Skin problem in the outer ear of our dog

Hi Bruce,
Cooper’s breed, unfortunately, is top of the list of dogs susceptible to skin allergies. And this can be seen in susceptible dogs between the ages of 6 months to 2 years.

What you described, with it starting in the Spring with red, itchy paws and the dry, flaky ears, is typical of inhaled allergies. And what he has now is called ‘allergic otitis externa’. But even though his genetics may be against him, there is hope through improving his diet, NO MORE VACCINATIONS, and stopping the Advantix.

I am not sure how often you are supposed to vaccinate dogs in Australia, but since Cooper is not healthy, he should NOT be vaccinated. A holistic veterinarian would be able to write an exemption form for Cooper.

DIET:
NO MORE DRY DOG FOOD. Dogs are not ‘obligate’ carnivores, and they are able to survive on a Vegan diet. But if a dog is NOT healthy, it would be best to feed a canned or even a RAW diet, that contains a balanced meat and vegetable mix. See our page on 10 Best Dog Food Options.

He needs to have more moisture internally in his diet to help his skin. Adding in 250-500mg of Omega 3 fish oils to each meal, TWO times daily would also help.

Natural Tick/Flea repellent:
See our page on Natural Flea/Tick treatment and consider using cedar oil, available from Wondercide and called ‘Evolv’.

Natural Supplement to help with allergies:
A product from Standard Process, called Antronex is a liver supplement that helps the liver remove histamine from the skin, therefore ‘acting’ like an anti-histamine. For Cooper, give him 1/2 – 1 tablet TWO times daily, as needed for itching.

Once Cooper has started this regime for the next 3-6 weeks, THEN he should be seen by a holistic veterinarian to consider homeopathic treatment. I would advise ‘classical’ homeopathy using ONE remedy at a time. The product called ‘Spring’ by Tagiwig is a combination of different remedies, (in potency), combined with herbs, that I do not feel would be very helpful in Cooper’s case.

TO BE CONTINUED IN PART TWO

Hi Bruce,
Here is the rest of my response.

1Another 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: This educational advice is based on the depth of your question and the picture you submitted. 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 Itchy Skin,
– Dog Skin Rash,
– Dog Skin Allergies,
– Ask a Vet Online Library – Dog Skin Rashes, Marks, Spots, Lesions & Patches (including itchy skin and mange) Section,
– Dog Ear Infection & Dog Ear Problems,
– Ask a Vet Online Library – Dog Ear Problems Section