Heat and rubbing the dogs skin will increase your dogs itch, making the bath ineffective. Fatty Acids, found in either marine oils or evening primrose oil, can be very effective in easing an itch. You can try giving one of these fatty acid supplements. It will take several weeks before the benefit will take effect, so they are for treating long term problems rather than an on-off irritation. You can find these at your local health food store.
Antihistamines can sometimes be effective with short term itches.
Be sure to consult your veterinarian first. Your vet will give you the proper dosage and tell you if this will be a good thing to try for your dogs problem. Top Ten Worst Itching Offenders 1. Airborne allergens like pollen, which result in hay fever 3. Parasites, such as ear mites, scabies or cheyletiellosis, also known as walking dandruff 4.