Oatmeal is made of oat groats (i.e. grains) that have either been ground, crushed, steel-cut, or rolled. Ground oats are also called "white oats". Steel-cut oats are known as "coarse oatmeal" or "Irish oatmeal" or "pinhead oats". The term "oatmeal" is also used in the U.S. and parts of Canada to mean oat porridge.

Oatmeal can help treat a variety of canine skin problems, including dry skin, hives, dandruff/seborrhea, and hot spots. Oatmeal eases itching and irritation on the skin, so it often serves as a topical treatment for dogs and people suffering from allergies. Saponins in oatmeal are what make it an effective skin cleanser. Starches in oats make them retain water and form a protective barrier on the skin, which helps relieve dryness. Phenols provide anti-inflammatory effects, which also helps relieve your dog's itching.

Dry skin can have many causes, including using harsh grooming products, a poor diet or allergies.

Oatmeal Soak:

Blend one cup of plain, uncooked oatmeal in a blender or food processor until it is a fine powder. You can use instant or regular oatmeal. This will ensure that the oatmeal dissolves quickly in water. It’s recommended that you place a non-slip bathtub mat down before starting the bath. Oatmeal can be slippery and you want your dog to be as safe and comfortable as possible during bathing. Fill your bath with lukewarm water until it is at a level that reaches your dog’s chest when standing up. Stir oatmeal into the water until it dissolves into water. Place your dog into the bath. Using a cup or your hands, scoop up the oatmeal water and pour over your dog’s back, head (avoid their eyes) and stomach. Continue to pour the oatmeal water over your dog for 10-15 minutes. Remove your dog from the bath without rinsing and dry their skin with a towel. The oatmeal solution will leave a protective layer on their skin and help to eliminate itchiness.

Oatmeal Rub:

An alternative to the oatmeal soak method is a technique by which you rub oatmeal on your dog’s skin. Combine 1/2 cup of plain, uncooked oatmeal with 1/2 cup of water. You can use instant or regular oatmeal. Stir until the mixture becomes gooey. Use cheesecloth, an old stocking or sock and put the oatmeal mixture into the cloth. Tie ends together tightly with a string or rubber band. Place your dog into your bathtub. You can either fill the tub with water, or just use a bowl or cup to pour water over your dog to rinse their skin. Rinse your dog’s skin and fur with warm water. Rub the oatmeal filled cloth over their wet skin using circular motions. Do this all over your dog’s body – particularly in areas that are most itchy. Continue to do this for 5-10 minutes. Rinse your dog lightly with warm water and dry their skin with a towel. Don’t worry about thoroughly rinsing their skin, as the oatmeal will act as a protective layer and help eliminate itchiness.

Oatmeal and Baking Soda Bath:

Grind oats in a food processor, this reduces them to a fine powder that dissolves easily in water. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 part baking soda, 2 parts oatmeal, and 3 parts water. Fill your bath with enough cool water that your dog will be submerged just to his belly. Place your dog in the bath and carefully pour the oatmeal slurry over your dog's coat and gently rub it into his skin, avoiding his eyes. Lift the fur so the mixture gets onto his skin. Allow the slurry to mix with the bath water to get him soaked all over. Once your dog is coated in the slurry, drain the water and rinse him with more cool water. Gently pat your dog dry -- rubbing too vigorously can aggravate itchy skin. Cool water is better for soothing itchy skin.

Baking soda is a deodorizer, mild abrasive and itchy skin soother. Baking soda also provides a foaming action when combined with certain chemicals, which helps lift dirt and odours from your dog's coat. Remember that baking soda combined with some other chemicals can be effervescent, so always dispose of leftover baking soda mixtures, and never store them in sealed containers.

Oatmeal Paste:

Start with a half-cup of oatmeal and a half-cup of warm water. Combine the oatmeal and water into a spreadable paste and apply it to your dog's irritated skin. Cover the paste with a warm towel and keep your dog quiet for about 10 minutes to allow the oatmeal to do its work. Repeat up to three times a day.

Within a few days, you should start to see improvement in your dog's skin condition and a reduction in his itchiness. If your dog doesn't improve, contact your veterinarian's office for an evaluation to determine the cause of your dog's skin problem.

Home - made Oatmeal Shampoo:

1 Cup of Oatmeal • 1 Cup of Baking Soda • 4 Cups of Warm Water • 1 Teaspoon of baby/puppy shampoo
You can also add 2ozs of glycerin for extra moisturising and apple cider vinegar as a flea repellant

Grind up the oatmeal in a blender as for oatmeal baths to work, your oatmeal has to have the consistency of flour. Mix the oatmeal with the rest of the ingredients and shake! Apply the shampoo to your dog’s wet coat, and massage it in for several minutes before rinsing. The baking soda in the shampoo will dissolve any foul odours, and the oatmeal will sooth and cleanse the skin

KELCO OATS FUR COATS SHAMPOO - contains Oatmeal and Aloe Vera, which is widely used to control itching caused by allergies, dandruff, fungus, bacteria, mange and hot spots.