musicmom

For the last year I quit putting any chemicals on my dogs because one of mine suffers from some sort of skin condition that vets have not been able to figure out. I have literally spent thousands. So I thought I would try the natural way. Well....they got a few fleas from my neighbors dog so I decided to put them back on all their flea stuff. How long does this stuff take to kick in because they are still scratching at times.
Anyone know any other home remedies I can do to help my one with dry skin or an unfamiliar rash? He had juvenile pyoderma when he was a pup and we got that all cleared up but this rash he's had for years and it just NEVER goes away.
I've already done food changes, quit the vaccines, put a blanket down so he doesn't lay on the carpet, changed his shampoo's. You name it but it's STILL here! I swear between him and my daughter there has to be some unforseen object in my home.
Do you think it's possible for mold to be under berber carpet? We have it cleaned a few times a year and I'm wondering if it's under the carpet.
Any help would be great.

HappyMomma

Wow, you said you have already been through food changes (among other things) so I'm stumped.

I had a pitbull that had horribly itchy dry skin. She would scratch and scratch until she had sore spots. I spent quite a bit with the Vet bills trying to figure it out until my neighbor (who also had one) told me theirs was allergic to corn. I switched to a corn free food (hard to find, btw) and it cleared right up.

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The quickest way for a parent to get a child's attention is to sit down and look comfortable.
~Lane Olinghouse

Skyburning

Corn is a common allergen and so is wheat. I honestly don't mean to sound rude but what food have you tried switching to? Chances are its a low quality food, because high quality foods aren't largely available. I'm a member of a dog forum though and there are some amazing people on there that would probably be more help that me, permission to cross post?

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Amber

What do you have them on?

We have our cats on Advantage. It took a few weeks before they were all gone. And you only have to do it like every 3 months. But we have to do ours more often because we live in such a wooded area.

I don't know any home remedies, but I'll look around.

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musicmom

I could not go through all the foods they have tried. Kirklands from Sam's club was rated in the top five so they were on that for a long time. I switched back to Pedigree. I also belong to a pet forum and that's what led me to try the food changes. I have been educated on their food. That's not the issue.

I am going to pull the carpet up in the house in two weeks. That may solve alot of the problems. We've had it cleaned twice a year and I was just told by the Dept of health that came today that it was horrible to do and it would be safer for all of us to pull it out. He gave me loads of useful information.

I can't remember the name of their flea stuff. It's the one that stops heart worms, flea's and any other parasites. I am really tired right now and can't remember the name. I want to say revolution but that may not be it.

Lots of changes for him so we will see how this goes within the next few weeks. His food really is not the problem.

kristakmj

maybe its dry skin? is it flaky like?

have you tried an egg or fish oil? you can either get human fish oil supplment pills , salmon has good oils in it . i didnt like having to figure out how much to give my dogs , the 2 are pups and had real dry skin i got this stuff at the pet store call furminator , its pricey but its a huge bottle you just suqirt the pump 2x a day on thier food, i have had it about 2 weeks and already dont see flakes anymore and the coat is shiny . i also switched them to candiae kibble which helped some before the supplment

musicmom

Skyburning

Canidae is a good food, some other foods to look at are Blue Buffalo, you can find that at petsmart, Royal Canin, and Timberwolf Organics to name a few.

Fish oil is also a good suggestion. Have you tried an oatmeal bath, MM? How often is the dog getting baths? They can be very drying to the skin if given often. Has your vet evaluated the dog for allergies? There may be medication they can prescribe you. For a quick fix for the fleas ask your vet for a Capstar pill. They cost $4 and will kill all the fleas that bite your dog within 12 hours of taking the pill.

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HappyMomma

I used Nutro. It was one of the only that we could find that did not have corn. And not all of the Nutro foods exclude corn, so I had to read the labels. Also, supplemented Vitamin E oil in her food.

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The quickest way for a parent to get a child's attention is to sit down and look comfortable.
~Lane Olinghouse

musicmom

My dogs get bathed once a week faithfully. I use the proper shampoo. I bought a bottle of shampoo for $24.00 from the vet and it did nothing. So I stick with Aussie that I use on my hair. They've never had a problem with that. They are too big and too hairy to pay $24.00 for a small bottle of shampoo.
I'll ask about that pill, is it natural? I'd really like to keep him chemical free if possible. I have a reputible breeder who is here locally who is calling me today. Hopefully she'll have some insight.
I have never tried oatmeal. I will try if you honestly think it will work. Do I just leave it sit on him?
I appreciate you taking the time to give me more ideas. Thank you.