Skin Problems and Excessive Licking - Multi Faceted Treatment:
Excessive licking and scratching so that bare spots appear, is not natural. The underlying reasons are often complex and you must attack the problem using several methods. Sometimes the dog is just bored and needs more physical exercise. If not treated, the behavior can become compulsive which requires a different kind of additional treatment.
Skin rashes can be caused by many things and are usually complex. They can be food allergies, or they can be a sign of vitamin and mineral deficiencies or they can be a sign of microscopic mites, or all of the above. When a deficiency of vitamin and minerals takes place, the malnourished animal, has a depressed immune system, and is often subject to an attack of microscopic mites which get under the skin and irritate it. The dog's scratching makes it worse, and causes infection.
Steroids will help alleviate the symptoms, but rarely do anything for the underlying cause. As soon as the effect of the steroids wears off, the symptoms return. Too many steroids can cause the immune system to be suppressed, which is just the opposite to what you must accomplish -not good.
Suggestions for attacking the problem.
1. Take your dog to the Vet for a check up.
2. Buy a 20cc bottle of "Bach's Rescue Remedy" (about $10.00 at your nearest health food store). This is a product which has stood the test of time, since the 1920s. Many Vets say it should be in everyone's first aid kit - for humans and for animals. It is an excellent product, no doubt about it! It seems to reduce anxiety and stress which then gives a boost to the immune system - very important! It comes with a 4 drop eyedropper - perfect size. Just put 4 drops right on the tongue or gums of the mouth. Do it about 3 times a day. It is excellent for any kinds of maladies, stress and trauma. It is safe and you won't overdose on it. The results on animals can be rapid and dramatic depending on the problem. It's an excellent second step.
3. Examine the contents of the food being fed to the dog. Check for corn. Many dogs cannot tolerate corn. Sometimes as dogs get older, what didn't bother them before, suddenly causes problems. The Vets usually suggest switching to lamb and rice products. Switch! Sometimes various yeast additives can be the culprits.
4. Start giving vitamin and mineral supplements to the dog. Your Vet can suggest some. In addition, one or two crushed chewable vitamin C (500 - 1000gm) can be added to the dog's meal once a day. Dogs synthesize their own vitamin C but it is usually bare minimum and in our poluted environment, especially for older dogs, it's often not enough. Vitamin E (from natural source) should also be fed about 3 times a week (about 200 - 400 IU depending on the size of the dog). Whereas, vitamin C will not usually cause any harm if more is given, you should not overdose the dog on vitamin E. Consult your vet for a safe dosage of vitamin E. Vitamin E will help the skin to heal, and just like C, it also gives a boost to the immune system - very important.
5. There is a book available, on our website called "Pet Allergies" (approximately $8.00). If you go to our "Dog Care - Dog Health Books" it is #23. Click and read the reviews. http://www.dogbiz.com/books-dog-care.htm They are very encouraging.
6. The following multi-purpose treatment was sent to us - try it, we have had good feed-back on it.
Ear problems, Skin Hot Spots, Fungus Foot Problems between the Toes:
- This article was sent to dogbiz.com by HLMcKinnon@aol.com of Dr Goodpet Products.
Note: - This is not an advertisement for Dr. Goodpet, nor an endorsement, but we do suggest you check out their products on their website: Click Here
For all those, whose animal has ear problems, I thought it might be helpful to pass along some information from the book, "It's For The Animals! Natural Care & Resources":
"Fortunately, my dogs and cats have not had ear problems. However for those folks whose dogs do need special ear treatment, the following information may prove useful. The formula has been handed down from a wonderful veterinarian, now deceased. Many have found it also effective for cuts, fungus between toes, and small tumor-like cysts, but the treatment must be done faithfully as instructed. I would remind you that the ears are very sensitive and your dog may appreciate having it warmed up a bit. I've found that the best way to warm up a solution is to place it in a cup or glass of very warm water for a few minutes.
"Blue Power Ear Treatment"
INGREDIENTS:
16 Oz. Isopropyl Alcohol
4 Tablespoons Boric Acid Powder
16 Drops Gentian Violet Solution 1%
Mix together in alcohol bottle and shake well. You will also need to shake solution every time you use it to disperse the Boric Acid Powder. To use, purchase the "Clairol" type plastic squirt bottle to dispense solution to affected ears.
TREATMENT: Evaluate condition of ears before treating and if very inflamed and sore do not attempt to pull hair or clean out ear at all. Wait until inflammation has subsided which will be about 2 days. Shake the bottle each time before using. Flood the ear with solution (gently squirt bottle), massage gently to the count of 60, wipe with a tissue. Flood again on first treatment, wipe with a tissue, and leave alone without massage. The dog will shake out the excess which can be wiped with a tissue, the Gentian Violet does stain fabrics.
SCHEDULE of treatment is as follows:
Treat 2x per day for the first week to two weeks depending upon severity of ears.
Treat 1x per day for the next 1-2 weeks.
Treat 1x per month (or even less frequently, depending on the dog.
All of these ingredients should be available at a pharmacy. You will find that despite the alcohol, the dog will not object to even the first treatment. The Boric Acid Powder soothes the ear. The Gentian Violet solution is an anti-infection agent. The solution appears to work well on any and all ear problems from mites to wax to canker. After the 2nd or 3rd day you can clean out the ear with a Q-tip or cotton balls.
The Success Rate for this treatment is 95-99%.
Those who do not succeed have usually not done the treatment long enough or have not been regular about it.
Dogs on the verge of ear canal surgery have been returned to normal with only the regular follow-up treatment to keep the ear healthy. If an infection seems to persist in the treated ear after the above course of treatment, you may also have some bacteria in the site. This can be eradicated by using a gentle flush of raw apple cider vinegar and water (warm). Use 2 Tablespoons of vinegar to one cup of water, 2 times per week.
They have found the Blue Power Solution to be Effective:
For treating fungus-type infections on the feet and elsewhere on the dog.
For treating cuts on dogs or people.
For treating hot spots - skin problems.
You may find other uses for this simple anti-infective agent.
Remember it is for external use only and be careful not to get into the eyes."
This article was sent to dogbiz.com by HLMcKinnon@aol.com of Dr Goodpet Products. |
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