I have a 6 yr old poodle mix that has had chronic skin problems since age 3 yr. I have had him tested for diabetes, hypothyroidism, autoimmune diseases. This dog has been on antibiotics off and on for four years. I now live in the Caribbean and of course with the humidity it just hangs around. I have cut his hair down very short. I keep him dry when he gets wet, I give him cod liver oil, tumeric root, I have bathed him in the sea and with coconut water (which the islanders swear by) and nothing is helping him. I even put triple antibiotic powder on his skin.
He had the same problem back in the States but it would only come twice a year. These bouts also required cortisone shots and I am NOT crazy about cortisone therapy.
Please don’t suggest changing his food. There is only Pedigree on the Island (for now). Next week it might be Purina only on the shelf.
Any holistic or traditional suggestions would be appreciated!
Elizabeth
Tags: Dog chronic skin problems help, holistic help for dog with chronic skin problems
Hi Elizabeth,
Skin problems are tough. I used to have a golden retriever who would get hot spots that NOTHING would take care of, until I changed his food to avoderm. The oil in the avocados seemed to take care of the problem and we did not have any further issues during the rest of his life.
We now have an office cat that has contact dermatitis, extreme allergic reaction to fleas. Her brother does not have it. If she gets bitten by fleas she gets a rash in multiple areas of her body and goes crazy itching. Diet is helping her, but the only thing that really takes care of it is using a one-spot treatment plus diet.
Let’s see if our pros have any other suggestion for you?
Taylor
Blog Administrator
http://www.vetlocator.com
Have you tried BLACK SESAME OIL? Apply liberally to spots on skin and add a few drops, maybe a tsp. full in it’s food daily. Also bathe with SELSUN BLUE SHAMPOO once a week, it may be a fungus. I have a male Yorkie who had skin problems, but is doing better now. I also use coconut conditioner with good results.
You could try all the crazy concoctions there are but the bottom line is that your dog could be suffering from a vitamin deficiency.
Just like people, they need nutrients that come from their food and if they dont have it, all sorts of heath issues can pop up. The good thing is that all sorts of food have these vitamins. I would suggest preparing natural foods from scratch, that way you know exactly what she is eating and following a food elimination diet- slowly adding in certain foods until you are certain she is not allergic to them. Skin problems will go away with the proper nutrients and elimination of any food allergies-Gluten,corn meal, wheat etc.
Since you live on an island- just look online for recipes that you can cook for dogs and your girl will be on her way to a happy healthy life! Bon-appetit!
Have you tried taking him to a specialist to be tested for atopic dermatitis. This happened to my lab. Constantly itching, puking and also had epilptic fits. He was diagnosed with atopic dermatitis and unfortunately a small regular dose of predniolone (cortisone) every second day is his only saviour. Tried immunotherapy for 2 years but it did not work. We also bathe him weekly with Malaseb shampoo (stops any bacteria getting out of control). We also give him a very healthy diet and supplement him with “missing link” powder (very high omega 3 supplement). Specialists do cost a lot but I have to say in this instance he rarely pukes or has a fit now and while I know the cortisone is doing long term damage its all we can do to make his life bearable. We control his dose depending on the time of year and I can tell if he’s getting uncomfortable now after a lot of observation. OR possibly your pooch could have a food allergy. Unfortunately these are not holistic approaches but my dogs condition appeared to be chronic but I’m always on the lookout for better ideas. Make sure your dog is “comfortable” in the meantime. As a caring owner you know what he must be going through every minute of every day. Good luck.