Constant Dry Itchy Skin

Question
QUESTION: We got a Cocker Spaniel about 4 months ago from the Humane Society. He had been on prednison when we got him, as well as 28 days of ear meds to take care of an infection he had. I don't recall if we got him itchy or if he started after we got him plus he stinks. I have read a lot online about food allegies. So I have switched him from a beef formula food, to lamb and rice, and now to salmon and potatoes. I have seen no change with any of this. I have also bathed him with dandruff shampoo and that doesn't help. I did read that if I wasn't getting all the shampoo residue off that that can cause extreme itching, and the website suggested washing with a mild dish soap to remove all the shampoo buildup. I did this and it helped for about one day - I didn't see nearly the scratching, but then back to itching again. When I took him to the vet for a checkup he told me to try Benedryl - that hasn't helped either. I add fish oil and nettles to his food, but still have not seen inprovement. Any suggestions. I prefer home remedies and not spending tons of money at the vet just to get drugs.

ANSWER: What brand are you feeding?  How much Benadryl were you giving?  Where do you live and what are you using for flea control?

If his skin & coat has an odor, it's most likely yeast.  And you'll have to bath him every two days for about a week to help turn that around.  I suggest getting some Nizoral shampoo (most drugstores & supermarkets carry it) which will kill yeast and bacteria.  Vet Dermatologists love Nizoral.

You need to shake the bottle well - lather him up - leave it on for 10 minutes and then rinse, rinse, rinse.  Hopefully you have a hand-held shower attachment?  When you think you've rinsed enough, do it 5 more times.  Always use warmish water - never hot

What also helps is a final rinse with half cool water and half white vinegar.  Yes, he'll smell like a little salad for an hour or two but it dissipates quite quickly.  Just mix it up in a large jug and pour over him.  Do not rinse off.

If he's prone to ear issues and you want to avoid vet bills you need to get the Zymox line of ear products.  

Delores

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QUESTION: He is eating Purina Pro Plan Salmon & Brown Rice. He has been on it for about 3 weeks. I was giving him a generic allergy pill about 30mg. We live in Middleton, WI and we use Fronline Plus for flea control.

ANSWER: Christine, Purina is the worst garbage on the planet and LOADED with cheap fillers and way too many carbs.  I'd strongly advise switching (slowly) to Innova EVO (no grains - best quality - no cheap fillers - high protein).  Go to Naturapet.com and find a dealer near you.

You live in Wisconsin..not a high heat/high humidity area as far as I know (unlike southern States) so climate "probably" isn't playing a huge role here.

Do the Nizoral baths - switch to Innova EVO.  But you truly do have to get on the topical approach and believe me, I know only too well how tedious it is :) but it has to be done. It's the only way to get this under control.  The final rinse with water/vinegar can do wonders with yeast.

I'd also advise switching from Frontline Plus to Revolution (which also does heartworm)and is a med, not a pesticide.  You'll only need it 5 months out of the year where you live and it's one toxic load instead of two.  With Frontline you also need Heartguard so factor that into the cost.

So..do the "every other day" baths - get him on a grain free food and tell me what happens in a week.  I also meant to ask what fish oil you're using?  And why nettles?
Delores

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I was using a Cod Liver Oil from a health food store and a neighbor gave me the nettles, she said they reduce the inflammation, but they never seemed to help either. I bought the shampoo today and will bath him tonight. I do bath him outside with the hose. Is it ok if it is cold water for the shampoo? I also bought a spray bottle for the water/vinegar solution - is it just 1/2 water and 1/2 vinegar?

Answer
Christine, I'm so glad you're seeing some improvement.  Please write me directly at DeeBeck7765@aol.com and let me know what is happening.  Yes, the food change will take some time but the topical approach is key and will keep this under control.  And get him clipped down to a "puppy cut" - it'll make this easier on both of you.
Delores