same way it benefits yours. 

Wonder no more! We have the details about colloidal oatmeal, what it does, and how it can help your dog. If you’re ready to learn about the benefits of colloidal oatmeal for dogs, keep on reading!

What Is Colloidal Oatmeal?

What exactly is colloidal oatmeal? What makes it such a miracle product when it comes to treating itch and irritation? It turns out that all of the nutrients that make oatmeal so good for you internally also work wonders externally. 

Colloidal oatmeal is made of whole oats ground into a fine powder. Colloidal oatmeal is full of beneficial proteins, fats, and vitamins.

When used topically, colloidal oatmeal is considered an emollient which means it works to soften the skin. It also provides a layer of protection for the skin that helps prevent it from losing moisture. But that’s not all; It is also a gentle cleanser because of the lipids and saponins it contains. And the combination of nutrients in colloidal oatmeal makes it effective at preventing an inflammatory response on the skin. 

Its benefits don’t even stop there! Some other benefits provided by colloidal oatmeal include:

• Relief from insect bites
• Hydration
• Redness reduction
• Itch relief
• Antioxidant-effects
• Mild anti-microbial properties

It’s no wonder this powerhouse ingredient is used so often with skin issues. The benefits of colloidal oatmeal are so well documented clinically that it has even been approved by the FDA as a skin protectant!

Should I Use Colloidal Oatmeal For My Dog?

Colloidal oatmeal is just as good for your dog as it is for you. Even if your dog isn’t suffering from skin irritation or itch, you can occasionally add it to your dog’s bath to promote skin health. The occasional oatmeal bath will help your dog’s skin stay hydrated and healthy. When used with other moisturizing bath products, the oatmeal will form a barrier that helps keep those beneficial moisturizing ingredients in. 

It can also relieve the symptoms of numerous skin problems that are common in our pups. Colloidal oatmeal can provide relief if your dog suffers from:

• Flea allergy dermatitis
• Skin allergies
• Flaking skin
• Hot spots
• Atopic dermatitis
• Dry skin
• Oily Skin
• Puppy acne

It’s important to note that colloidal oatmeal won’t cure your dog’s skin condition if it’s due to an underlying disease; it will only relieve the itch and irritation so other treatments can do their job. If your dog has a skin condition, make sure you visit your vet so you can get the best course of treatment. 

Another important thing to note is that if your dog’s itchy skin is caused by a yeast infection, you do not want to use colloidal oatmeal. The carbohydrates within the oatmeal will actually feed the yeast and help it flourish (something you absolutely don’t want).

 

How To Use Colloidal Oatmeal For Your Dog

You can make an oatmeal bath for your dog with ingredients you have in your kitchen. Just throw 1 cup of whole oat oatmeal in a blender or food processor, and grind until it’s a fine powder. Make sure you use oatmeal with no added sugar or other ingredients. 

Add the oatmeal to your dog's bath, add your dog, and pour the oatmeal water over your dog, making sure to get close to the skin. Rinse your dog thoroughly to get rid of any oatmeal chunks. Your dog will smell a little like breakfast, but this will get them itch-free.

A DIY oatmeal bath is quick and easy, but since your dog is in the tub, why not make sure they’re getting the benefit of other skin-nourishing ingredients too? Products from Fido Fizzies combine the power of oatmeal with other amazing skin-nourishing ingredients.

Use a bath bomb for dogs to quickly add both oatmeal and moisturizing essential oils to your dog’s tub. It’s as easy as running a bath and dropping in a bath bomb! The bath bomb will dissolve, releasing the colloidal oatmeal. To get the full effect, use a cup or a pitcher to pour the treated water all over your dog. Gently rub the oatmeal into your dog’s fur to help it get all the way to the skin.

If you like a foaming product for your dog that packs an anti-itch punch, try the Stop The Itch Bath Soak. In addition to soothing colloidal oatmeal, it also contains buttermilk which foams and helps the ingredients get all the way to the skin. You’ll also find niaouli and lavender essential oils in the ingredient list. Niaouli is known to be an antiseptic and packs a big punch when it comes to healing. And lavender’s antifungal properties are important here too, while also wafting its relaxing scent in the bathroom.

There are so many soothing options for your itchy pup! Has your dog walked through a questionable patch of plants? Do they have cracked dry paw pads? You can treat your pupper’s irritated feet with some relaxing paw melts. These won’t require a whole bathtub. Use a basin or bowl big enough to soak your pup’s feet then pat them dry. 

When preparing an oatmeal bath, make sure the water isn’t too warm. Water that is too hot will be uncomfortable for your dog and also make dry skin and irritation worse. Have a soft towel handy, and blot your dog dry instead of rubbing. Rubbing will make any irritation worse. 

Remember to only use commercial products that specify they are for dogs. Products for humans have different pH and can cause more skin irritation for your dog. 

 

Don’t wait until your dog is scratching and miserable. Keep some colloidal oatmeal products on hand now to keep her skin hydrated and her coat shiny! 

Have questions about other dog bath products or essential oils? Take a look at our FAQ page to learn more.