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Barnyard Buddies:  Dog with skin problems - HELP!!  |
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craftystranger
True Blue Farmgirl
525 Posts
Barbara
Franklin
NC
USA
525 Posts |
 Posted - Jun 26 2010 : 05:03:33 AM
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Okay girls this is my problem. I have a newfie mix from the pound. About 3 yrs ago he would start pulling his hair out in the spring. I have had the vet test his skin - no help. We thought maybe he was allergic to fleas - so now he is being treated - no help but no fleas. I have added olive oil to his diet, tried changing his diet to a more organic diet - helped some but not much. He itches and scratches from spring to fall. I know that he is miserable. Does anyone have any ideas? Barbara
Don't forget to laugh! |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22944 Posts
22944 Posts |
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craftystranger
True Blue Farmgirl
525 Posts
Barbara
Franklin
NC
USA
525 Posts |
Posted - Jun 26 2010 : 05:51:36 AM
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He has lived in this house his whole life. No new plants in the yard. It seems stange that it starts in the spring. That's why we first thought fleas. Oh LOL he hates the heat...He just runs outside for his business then returns. Now in the winter it is a different story. Poor baby he was born in the south. Barbara
Don't forget to laugh! |
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vegetarian farmer
True Blue Farmgirl
249 Posts
Jane
Freedom
pa
USA
249 Posts |
Posted - Jun 26 2010 : 05:55:18 AM
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Yep, sounds like allergies. I have two and twelve years later you just find a happy medium. I am surprised your vet didn't think allergies. The way dog allergies work is they can be allergic to ten things and show no symptoms, you add the 11th allergin and they have symptoms. That is why a strict diet is your starting point.If it is something in the food and you take it out it, you may get result with out medication. They have allergy formulas. I use fish and potato, no chicken, corn, soy, wheat, beef, eggs, dairy. Plus they have a good amount of omega 3 oils which is what they need. Then both get vitamin e for skin also. Next is treating, one dog is on year round low dose steriods, but she is 15 so I don't worry to much about side effects and she is so severe she will lick and chew all her fur off and create infected sores on her feet, legs, and belly. Dog 2 is on zyrtec, but I would try doggie antihistimins first. You may need to get a new vet who is more educated on allergy treatment. There are many different dog allergy medication out there that may work for you. I have been to dog Allergist and tried just about every route out there. A good clean allergy dog food helps but remember that means no cookies, bones, or any other treats. Also you should bathe an allergic dog once a week to keep any allergins off the dog. That really helped with the older dog. After a weekly bath you got 24 hours of peace. Good luck
Jane
http://hardworkhomestead.blogspot.com/ |
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craftystranger
True Blue Farmgirl
525 Posts
Barbara
Franklin
NC
USA
525 Posts |
Posted - Jun 26 2010 : 06:01:32 AM
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Thanks Jane I did forget that we tried steriods not much help. You feed them fish and potatoes? What type of fish? Cooked or raw? I am willing to try anything....Barbara
Don't forget to laugh! |
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katalind
True Blue Farmgirl
177 Posts
Kathy
Chapin
SC
USA
177 Posts |
Posted - Jun 26 2010 : 07:38:16 AM
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| My dog had this problem and I thought it was allergies but later found out she had a yeast infection of the skin. We got her on the right medicine and it cleared all up. She gets them every year, and now that I know what it is I take her in for the medicine at the first sign so she doesn't make herself bald. |
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vegetarian farmer
True Blue Farmgirl
249 Posts
Jane
Freedom
pa
USA
249 Posts |
Posted - Jun 26 2010 : 07:41:38 AM
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Barbara, I buy Blue Buffalo brand dog food Fish and potato dry dog food. Science diet makes a type of fish and potato dry dog food as do a few other companies like Eukanuba perscription formula .It is important to make sure no other protein (except vegetable like pea) is in there. It was recommended by the Dog Dermatoligist that I went to that is very good. Some people do put their dogs on a raw food diet but you really have to know what you are doing to make sure the dog gets all the nutrients it needs. Raw meat alone will not be enough because they are not wolves anymore. But now I am concerned that Steriods did not help you. They are like the magic pill for allergies, they work wonders but you can not have the dog on them for very long because of organ damage.But while the dog is on them you should have seen some type of relief. Maybe you have some other type of problem. I would get a second opinion from another vet. You ruled out mange, right? Did the vet test the sight for fungus, yeast, or bacteria. Does the dog get ear infections? A Liver function test? Liver disease can cause terrible skin problems. Tested for parasites? I know how frustrating an itchy dog is. We spent many a sleepless night getting up every few minutes to make the dog stop licking because of the damage she would do to herself. Certian times of year it is worse even with everything we have them on. I hope you you get some relief.
Jane
http://hardworkhomestead.blogspot.com/ |
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1badmamawolf
True Blue Farmgirl
2199 Posts
Teresa
"Bent Fence Farms"
Ca
USA
2199 Posts |
Posted - Jun 26 2010 : 08:03:49 AM
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does your dog have any odor to his skin, that is not normal dog smell, is his skin sticky feeling, is it the entire body or just certain areas, if so it probally is hot spots which will make a dog go mad licking and chewing, they are caused by high protein levels in the dogs body, proteins that are not being digested properly, eliminate beef, corn and wheat, go to a kibble that is lamb or chicken with rice, its not an over night cure, it will take a few weeks. Good luck
"Treat the earth well, it was not given to you by your parents, it was loaned to you by your children" |
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craftystranger
True Blue Farmgirl
525 Posts
Barbara
Franklin
NC
USA
525 Posts |
Posted - Jun 26 2010 : 1:08:30 PM
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Well no bad odor or sticky feeling. We have ruled out mange, fungus, yeast, and bacteria. I am going to the store today will look at another type of food for him. I will keep trying ...the funny thing is when fall arrives ...he will stop itching. I have told my DH that he is allergic to the heat in Georgia and that we need to move more north. I'm a born yankee and he is a die heart southern boy. Will post in a couple of weeks to let you know if the change in his diet helps. I'm also going to do some research on the liver/protien theory. Thanks again, Barbara
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willowtreecreek
True Blue Farmgirl
4813 Posts
Julie
Russell
AR
USA
4813 Posts |
Posted - Jun 26 2010 : 2:19:20 PM
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My dog had this problem and it trned out he was allergic to corn and soy! We switched his food and the problem cleared in a few weeks. His hair went from coarse and oily to smooth and shiny! Hope you solve the problem soon.
Farmgirl Sister #17
Blog
www.eggsandherbs.com
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Jeanna
True Blue Farmgirl
267 Posts
Jeanna
Franklin
NC
USA
267 Posts |
Posted - Jun 26 2010 : 2:22:05 PM
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I have a pug and she is the same way. I have done it all and she still scratches and pulls out her hair. I just try to keep on her and make her stop anytime I catch her. I found out that pugs are prone to skin problems. I wish I had some remedy. Sorry.
Jeanna
Jeanna
Farmgirl Sister #41
Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.
Henry David Thoreau |
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Ingrid
True Blue Farmgirl
432 Posts
Ingrid
BC
Canada
432 Posts |
Posted - Jun 26 2010 : 2:58:46 PM
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My lab/shepherd cross can't have any grain product. Maybe your dog's skin is irritated because he gets too warm and sweats. Is it possible to cut his hair in the spring through fall so he isn't as hot. My shi zu doesn't shed so we keep him extra short in the spring through fall because he scratches more when his hair is long and he sweats. Just a suggestion.
Give thanks to yourself everyday for all the wonderful things you do! |
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KathyC
True Blue Farmgirl
583 Posts
Kathy
Gastonia
NC
USA
583 Posts |
Posted - Jun 26 2010 : 9:42:20 PM
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My dog, Annie, has skin problems too. We got rid of the fleas but still had problems. Changed her diet, still had problems. Looked at some natural health sites for dogs and her problem looked like eczema to me. Made a tea with Calendula, yarrow, and green tea. Wiped her down a couple time a days. Seemed to help some. But them read on another post here, I think on the herbal wisdom or here's to your health about using baking soda for eczema. So today I wet Annie and sprinkled baking soda on her back, rubbed it in and sprinkled on more, rubbed it in and so on until no ore would dissolve. I think I used about 1/4 cup. Kept massaging it in for about 5 minutes and then rinsed her. She has not been as itchy today. I'm going to rub her down with her tea tonight and then another baking soda bath tomorrow. Will let you know how it works out.
Kathy |
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craftystranger
True Blue Farmgirl
525 Posts
Barbara
Franklin
NC
USA
525 Posts |
Posted - Jun 27 2010 : 02:52:39 AM
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Eczema might be the problem. His skin is dry and has small bumps. I will try the tea and baking soda. Keep me posted. What kind of dog is Annie? We think bear is newfie and boader collieish. He has alot of hair. Barbara
Don't forget to laugh! |
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vintage saver
True Blue Farmgirl
323 Posts
oleta
wheelersburg
ohio
USA
323 Posts |
Posted - Jun 27 2010 : 03:25:00 AM
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| Wehave the same problem with one of our dogs. The vet said she needed thyroid med, but the best thing we found for the itching was Sulphadene liquid. you can buy it at the local Wal-mart. It basically helps the small sores caused by scratching. My vet called it hot spots, it only happens in summer. He said you can bathe them in a shampoo for dandruff, but you have to leave the lather on for 10 min. which seems like an etrnity witha wet dog, Must use something for fleas, we use Frontline, the best. Also can use Benadryl,straight off the generic counter at Wal-Mart, the human dose. I think it may be 25 mg. I only use it for severe itching, but the best help is Sulphadene. |
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Ms.Lilly
True Blue Farmgirl
826 Posts
Lillian
Scotts Mills
OR
USA
826 Posts |
Posted - Jun 27 2010 : 06:51:06 AM
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Have you ever thought of shaving your dog to make him cooler? We had a Rott/Lab mix and the only way she could make it through summer (and trust me our summers aren't that bad) was to shave her. Her own cooling mechanism wasn't working optimumly and she needed a little help. What a difference it made. Also if the Benadryl helps your dog then your are looking at a enviroment allergy and if it doesn't work then it is a food allergy. I have been fighting this battle with my JRT for a few years now. He has food allergies and theya re no fun!
Lillian
Lillian |
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1badmamawolf
True Blue Farmgirl
2199 Posts
Teresa
"Bent Fence Farms"
Ca
USA
2199 Posts |
Posted - Jun 27 2010 : 09:41:14 AM
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Remember Girls, if your dog has long hair, or dense medium hair naturaly and you deceide to "shave" them for the summer, you are taking away their natural insulation from the suns rays (dogs will sunburn), natural protection from biteing flys, bees etc. So use comman sense, don't let them stay out in the sun, or use sunscreen.
"Treat the earth well, it was not given to you by your parents, it was loaned to you by your children" |
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Nigella
True Blue Farmgirl
386 Posts
Nigella
Chimacum
WA
USA
386 Posts |
Posted - Jun 27 2010 : 6:29:46 PM
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I don't know if someone already suggested this, but does your dog sleep on a dog bed that could possibly contain cedar chips? I used to work at a vet hospital and that was often a problem. Also, you might try flax seed oil pills, they are easy on your dog's tummy and my dogs love them! One more thing, try not bathe too often that can dry the skin out. I think Derma E makes a nice tea tree lotion that could be soothing on those chewed on spots. Search for it on vitacost.com. Poor puppy I hope he/she's not allergic to fleas, we had a corgi once who was and the poor thing would scratch constantly after even one bite! No rest, just awful....
Sister #1213
Farm-made aprons and vintage goodies
www.thecapriciouscorgi.etsy.com
"Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work."
~Thomas Edison~
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KathyC
True Blue Farmgirl
583 Posts
Kathy
Gastonia
NC
USA
583 Posts |
Posted - Jun 28 2010 : 08:39:38 AM
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I think my Annie is an Entlebucher, the smallest of the swiss mountain dogs. I did the baking soda again yesterday and it seems to have really helped with the itching. Still using the tea also. I tried the Derma E tea tree/vit e oil and it seemed to burn her raw spots a little, may try it again since they are not so raw now. When she first started having problems I used my best shampoos on her but it didn't help and her skin was getting more flakes. Found out ph balance different for dogs, so switched to dog shampoo and bathed about every 2 weeks. That helped with the flakes but not the bumps and red spots. Going to do the baking soda this week, will let you know how it works.
Kathy |
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craftystranger
True Blue Farmgirl
525 Posts
Barbara
Franklin
NC
USA
525 Posts |
Posted - Jun 29 2010 : 04:44:21 AM
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Took Bear to the vet yesterday...a different one, he thinks that they are hotspots that have gotten out of control. So I will be washing the areas everyday with some type of shampoo and giving him some supplements. Funny the vet asked if he is stressed well, we do have a new great dane puppy....do ya think he is stressed? I know that some times I am..LOL. Will be giving bear extra attention and hopefully we can turn this thing around. Barbara
Don't forget to laugh! |
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Fiddlermom
Farmgirl in Training
47 Posts
Melissa
Logan
AL
USA
47 Posts |
Posted - Jul 08 2010 : 08:43:32 AM
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I've enjoyed reading through these posts. My 13 year old lab mix started having terrible skin problems this winter. I looked online for remedies. I don't know if it is mites or what it is, but it was driving me and him crazy! I tried a borax laundry detergent- peroxide-water treatment and it has worked! I give him supplements that I buy at the local stores and feed him better food. You have to keep bathing with it a couple of weeks, but he feels so much better afterwards and his hair is growing back! I'm away from home or I would list the exact recipe for it. Just be sure you add enough borax that you have grains left in the water that didn't dissolve. You should be able to find the recipe easy online for it. Look for homemade mange treatment. It hasn't went away completely, but I haven't been able to bathe him every week. He's old and not in good health overall, and I just want him to be comfortable in his last months or years. It's worth a try! Good luck!
Melissa |
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KathyC
True Blue Farmgirl
583 Posts
Kathy
Gastonia
NC
USA
583 Posts |
Posted - Jul 08 2010 : 3:49:26 PM
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Well I did the baking soda thing about 4 times and it has been amazing.
The rash is completely gone on her tummy, she is not biting or scratching at all. The bumps are gone, the sores are healing and it looks like the hair is starting to grow back. She is her old playful puppy like self again. Just baking soda and water. I think it was Heather that posted over in Here's to your health about baking soda on her new born baby girls for eczema. Thought if it was ok for the babies it shouldn't hurt my doggy. So glad I tried it!
Kathy |
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craftystranger
True Blue Farmgirl
525 Posts
Barbara
Franklin
NC
USA
525 Posts |
Posted - Jul 08 2010 : 4:25:41 PM
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I am going to try the baking soda now that the meds from the vet have gotten it alittle better undercontrol. His hair is starting to grow back and he is also more playful. Thanks again for everyones help, Barbara
Don't forget to laugh! |
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doglady
True Blue Farmgirl
435 Posts
Tina
Howard
Ohio
USA
435 Posts |
Posted - Jul 11 2010 : 07:59:06 AM
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Since you've ruled out feas and allergies, I can offer this - Some of the heavy coated dogs do get heated up in the summer and it seems that their skin just crawls. I've heard that bathing them in Head n Shoulders helps as the PH factor is close to what a dog needs for their skin. A good dog oatmeal shampoo should help too. Moist hair would make any dog dig at their skin. His hair could be moist from just licking and chewing, slobbering, getting wet from the morning dew, etc. Once a dog gets a spot irratated, they just keep going back to that area with licking and chewing and that makes it worse and a bigger spot. It would help if his coat is completely dried after each bath - I know that's a lot of work. I would think that a vitamin supplement would help too. Newfi's are a water dog and they were usually fed a lot of fish right off the boat for the oil it puts back into their coat. We feed our dogs Purina One Lamb & Rice (I've tried most of the more expensive brands like Wellness, Natural Balance, etc. with not much difference). We also supplement them with NuVet vitamins. You're welcome to read about the trial that I did on my website. I hope this helps.
Tina
You can tell your dog all of your secrets and they'll never say a word!
www.kennelcreations.com |
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HealingTouch
True Blue Farmgirl
3448 Posts
Darlene
Kunkletown
Pa
USA
3448 Posts |
Posted - Jul 11 2010 : 8:35:55 PM
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Go online to Dr Fox he is a holistic vet and had an article on skin issues. He tells you about diet and supplements. Worth a try.
Blessings,
Darlene |
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craftystranger
True Blue Farmgirl
525 Posts
Barbara
Franklin
NC
USA
525 Posts |
Posted - Jul 12 2010 : 12:39:43 PM
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Thanks doglady and HealingTouch....funny I love both your names.....will check both places out, Barbara
Don't forget to laugh! |
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Barnyard Buddies: Dog with skin problems - HELP!! |
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Dog with skin problems - HELP!!
