Skin condition please help

[angelbears]

Is there any odor associated with his skin condition? I would definitely go with a chicken/grain free diet or raw. I would also highly recommend coconut oil, externally and internally.

You mentioned mites. Did the vet say what kind? I'm not sure but external use of coconut oil may help. In the old days we used mineral oil for ear mites. It would smother them. Coconut oil might work the same way.

Your pup is a real cutie! You are doing a great job in trying to help him. Hopefully, some of the suggestions will help you. Please keep us posted.

 

[Catia]

Just want to say I agree with using some virgin coconut oil--put in right on the skin for his head & ears-it wll soothe & be absorbed, it will also help tremendously with flakes-though you may at 1st notice more flakes because it lifts them--just like with people who use it for dandruff of eczema.

You do not have to worry if they lick it off, it is 100% natural & edible. Must be the *virgin* coconut oil in order to get the real effects-
You do not have to worry about your child being exposed-& you can put it on your own skin or on your toast-cook with it etc.

 

[Barbiegodman]

Thank you I will take a look and order some. I found it difficult to find any food too !

 

[musicdeb]

Send a private message to Mooshi's Mommy who lives in the UK. She can probably help you find food.

 

[Catia]

Also want to note--any shampoo or wash--oatmeal or not will be further drying to pups skin, because there is water involved, it's just a fact.
if you've got dry cracked hands-no matter how gentle or 'soothing' or moisturizing the soap, they don't feel better after until you add some moisturizer/emollient because that allows for elasticity.
I'd seriously try the VCO, & get some moisture & protection onto the pups skin. If it works on head & ears, I'd treat other parts of the body as well-it only needs to be very thin layer. You can put a towel or sheet over pooches bedding if your worried, but pup shouldn't be treated so much that it's greasy anyway, just enough that there is the slightest amount on the skin.
VCO also easily washes out of clothes/bedding & i've never had it stain anything. You should be able to find it at a store near you, especially whole foods type of places, if you want to try it now, & then order it more cheaply online.

Honestly, if you apply it to head/ears a couple of times per day, if it helps pups condition, you will notice improvement within that week--so it's not like it will take a long time to figure out if it works, if the healing begins, keep at it. It is a low cost, non toxic, edible to everyone option, and I doubt there's a vet who's gonna tell you to try it.

 

[musicdeb]

What is VCO?

 

[Iymala]

Virgin coconut oil

 

[Barbiegodman]

Just thought I'd give a little update, I have spent many hours in my local pet shops finding the right food, I believe that I have found it. Hooch has now been fully on it for just over a week and we have seen huge improvements! We have put him on a fish and potatoe complete dry dog food !

 

[Iymala]

Great news on the improvement. I'm really happy you found something that works.

 

[musicdeb]

Good update!

 

[Robtouw]

Skin allergies are actually uncommon at your pup's age, so are food allergies. I've been through it. I'd begin with treating him with a topical like revolution that contains ivermectin to see if it is a demodex issue. Demodex does not always show on skin scrapings and will produce the results seen in your pics. I've owned giant breeds 20+ years and do not place much attention on ratios like phos or calcium. I've had mastiffs longer than popular grain free diets have been on the market, I do prefer grain free because the stomach seems to be more balanced then with kibble loaded with fillers. The one ingredient I do not like in my feed is citris acid, a popular preservative which increases your chances of bloat and gastric tortion.

I also recommend adding a tablespoon of yogurt to your pup's diet at least once a day, plain, with a high amount of live active cultures. Do look at the ingredients of your chosen food. High starches and carbs contribute to yeast build up in the coat which can create issues. Rubbing coconut oil is beneficial in small amounts and can moisturize his skin and ease itching. Richards Incredible Skin Spray is another item that works wonders on these skin issues, it is easy to order online a nice sized bottle is about $12. I've gone through quite a few skin issues with different pups over the years, each was an individual battle, but most grew out of their problems.

 

[Barbiegodman]

My vet was saying exactly the same about dermodex yesterday but then said that it is normally in a more concentrated area and that if it was he would be getting worse with no improvements, he did however give me more mite and flea treatment just to be sure and another shampoo to see if we can improve the skin anymore .