Pantry to the Rescue With Safe, Soothing Skin Remedies for Cats and Dogs
- Brainz Magazine
- Jun 11
- 7 min read
Updated: Jun 12
Angela Kearney is a holistic therapist for people and pets. She is a Registered Animal Healer, Reiki Master Practitioner, Bach Foundation Registered Animal Practitioner and Pet Bereavement counsellor. Angela offers healing and consultations for animals (and their humans) in London, UK.
Simple, natural remedies to help calm your pet's minor itches, scratches, and skin upsets straight from your kitchen cupboard.
Pets have an incredible knack for getting into scrapes, sometimes quite literally. Whether it's an ambitious leap gone wrong, a bramble bush that fought back, or a seasonal itch that's become an obsession, these little dramas are all part of sharing life with an animal. Your veterinarian should always be your first point of contact for anything beyond a superficial ailment or injury.
Sometimes, we can ease and even heal minor issues with simple care when professional help isn't immediately at hand.
Thankfully, help is often closer than you think. Inside our kitchen cupboards are simple yet effective first-aid options from natural ingredients that can help soothe and heal sore or irritated skin. Chamomile tea makes a calming eye rinse, and apple cider vinegar and oats offer skin-soothing benefits. Baking soda or Himalayan salt can gently clean wounds and reduce inflammation. These remedies have been proven effective and can provide relief to your pet.
It's important to note that these remedies are safe for minor topical issues only when veterinary care is not immediately available. They are not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis or professional treatment. If a wound is deep, infected, or not improving, always seek professional veterinary advice.
So, let's explore some foodie first aid for our furry companions!
1. Chamomile
Chamomile, Matricaria chamomilla, is a beautiful, herbaceous plant with a delightful, apple-like scent. It contains an impressive list of healing compounds and constituents that are antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-allergic, making it perfect for soothing sore, itchy skin when applied topically.
It's beneficial for conjunctivitis and seasonal allergic reactions that cause streaming eyes or raw, inflamed skin. It also makes a gentle rinse for wounds, hot spots, and general itchiness.
How to use chamomile for pets
I prefer dried organic herbs, but organic chamomile tea bags will suffice.
For eye care
Steep dried organic chamomile (or an organic tea bag) in boiled water for 3–5 minutes. Let cool to room temperature.
Apply using a lint-free organic cotton pad, a soft, boiled cloth, or muslin. Gently wipe the closed eye or skin area—don't drop directly into the eye. The skin around the eye is delicate, and the beneficial compounds will be absorbed through the membranes, reaching the affected area.
Use a fresh pad or cloth for each eye to prevent contamination. Clean affected areas 3–4 times daily.
For skin relief and wounds
Apply the infusion at room temperature, 2-3 times daily with a cotton pad, clean cloth, or soft gauze.
For particularly sensitive wounds or itchy skin, you may rinse the area by drawing the solution into a syringe or using a spray bottle. Always apply at room temperature.
If symptoms don't improve or worsen, consult your vet.
Tip: Refrigerate leftovers in a clean glass container for up to 24 hours. Warm to room temperature before use to make your pet more comfortable.
2. Himalayan salt
A simple saltwater solution isn't just beneficial for eye care; it's also an excellent natural wound rinse. Saline is cleansing, mildly antiseptic, and supports the body's natural healing process by helping to flush out debris, prevent infection, and promote tissue repair. Because saltwater closely mimics some of the body's fluids, it won't sting like some chemical antiseptics, making it a gentle but effective option for minor wounds, scratches, and abrasions.
Himalayan salt or sea salt are preferred for their purity, mineral richness, and lower sodium content, making them a more natural and balanced option for humans and pets.
How to use Himalayan salt for pets
Dissolve one teaspoon of Himalayan or sea salt per 250 ml (8.5 fl oz) of boiled water. Cool to room temperature.
Eye bath: Use a sterile dropper to apply 3–4 drops in each eye 2–3 times daily. Room temperature only.
Warm eye compress: For this method, you may use a warm (not hot) solution. Dip a cotton pad in the solution, remove the excess liquid, and hold it over the closed eye for 10–15 seconds. Excellent for swelling.
Wound rinse: Gently pour the solution over the area or dab it using a clean pad. Repeat 2–3 times daily. Room temperature only.
If the wound worsens or signs of infection appear, seek veterinary care.
3. Apple cider vinegar
That dusty bottle at the back of your pantry still has its moment! Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is excellent for pets, especially when used externally to soothe itchy skin or repel fleas and ticks.
Always use diluted, organic, raw, unfiltered ACV with the "mother" for the best probiotic and enzymatic benefits. However, even filtered ACV can be effective for external use.
Caution: Never apply to broken or raw skin. Always dilute and patch-test before using. If irritation occurs, discontinue use and rinse the area with plain water. It is not suitable for cats or inflamed ears.
How to use apple cider vinegar for pets
Itchy skin/coat rinse: 1:1 ratio (ACV: water) in a spray bottle. Mist over the coat, avoid eyes and broken skin. Air-dry.
Paw soak: 1:3 ratio (ACV: water). Soak paws for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Pat dry, don't rinse.
Ear cleaner (dogs only): 1:5 ratio (ACV: water). Wipe the outer ear only with a damp cotton ball. Never pour liquid directly into the ear. Use a dry cotton pad or soft cloth to remove any excess moisture. If your dog shows signs of discomfort, do not continue. Not for use on cats.
Flea/tick spray: 1:1 ratio (ACV: water). Spray before walks and outdoor time, targeting neck, tail base, and legs. Avoid face or broken skin.
4. Oats
You might not be Goldilocks, and you probably don't have a bear at home, but oats could be the perfect, "just right" remedy for your furry friend's minor skin troubles. Simple, gentle, and surprisingly effective, oats have long been a go-to natural treatment for dry, itchy, or irritated skin.
The natural saponins help to cleanse and hydrate, while beta-glucans support skin healing and reduce inflammation. Whether it's soothing an allergy flare-up or softening cracked paws, oats might be the golden solution your pet needs.
How to use oats for pets
Oatmeal bath for itchy or dry skin: Grind 1 cup of oats into a fine powder. Tie in a sock, stocking, or muslin bag, then soak in warm bath water. Squeeze to release the milky liquid, and let your pet soak for 10 minutes. No rinse is needed, just towel dry.
Paw soak: Using the method above, add ½ cup ground oats to a shallow bowl of warm water. Soak paws for 2–3 minutes. Do not rinse. Gently dry.
Oatmeal paste: Mix 2–3 tbsp ground oats with water or fresh aloe gel to form a paste. Apply to irritated areas or minor wounds for 5–10 minutes. Rinse gently, then dry.
Sunburn or minor burn soak: Use lukewarm water with 1 cup of ground oats using the sock method. Soak your pet for 5–10 minutes. Do not rinse. Gentle towel dry.
5. Baking soda
Baking Soda or Bicarbonate of Soda, depending on where you are on the map, has been a kitchen cupboard hero for years. You might use it to make cakes rise or to freshen up your fridge, but our pets can also benefit. It's not just for baking; it's a gentle, effective remedy for minor pet issues.
Baking soda has mild anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it great for soothing irritated or itchy skin. It helps balance pH and reduce discomfort from insect bites, rashes, or allergic reactions.
How to use baking soda for pets
Paste for itches or bites: Mix 1–2 tbsp baking soda with water to make a paste. Gently apply. Leave a few minutes, then rinse. This paste works wonders for minor rashes or hot spots.
Dry shampoo: Sprinkle lightly onto dry fur. Massage gently, then brush out. This method helps absorb oils and leaves your pet smelling fresh.
Paw soak: Dissolve 1 tbsp baking soda in warm water. Soak paws for 5–10 minutes. Dry thoroughly. If your pet has walked on hot pavement or rough, uneven surfaces, this remedy can provide soothing relief.
Final thoughts
Hippocrates famously said, "Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food." He may not have been thinking about pet first aid. Still, the principle remains relevant to all living things, especially in holistic and integrative health approaches, where food and nutrition play a key role in prevention and recovery.
With a few pantry staples and a little know-how, you can provide real relief for minor skin issues and help your pet feel more comfortable.
So, the next time your pet has a mild itch, scrape, or sting, reach for your kitchen cupboard before you panic. You might find the perfect solution already within arm's reach.
Always consult your vet for anything beyond minor concerns, and monitor your pet closely after any home treatment.
Read more from Angela Kearney
Angela Kearney, Holistic Therapist for People and Pets
Angela Kearney is a holistic practitioner and advocate of holistic living for both humans and animals. During a profoundly challenging time in her life, she turned to Reiki and Bach Flower Remedies in search of safe, gentle, and non-addictive healing therapies. When her young cat was diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy, Angela was determined to support him wholly. This led to a new career path as she expanded her knowledge, qualifying as a Reiki Practitioner and Teacher, Bach Foundation Registered Animal Practitioner (BFRAP), and Registered Animal Healer. Angela’s multimodal approach to pet wellbeing yields transformative results, addressing the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of every animal.
