[CorkyMax]

Itching:
It is typically caused by dry skin, fleas, or allergies, and the resultant scratching can produce hair loss, skin damage, and severe infections. Which itch is it? With fleas, pets tend to scratch the back half of their body, usually above the tail and down the back of the legs. Dogs with hay fever scratch the front half of their body, while cats with hay fever scratch the entire body.
Food allergies cause dogs to itch all over and cats to itch around the face and neck.

Incessant itching can be triggered by an allergy, such as hay fever. Giving your dog or cat 1 to 3 milligrams (not ounces!!) of Benadryl for every pound your pet weighs can relieve the itching. CONSULT YOUR VET FOR THE PROPER DOSAGE FOR YOUR PET.

Itching can be caused by a flea allergy, which can be caused by just 1 flea bite! Or your pet may be suffering from a flea infestation. See this thread for info on taking care of fleas:
Fleas--Got 'Em?--Get Rid of 'Em!

A cool, 10 min bath provides fast , temporary relief from itchy skin for at least several hours.

To provide relief from itching and burning caused by a mild skin irritation, dab apple cider vinegar on the affected area.

To relieve itchy dry, skin and alleviate constant scratching, use a blender to grind 1 cup dry oatmeal into a fine powder. Cut off the foot from a clean, used pair sheer panty hose, fill with the powdered oats, and tie a knot in the nylon. Tie the oatmeal sachet to the spigot, letting it dangle in the flow of water as the tub fills with cool water. Bathe your pet for five to ten mins. in this inexpensive and soothing oatmeal solution.

Rubbing some olive oil into your pet's itchy skin soothes the pain, reduces inflammation, and promotes healing.

Dry skin generally causes itchy skin, so moisturizing your pet's skin can instantly relieve the itch. Pour 1/4 capful of Avon Skin So Soft Bath Oil in a 16 ounce trigger-spray bottle, fill the rest of the spray bottle with water, shake vigorously, and spray this solution on your pet. Gently rub the solution into your pet's skin. Brush your pet well to help distribute evenly and thoroughly.

If your pet suffers from itchy feet, fill the bathtub with 1 to 2 inches of water (enough to cover your pet's paws) and dissolve 3 cups of Epson Salt in the water. Stand your dog or cat in the tub for 5 to 10 mins, allowing the Epsom Salt to relieve the itch. DO NOT LET YOUR PET DRINK THE WATER SINCE THIS SALT CAN HAVE A LAXATIVE EFFECT. Remove your pet from the tub and gently pat his feet dry.

If your dog is plauged with an itchy belly rash, dust your dog's belly with dry cornstarch. The cornstarch absorbs moisture, keeping the area dry, and it is perfectly safe if your dog should lick it off.

Hot Spots: (Wet, red skin eruptions)
For Dogs only--Mix equal parts Listerine antiseptic mouthwash, baby oil, and water in a 16 ounce trigger-spray bottle and spray the solution on your dog's hot spots and massage it into your pet's skin. The Listerine seems to work as a fungicide. The baby oil moisturizes the spot, providing relief.

For Dogs and Cats:
Wet a maxi pad with cool water, wring it well, and then apply it as a soothing compress to the hot spot for 10 to 15 mins, several times a day. The cool compress soothes the itchiness and soften ups any crust to allow for better cleaning.

To clean a hot spot and kill any bacteria, saturate a cotton ball with Betadine Solution and dab the area 2 or 3 times a day.

Keep the hot spot clean by washing it regularly with Dove unscented soap. This gentle soap eradicates any bacteria causing the problem.

To relieve hot spots, saturate a tea bag with cold water and hold it against the hot spot to provide relief. The tannic acid in the tea will help reduce secretions, dry the skin, and soothe any irritation. Or brew a strong cup of tea, let cool to room temp. and then wash the hot spot with the tea.

If the hot spot fails to improve after 24 hrs. of your home treatment, take your pet to the vet to get a prescription for a topical or oral antibiotic.

Acne:
If your dog or cat develops acne pimples on the chin around the face, do not squeeze the pimples or apply acne medications formulated for people, which can worsen the problem for pets.
Gently scrub your pet's face with Ivory soap and a washcloth dampened with warm water to clean off bacteria and loosen any substance plugging up the oil glands. Rinse off the soap with warm water.