Boric Acid
★★★★★
I have used boric acid on my Bichon's eyes and feet. It is wonderful for those runny eyes and is soothing. I have just recently used it on his itchy paws and so far so good. He seems to be finally at peace.
EC: Please let us know how you make a diluted solution of boric acid and water.
Catalytic Altered Water
★★★★★
(Ny, Ny Usa)
11/10/2011
★☆☆☆☆
Pure quackery. If you want to risk your own health by persisting in such delusion, go ahead, but you owe your dog a much higher level of responsibility than this.
Chlorpheniramine Maleate
I only want to help others in similar miserable situations, having truly agonized for over 4 yrs as my 4-8 yr old allergic mini schnauzer scratched himself daily into a bleeding, balding, hotspot- covered, unhappy, uncomfortable mess. I tried everything, from flea treatment (he had zero fleas), to apple cider vinegar, aloe vera, fish oil, Benadryl, yogurt, grain-free food, prednisone (briefly! ), 24 hr clothing to stop him from scratching himself raw everywhere, Atopica (for about 8 months - useless), to finally, in 2014, Apoquel - it worked perfectly but was very costly & after only a few months, international supplies were depleted & it won't be available again until 2015.
Meanwhile, with the Chlor. Maleate, my dog is finally able to relax au natural (NO CLOTHES!! ) with VERY LITTLE scratching & zero raw areas/hotspots/fur loss, for a measly $12 per 100 tablet bottle of Chlor. Maleate. When/if Apoquel (costs about $70/mo. from my vet) becomes available again, I'm not sure I'll need it. This Chlor. Maleate is a true godsend for my allergic dog - talk to your vet/try it if you're in a similar situation.
(Mpls., Mn)
10/06/2014
Thanks, Mimsy56 for this tip!
(New Jersey, US)
12/10/2014
I have a poodle mix; he is 11 yrs old. Last year after a grooming at a chain grooming store he began having seizures, then after a couple of months he started losing his hair on his back, that grooming took place in the summer of 2012.
His hair has not grown back. I believe the groomer was new, I believe she used a toxic flea bath to cause both the seizures and hair loss. I spoke to the mgr. he denied that this happened. My Teddy also used to scratch and lick but when I switched to a glutten free dog food which was suggested to me by a clerk in a pet store, he stopped licking himself. That was before the flea bath insident.
(Jax, Fl)
03/28/2015
(Orange Park, Florida)
04/04/2018
I am going to give this a try. Ty for this tip. I too have tried everything you have mentioned and no significant relief noted. I to had used the Apoquel for my doggies. It became very expensive and wasn't always available for purchase. I have two 19 pound ShihTzu's and I was wondering if the 4 mg tablets is acceptable for their weight as well?? Once again ty for this tip, and I will let you know how's it work she for my babies. Tracey
(AL)
01/28/2021
@Mimsy56 can you tell me if this still works for you and your dog? I have the exact same situation with my GSD and would love to know how it's been going for you after so many years. Apoquel is not the solution I want for her. It does work but I don't want the side effects. Can you tell me how it's going?
Coconut and Oregano Oils
| 5 star (3) | 75% | |
 (1) |
25% |
★★★★★
(Atlanta, Ga Usa)
11/02/2010
★★★★★
One of my German Shepherds has an immune deficiency. I have tried everything natural under the sun but, will not resort to pharmaceuticals. I feed raw, organic, no grains. ACV in water. Still biting, itchy & scabby. One day I was desperate to find a solution for her raw skin. I mixed up about a 1/4 cup of organic extra virgin coconut oil & about 6 drops of ingestable Four Thieves oil blend. I rubbed it in lightly on all the areas affected. The Four Thieves I use is a well known brand, easily found on the Internet that can be ingested. Some are only for topical use, so be careful. I would not use on cats. It calmed the areas immediately. Redness disappeared. By the next day scabs were falling off. I now do this twice a day. She actually nudges me to the kitchen for her coconut rub. Though I alternate omega 3 fish oil, coconut oil, ground flax or oil, EVOO, chia, something in her system seems to resist utilizing the ingested oils. I have started adding digestive enzymes to her food to add in breaking down fats. If someone has experienced this same problem I would appreciate feedback.
(Fort Worth, Tx)
08/11/2013
★★★★★
4 year old Aussie/Border female went through bouts of excessive itching, chewing feet, hind skin raw, etc. She wasn't in an episode of itchiness when she started to get horrid ear odor. We got Liquid-Filled Ear Swabs which did a great job of cleaning out ears, and also started giving her 1 drop of (diluted) oil of oregano daily to stop excessive candida growth. Well, after 2 weeks, we saw zero excessive itching, clean ears, loss of excess weight and a happier, more peaceful dog! We dilute the OoO with 3 parts exta virgin oliveoil to 1 part OoO. I take a drop/day now!
(Glendale, Ca)
02/01/2017
My German shepherd also with auto immune problems has just developed these same skin syndromes recently. Has been on prednisone for her low red blood cell count since 10.16. Her blood levels have stabilized however her skin condition is out of control. Have changed her diet with seems to improve the situation.
And do you give her hydrosine for the itch. However now I will try both the ACV remedy recommended on this site and absolutely the coconut four thieves and oregano tincture.
I also have started her on propolis and this seems to help a lot .
Thank you will keep u posted!
Do not recommend apoquel --
She had a horrible reaction to this which may have started the entire skin mess. This as well as prednisone lowers the immune system.
(Atlanta, GA)
08/05/2021
I know this post is old, but to ride on the back of this comment, I wanted to add that Apoquel is a most horrible drug to give your dog. My sister's dog had severe skin allergy and resorted to giving this Apoquel out of desperation to help her dog stop suffering. It was extremely detrimental to her dog's health. It was taxing on all vital organs and overwhelmed them, which eventually broke them down over time. So, I will say again, do not give your dog Apoquel unless you want your dog to have a slow death sentence. Do your research on it if you're even considering it. Try everything alternative. Yes, it stops the itching, but you don't have any idea what it's doing to your dog internally.
(St. George, Utah)
07/08/2022
Just wanted to say ~ you are absolutely correct Amanda.
Here is what I share with those I help and work with ~
Our standard medical system uses medications to try to take away as many signs and symptoms as possible rather than to fix what is actually causing the problem in the first place. However, when you use medications, you are basically making a deal with the devil because medications impair very necessary life functions in your dog's body.
All medications (including topical ones) S T O P or S L O W or BREAK down the body's natural metabolic processes. Medications change how the body communicates with itself. When the body is unable to communicate effectively the body begins to breakdown.
Drugs create a more dangerous situation in the body so the initial negative symptoms go away as the body attempts to take care of the new problems created by the drugs. For example, taking Tylenol for pain creates havoc on the liver so the body's attention to the inflammation that is causing the pain is diverted to the liver and the pain temporarily disappears. However, the main cause of the inflammation was never addressed and the drug(s) continue to poison and weaken the kidneys, liver and other organs. As a result, the body's immune (lymphatic) system becomes weaker and weaker. Working with a healthy diet and super food supplements address the causes of the negative symptoms and not just mask the symptoms.
The use of multiple medications is also very problematic because nobody has any idea how these cocktail concoctions are going to interact not only with the body but also with one another. Basically, it's a cocktail of horror that will wreak havoc on the body.
The thing to always focus on his the cause rather than the symptoms.
Steroid drugs (like Apoquel) are extremely detrimental to the body.
Coconut Oil
★★★★★
My dog Melvin, a four year old smooth-skinned Sharpei mix, normally has a beautiful, shiny chocolate-brown coat. Recently he developed scabby, itchy spots all over his body. He also became pretty anemic (apparent from the white color of his gums and inside his ear flaps) and would tire out easily after playing with the other dogs. I think the scabby spots were fungal, most likely ringworm. I had a spot show up on my forearm a couple days after finding Melvin's spots that looked like classic ringworm. I treated mine with an OTC ringworm cream and it started healing right away.
I've used your site for years and have had tremendous success with all other remedies. Coconut oil was one of the remedies recommended, so I added one tablespoon daily to Melvin's dry kibble (he weighs approx. 60lbs.) He loves the taste. After just one week his coat is shiny, the scabs are gone, new hair is growing in the bald spots where scabs fell off, and he's no longer tired after playing with our other dogs. The most incredible result is that his gums and inside ear flaps are no longer white, but a pretty, healthy pink, which is amazing because his appetite was never affected. So the anemia was not from his diet, but apparently from the fungus. I'm now adding the oil to my other dog's meals. I figure if it can reverse anemia, and cure fungus, it may prevent other ailments from even starting. I've also added it to my diet to see if it can help with a chronic skin condition I've had for years. I'll update any new findings.
Once again, thanks Earth Clinic and all contributors. It's so nice to be able to avoid the vet whenever possible.
(Brownsville, Tn)
03/21/2015
(Manchester. Uk)
03/26/2015
Has Coconut Oil helped your skin? I suffer from psoriasis and was just wondering.
(Eldersburs Md)
03/27/2015
I have tried many things to correct my Yorkshire Terrior itch, but nothing works. He is always at his paws chewing and itching all over with some sore spots. Does anyone have a cure? Been to three vets and no help. Please help me.
(Mpls., Mn)
03/27/2015
Hey Ron!
The first place to start is with your dog's diet; what are the ingredients on the dog food label? If grains or corn are in the first 5 ingredients, it is time to upgrade the groceries to a grain free diet.
And, once you upgrade the groceries it will still take time - no quick fixes, but many things can help.
When mine get the itchies I alkalize the water with baking soda - a 'crisis' or 'outbreak' dose is 1 teaspoon of baking soda per 1 liter of water, and this as your dogs only source of drinking water. After 7 days I switch to 1/2 teaspoon baking soda to 1 liter of water, and after 7 days I again switch it down to 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda to 1 liter of water- and this can be for another week or so, or as a daily maintenance dose.
Next, Consider Ted's mange remedy - this can bring an itchy dog relief:
Ingredients:
Borax laundry booster - the plain stuff with NO scent.
1 -16 oz bottle of 3% hydrogen peroxide
I get both of these from the grocery store.
Process:
Empty hydrogen peroxide into larger bottle - I use an empty 1 gallon vinegar jug. Add to this 32 oz filtered or distilled water - I just refill the hydrogen peroxide bottle twice - and dump into the jug. What this does is change your 3% hydrogen peroxide into 1% hydrogen peroxide.
Next add 1 cup of the borax crystals and shake. There should be some undissolved crystals in the mixed solution - this is just right. I try to use hot water from the kettle on the stove, that or sit the jug of mixture in the sink full of hot water while I bathe the dog.
NEXT:
Bathe the dog - use whatever shampoo and rinse well. Squeeze out excess water and make sure the tub is drained. I then plug up the tub. Now pour the mixed up solution over the dog. I use a small sponge to soak up the solution from the bottom of the tub and squeeze it out onto the dog again and again, making sure I get the head and underneath. Keep squeezing solution over and over onto the dog for about 15 minutes - 30 minutes is better. Then pull the stopper from the tub and let the excess drain. DO NOT DRY THE DOG OR RINSE THE DOG. The solution has to remain wet as it is still working. Allow the dog to air dry. I just pop mine into their crates and I remove any absorbent bedding.
If you are worried about poisoning your dog keep in mind that borax has the same toxicity as table salt. The solution doesn't seem to hurt the eyes or sting any sores on the skin. Some dogs feel instant relief! I find this is effective on the skin for 24 hours - after that you can do another dip or switch to the Anti-fungal/Anti-staph solution:
Anti fungal/staph skin solution - you will need:
Milk of Magnesia [magnesium hydroxide]
Epsom salts [magnesium sulfate]
Borax [sodium tetraborate]
1% hydrogen peroxide solution
Mix 1 tbsp of MOM with 1 tbsp epsom salt and 1 tbsp borax into 1-1/2 cups of 1% hydrogen peroxide. Apply and do not rinse. This solution should knock out any staph infection or yeast infection going on in the skin.
If you get results - less itching and chewing - you can mix up a smaller batch of the above solution and put it in a spritzer bottle to use on your dog's paws; if they heal up you can try a simple solution of water and white vinegar to use after your dog comes in from outside or when you see your dog start to chew at his feet.
You also can address the itching from the inside out with dietary supplements - yucca, turmeric and quercetin can be found in capsules at the health food store and help with inflamation; colostrum will help build the immune system and Vitamin C, kelp and spirulina will help support it.
Let us know what you try and please report back!
(Fontana Ca)
11/12/2016
My dog has diabetes and dry flakey skin. I bath her in Apple Cider vinegar. Her coat looks and feels better and her skin is not flaking as much as before. I will continue to use it. She don't itch very much now. And her coat it soft and looks and feels good. She is a lot happier Doggy:). Let me know if it helps your dog also. Bonnie
(Kent)
12/31/2016
(Kapolei, Hi)
01/29/2017
(Kapolei, Hi)
01/30/2017
Ok. I just stuck him in the crate to soak it all in for 30 mins. before I towel and blow-dry him. I had to use Wild Cherry MOM tho...and I plum forgot the distilled water and used tap, and I also forgot to squeeze off the excess water after the bath before I began dousing him with the staph/fungus formula. Is this why as I'm watching him and typing he is still scratching in the exact same places he does when he's bone dry??!! How LONG does it take this treatment to work?? I mean, how many times do I have to use it to stop the itching? Thanks.
(Seattle)
02/17/2017
I give my cat virgin organic non GMO coconut oil that is made from fresh coconuts and her fur is softest, silkest fur ever. I did make sure that the oil was made from fresh coconut and not dried. Because dried coconut have mycotoxins in them which is mold and is highly toxic. so please be aware . You can call the manufacturer if your in the store the phone number is right on the label and ask.
So, again make sure the coconut oil is Non-GMO and made from fresh coconuts
Coconut Oil, Ground Flaxseed
★★★★★
I also added about 1/2 teaspoonful of MSM (possibly slightly less), for good measure. He got this with his breakfast and with his dinner. It's been about 2 weeks now, and it's made a huge difference. He scratches every now and again, but in a normal way. The incessant scratching and licking have stopped. I'd just ordered some Apoquel for backup, but haven't had to use it yet. I read somewhere that it's the Omega 3 and Omega 6 that does it. It's
Unbelievable, the difference it's made. (I've also just had a look at the ingredients in Yuderm: 62.25% Flaxseed oil, 21% Salmon oil, 9% purified fish oil, and 7.5% Borage oil).
I don't think the MSM has anything to do with it, think it's just the coconut oil and the flaxseed that worked. And much much cheaper than the Yuderm!
Colostrum
★★★★★
Corn Starch
★★★★★
Dietary Changes
★★★★★
Dietary Changes
★★★★★
Dietary Changes
★★★★☆
Dietary Changes
★★★★★
I was wondering if the Apple Cider Vinegar sprayed on the animals burns. It has got to hurt if the skin is raw. Also, organic coconut oil works great. Most times it is the food they are allergic too. After reading these sites I switched food and the fur on both my German Sheppards and 8 cats all changed for the better. My fat cats lost weight and look great.
My friends dog was scratching himself to death. She changed foods 4 times,, but each time it was another garbage type
food.
You must see:
http://www.petfoodratings.net/
Dietary Changes
★★★★★
At any rate, I ordered Tuxy's old brand of food online and just got it delivered yesterday. Amazingly enough, he has almost stopped scratching after only 1 day back on his old food!! So I am guessing he had either a yeast overgrowth or allergies in connection to the new food. Isn't it interesting that he started to scratch right away on the new food and stopped scratching just as fast on the old food?!
If your dog has skin allergies or yeast issues, consider that their food may be the culprit!
(Atlanta, Ga)
05/04/2010
What was the food you ordered? My lab mix puppy scratches too. She doesn't have scabs, but scratches as soon as she wakes up.
EC: Blackwood was the brand I ordered. However, I have since switched them all to Taste of the Wild (Salmon).
Note: Be careful with higher quality holistic foods - two of my dogs gained about 7 pounds in 6 weeks on Taste of the Wild (Bison and Venison) and are now on a strict diet!
Deirdre
(Dallas, Tx)
01/27/2011
★★★★★
I've been the round with dogfoods and as I have a lot of dogs & 3 cats; it's been difficult to find a holistic brand with guaranteed ingredients that don't have grain, or a lot of fat, that I can afford. Pancreatitus is a danger with the high fat brands & if your dog is not an actual working dog in a cold climate, there's a definte risk of this. Grain is responsible for diabetes, yeast infections, & allergies in dogs. One of my little males suffered through 3 rounds of pancreatitus years ago from ProPlan (my vet commented on the high fat content, but it didn't register with me at the time) plus he & 2 of his daughters last fall had a seizure type reaction from one I thought was ok (Blue). Wellness is what I feed them now, with no problems. ACV in their drinking water has improved their coat & skin condition even more. Will be trying coconut oil on one ex-feral cat who continues to have severely itching skin, who vomited the ACV water & refuses to drink it after one episode.
(Florence, Ky, Usa)
03/14/2011
★★★★☆
I have a 10 yr old Akita that has suffered from itchy skin for a number of years. It first started when she was bout 7 and then we took her to the vet, got a cortisone shot and she was better for a time. Then about a year ago it came back worse than ever. She was also having trouble with her joints and biting them, mostly her hips.
After doing some research on this site I decided to try a combination of things. Every meal along with her Taste of the Wild food, she gets, 1-2 cloves of garlic , chopped into small pieces (I started with one to see how she reacted and then when she showed no negative side effects, gave her more). About 1 teaspoon of ginger root, chopped up, 3 scoops of organic yogurt, 1 tablespoon organic coconut oil, and 1 tablespoon blackstrap molasses (to help with her joints). Within a month of using this combination, her skin cleared up, coat looks shiny, and she is bouncing around like she used to. She still has 2 hot spots on her chest but I think it is due to our location. Hope this helps!
Epsom Salt Baths
Filtered Drinking Water
★★★★★
Is it fluoride exposure? Hard to say - but it works!
MyWay :D
