Red Sores on Dog’s Muzzle

I just read my post and see that I wasn't clear about our move: we moved to Louisiana a year ago from the UK.

Also, Loki is a white shepherd who lives inside the house with us but plays in the garden frequently.

He is currently just under 2 and a half years old.

July 1, 2014

Hi Lisa,
From the photos you sent of Loki, I am suspicious that he may have either 'puppy pyoderma' or 'contact allergy'. Contact allergy occurs when eating off of plastic food bowls, or rubbing muzzle in artificial turf, contact with wool blanket, or bedding washed in a detergent to which he may have an allergy, or contact with any type of allergen.

Puppy pyoderma is seen in dogs between the ages of 6 months to 2 years old. Characterized by pimples or pustules and swellings on the muzzle and face. It seems to coincide with that time of their life when their immune system is stressed. Such as from rapid growth, vaccinations, surgery for spay or neuter, etc.

From your history, that he had an allergic reaction after a vaccination, I am very suspicious that he may have 'puppy pyoderma'.

Although, please check him out with a veterinarian for Demodex mange, and the fungal disease, ringworm. For Demodectic mange--https://www.organic-pet-digest.com/how-to-treat-dog-mange.html.

1. I suggest that you boost his immune system with Canine Whole Body Support, (made by Standard Process, and available on amazon.com) or one of the following supplements,
1. Missing Link Canine Formula
2. Immuplex from Standard Process
3. OrthoMolecular Specialties, Mega C Powder

2. Continue his raw diet, and make sure that his diet is composed of more than 60%- 70% raw, and only 30-40% dry. It is very important to have adequate moisture from the diet, to maintain healthy skin.

3. Give him Thuya 30C (Thuja occidentalis) one pellet by mouth one time daily for 3-5 days. This will treat for 'vaccinosis'. Vaccinosis is a condition created in a susceptible individual by giving a vaccination. Loki may need a higher potency, available from a licensed holistic veterinarian. And also an exemption from any future vaccinations. A holistic veterinarian can write that.
Another resource for vets knowledgeable in homeopathy is AVH.org.

4. Use only natural flea/tick products, such as EVOLV, from www.wondercide.com.

Just a thought, regarding your heartworm prevention, NuHeart from Australia. This is the same Ivermectin product as Heartgard, which is from the USA. It may be easier to obtain Heartgard if you are now living in the USA, instead of NuHeart, from Australia.

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

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.