Dogs ears

Question
My miniature pincher's ears are very dry towards the tips, at least it appears that they are dry. Both ears are scaley on the tips and I want to make sure it isn't something bad or needs treatment. We've tried putting lotion on them but it doesn't seem to ehlp. If you could give your advice I would appreciate it.

Answer
Hello Kim -

This sounds like either sarcoptic or otodectic mange.

Sarcoptic mange (scabies) is caused from mites that burrow under the skin causing an itchy rash generally around the muzzle, eyes, ears, elbows and hocks extending over the whole body. Itching can be intense also causing inflammation and infections to develop. The skin may be dry with bran-like flaking or red and inflamed. Mites prefer hairless skin thus leaving the ear flaps, elbows and abdomen at highest risk for the red, scaley itchy skin that characterizes sarcoptic mange.

Otodectic mange affects the ears with itching which may lead to secondary infection and ulceration of the earflap from constant head shaking or scratching.

Your veterinarian will have to take a sample of the skin to be sure it is this condition. They will recommend a chemical dip and antibiotics to kill the mites. Most of the chemical dips and drugs used to treat mange are quite toxic and in many cases simply do not work. They may cause damage to liver, kidneys, immune system and nervous system. Often the animal's health will deteriorate during or after chemical treatment, which is not the best option for overcoming this condition.

It is always essential to treat the animal internally as well as externally and a natural raw food diet is the best defence for building a healthy immune system and aiding in detoxifying the liver which is generally necessary for animal's suffering from mange. Internal treatment involves fasting for at least 48 hours on fresh vegetable juices & broths with added vitamin C to aid in detoxification and help strengthen the immune system. Other nutrients, which may be beneficial, are lecithin, zinc, vitamin A, E and vitamin B complex. All processed (dried, canned and packaged) foods should be avoided and all milk products also.

If your pet has been on antibiotics, which can disrupt the friendly bacteria in the intestinal tract, it is a good idea to supplement with an acidophilus supplement for a few weeks afterwards. You can purchase Acidophilus (Probiotics) capsules at your pet food store or you can simply give your pet unflavored natural yogurt daily.

Begin to add Garlic powder to your pets food. Garlic is essential as an effective anti-parasitic and anti-microbial herb; it also aids immune function and healing. Don't be afraid to sprinkle it on with a heavy hand, dogs love Garlic and your pets should eat it up right away. The only draw back to adding Garlic to your pets food is flatulence. It may be a little stinky but the Garlic is working by pushing bacteria through the system. Just keep a couple clothes pins handy! At any sign of illness you may add Garlic to your pets food, it will not harm them and it is effective for various ailments.

You may also want to try the herb Neem. You can make a tea out of it and give to your pet internally and apply it to the ear. Neem comes in the form of soaps, lotions and shampoos.

Wash the ear flap with apple cider vinegar. This will help kill the bacteria and soothe any discomfort. If your pet does not like apple cider vinegar you may use Witch Hazel instead. If the ear flap looks like its healing well, you may apply Aloe Vera gel to the scaley and inflammed area. This will greatly improve healing time and even if your pet licks it off the Aloe ingested will help heal from the inside out.

Be sure to wash your hands after you touch the inflammed area, mites can spread to human hosts.

It is a general rule of thumb to treat pets for sarcoptic mange when the ears are scaley as you have described. If these treatments do not work and you have noticed no change in your pet. It may be possible that you pet has an airborne or food allergy. A lot of pets are allergic to corn, poultry, beef and animal by-products found in their food. It will be a trial and error process with finding the correct allergy but your vetrinarian may be able to run a few tests to narrow the margin.

I hope this information has helped you and your pet.

If you would like information on natural and herbal remedies for human and animal concerns please contact me at wintersaurora@yahoo.com and I will be happy to assist you and send you a catalog of my home made herbal remedies.

Thank you and best wishes to you and your pet.

Sincerely,
Sharon Hubbs, AHG
Certified Natural Health Consultant & Herbalist