Dog skin outbreaks – rash, ulcers and hair loss

Hi Ana,
For your 10 year old female Golden Retriever/collie mix, I suspect that she may have some type of food allergy, and over the years has developed secondary yeast and bacterial ‘dermatitis’.

Continuing to suppress her immune system with steroids and cyclosporine will not help.

1. You must stop ALL vaccinations. Vaccinations also affect the immune system, and create a state called ‘vaccinosis’, that will weaken the immune system.

2. Improve her diet–NO DRY DOG FOOD. Count calories to prevent weight gain, and help her to lose weight. Consider a RAW dog food diet, and check out our page on 10 Best Dog Food Options.

3. Bathe with an oatmeal shampoo one time per week for at least the next 6 weeks (before going to once every 2 weeks). Start off with a coconut oil massage to moisturize her skin, and let it soak in for 3-4 hours or over night. (Be careful not to let her on the furniture while she is all greasy!) If the oil has soaked in, then give her the Oatmeal shampoo, and rinse well.

If it has not all soaked in to her skin, she may need to have a shampoo with DAWN DISH detergent, to de-grease her, rinse well, followed by the oatmeal shampoo.

4. Add Omega 3 Fish oils, about 1,000mg to her diet one to two times daily to help decrease itching.

5. Immune support supplement recommendations:

1. Missing Link Canine Formula
2. Immuplex from Standard Process
3. OrthoMolecular Specialties, Mega C Powder

6. Avoid toxic flea and tick products, and try EVOLV for dogs, made from cedar oil.

7. Homeopathic remedies: a holistic veterinarian would be able to help.

Another resource for vets knowledgeable in homeopathy is AVH.org.

Please keep us posted by coming back to this page and clicking the ‘click here to add your own comments’ link below.

Take care,
Dr. Carol Jean Tillman

DISCLAIMER: The above should never replace the advice of your local veterinarian, as they have the ability to evaluate your dog in person.

Related Pages:
– Dog Skin Conditions,
– Dog Skin Allergies,
– Ask a Vet Online Library – Dog Skin Rashes, Marks, Spots, Lesions & Patches (including itchy skin and mange) Section,
– Ask a Vet Online Library – Dog Hair Loss Section