Skin irritations

Question
Hello,
My friend, who is internetless, has a pitbull mix approx. 1 1/2 yrs old that recently developed a skin breakout similar to perhaps a "heat rash". She used some sort of spray someone referred her to, she doesn't know what was in it, but it obviously did not cure the problem, since it has returned - under a week later. I think there MUST be some way she can mix average household products in order to help sooth his pain/itching, & save $$ & use a holistic approach, all at the same time! If you have any advice or a steer in the right direction, I would greatly appreciate it!
Thanks in advance!
.divinity.

Answer
Hi Divinity,

Thank you for writing to me.

Skin rashes can stem from a number of causes from food or environmental allergies to fleas, fungus, mites, vacinosis etc.

It is imperative that the cause of the condition be found.

If your friend wants to try treating the rash holistically, there are some things I can recommend.  However, if it doesn't work then the dog absolutely must be brought to a vet to determine what the cause of the rash is.

First...most skin conditions in my experience are caused by something off setting the balance of the dog's immune system.  I don't know what the dog is eating but I would recommend immediately switching to a human grade dog food that is allergy resistant, such as Avoderm, Spot's Stew, Wellness Fish & Potato, etc.  It is very common that food allergies will cause all kinds of skin problems.  I personally make my own dog food but I do use Nutra as a base upon which I give organic turkey/chicken, organic yogurt, organic veggies, occassional organic eggs and canned pumpkin.

Please tell your friend to mix the following into each meal:  Prozyme (J&B Wholesale) and Missing Link (J&B Wholesale).

I also wonder when the dog was last vaccinated?  Many skin conditions erupt after a dog has been vaccinated.  My recommendation is that after all the puppy shots are over and done with, to go to a 3 year schedule for rabies and a 5 year schedule for all the other shots.

There may also be cleaners or other chemicals in the environment that are irritating the dog's skin...cleaners, formadehyde in the carpeting, sprays on the floors, rugs or lawn etc.  Using natural products like Dr. Bronners, Bon Ami, and vinegar will be heathful for all family members!

Your friend can also try bathing the dog in an oatmeal bath, which is very soothing.  Open an aloe leaf and tape it to the rash and see if that helps.  Calendula salve is very soothing. She can also administer a child's dose of benedryl.

Have the dog checked for fleas, mites, parasites and fungus if the above doesn't improve the condition.

Good luck and feel free to get back to me.

Regards,
Shelley Davis
www.bednbiscuit.com