The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Acidophilus
Posted by Lynne (Belleview, Fl) on 07/02/2009
Can someone tell me what the correct doseage would be of asodopholus for a 4lb 9oz Yorkie?
Apple Cider Vinegar, Raw Garlic
Posted by Pendragons (Southern Illinois, Il) on 03/04/2012
Please never feed your dog garlic in any form. It contains theosulphate which is a toxin for dogs. While small dosages may be fine, I would never take the chance.
Raw Food Diet
Posted by Suzanne (Southeast, Michigan) on 04/27/2008
★★★★★
For those of you who have dogs with skin problems, skin allergies, please consider a raw diet. This is something that is becoming more well known and is growing in popularity. Commercial dog foods are the cause of so many health problems in pets. My three dogs and one cat have been eating a raw diet for two years now. Raw meaty bones, some organ meat, and then a couple times a week, a few supplements like fish oil, yogurt, raw egg, kale. It's similar to something called the BARF diet for pets, but a simplified version. Two books by Tom Lonsdale, Raw Meaty Bones, and Work Wonders, are a good place to start reading about the diet. There are web sites and yahoogroups as well. My dogs teeth are super clean and white (even my 9yr old lab) because they're eating like their ancestors did; ripping the meat off bones, chomping on bone (raw bones only -- cooked bones are a choking hazard). Sicne starting this diet, besides being overall healthier pets, other benefits: clear anal glands because the poop is a bit harder, healthier skin and coat, no dog smell or doggy breath, much less poop because no fillers, etc., as in dry food I never have to clean up poop in my yard! Natural diet means natural poop; in a few days, it turns white and crumbles away. Also, my dogs are happier. They love the raw diet. I had one very stubborn cat who I just couldn't get to transition to a raw diet, so I fed her Evo, the more natural dry food. That did help her allergies, but I still would rather she went raw.
Apple Cider Vinegar and Yogurt
Posted by Claudia (PDX, Oregon) on 02/27/2008
★★★★★
What has made my dogs skin and coat beautiful is a daily combination of 1/2 tsp of ACV mixed in some plain organic yogurt. I use "nancy"s". My big dog- black lab mix has yeast issues in his ears and paws and it has cured this problem but also improved his coat as well as the coat of my other dog. I see huge skin improvemnets. It took about a month to see the difference as I think it changed the PH of his gut thus working it's way out to the skin. I got a little lax on the routine and right away notice the old problems back. Needless to say I am going to do this everyday from now on. One more thing- my dog with the yeast problem has been allergy tested and has a dairy allergy- I figured I would take a chance with the organic yogurt and I have seen NO ill effects- it is full of all the good bacteria- not sure if that made the difference or what.
Apple Cider Vinegar and Yogurt
Posted by Jo (Bend, Or) on 02/06/2009
I have recently started the acv and organic plain yogurt on my golden, can someone give me a rough estimate of how long it took until you noticed a marked improvement in the skin?
Turmeric
Posted by Southern Belle (California) on 01/14/2018
★★★★★
I now have a chorky a chihuahua + yorkie, she has horrible allergies airborne she will bit, nip, scratch till she looks like she has mainge! She came into my life to make me as happy to have a lil` girly girl again she was right around 8 weeks, I noticed she had this tiny little bump no bigger than the tip of ball point pen. months later I noticed it had grown and split into 2 bumps still small I got nerveous and had her checked out while I was in Georgia and she said it was a cysts and could be removed but was small that it may go away or grow but was nothing dangerous, we'd watch it and if it got worse or painful she'd remove it. well what seemed like overnight [and was a couple months later] it not only grew but ruptured! Omg I didn't see it go from an eraser size to a bump split wide open oMg, I cried, cleaned it up and poor baby she looked at mommy with sad eyes, they said that was good to release and put her on antibiotics I kept it clean and researched!!
I found Turmeric I purchased my from Health xxx site vitamins etc, ... it was purest form and I sprinkled it in her food and WoW never had one again 4 years later she had a small one and after a few couple and a half years i didn't think she should be on it for life so I quit giving it to her and a couple months ago she had a small one. So I'm going back to Tumeric, guess my point was that it's healing properties are for cysts, tumors, cancer, and more! I just noticed that her ear seemed darker and bumpier than her other one and she's never been one to allow her ears to be manipulated to see inside, she's all black lol and disapears in a shadow, lol. there seems to be a tint of what I can't be sure of but either from her scratching or there is something irritated I pray thats the only reason is irratation! But Tumeric is extremely dooable price I paid ...4 years ago was around $8 and some change, was on sale but a larger pouch size of a bag of salad croutons. research the amount you'd need for your pet and sprinkle it in their food, she never seemed to not like it.
Good Luck. I hope my story tho long but hopefully helpful! Tc & gb!
Raw Egg in Food
Posted by Krista (Oregon) on 02/19/2017
★★★★★
My dog has had skin ALLERGIES soooo bad FOREVER-- (since 8wks old she is now 2----itchy eyes like goggles, hot spots on her front paws and YEASTY ears/skin - also inflammed itchy lips)- I went though TONS of natural remedies for red mange/YEAST/allergies (because the symptoms can mimic each other) including but not limited to---- coconut oil, ACV, elimination diets, supplements, essential oils--- you name it - I tried it--- did TEDS Mange treatment, and have been making her food ( ground turkey with cruciferous veggies only ...even with all of the evening primrose, immune support anti yeast probiotic protocols, even making 24 hr fermented homemade yogurt!!!
For all I was doing I was seeing small improvements where it would DEFINITELY improve but not go away completely--- no REAL RESULTS that I could say WOW - that worked--my husband who makes fun of my 13 hour research sessions for our pup has been giving Stella a raw egg once a day for the last week with her breakfast. - PROBLEM SOLVED ---no joke--- I can't even believe it! AMAZING!!!!
Dietary Changes
Posted by Robin (Virginia Beach) on 05/13/2016
★★★★★
I am caretaking my brother's Shih-Tzu, who is the sister of my own Shih-Tzu. I know that skin problems are genetic because I struggle with periodic scabs on my dog. However, My brother's dog has an absolutely horrible skin problem where she is bald in 30 percent of her body and the skin is sticky and smells horrendous. I too have assisted him and tried everything-yesterday I bought vetricin which was recommended by my groomer. Its safe to spray areas where the dog will lick. I just gave her her second bath in Miconazolle-type shampoo and let it sit on her for 15 minutes-then dried her and sprayed again with Vetricin. I shall keep you posted.
I wanted to mention-I see a lot of posts about changing the diet. I have a lab mix that was my husband's when we met. For the first 3 years that I've had her-she's had a chronic ear problem where gobs of gunk would come out of her left ear-everyday.
Finally her ear is better! After several vet appointments and ointments-washes-etc....a new vet suggested that she may have a food allergy and said that most of the time the allergy is CHICKEN!!
She hasn't had chicken in 2 years and her ear is clean as a whistle.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Rhoda (Newfoundland, Canada) on 02/24/2015
Hi, I have a Retriever/Shepherd mix that I adopted at approx. age 1. After a few months, he developed allergies. His scratching would keep us up at night and was very intense. His face would be ripped open, bleeding and raw. His vet practised both both traditional and holistic medicine.
It has taken about 6 months to get under control, but he has gone from 3 reactine tablets (which only eased, didn't eliminate the scratching) to being drug free and scratch free. What changed? I took him of his dog food, and changed to a high grade food called canisource, the Herring Flavor. Most food allergies in dogs result from chicken, beef, grains and dairy. This is why I choose a fish source protein. This food is expensive, but so are trips to the vet. I also mix in boiled vegtables that I mash together. I use sweet potato, carrots, turnip and green beens. I make big boilers and freeze containers.
The vet doctor also suggested that I give him Omega 3 (seal oil) capsules for the inflammation that his allergies cause. His ears and anal glands become inflammed. He gets 3 in his breakfast and 3 in his supper. MOST fruits and vegtables are okay. Stay away from tomatoes, grapes, onions and a couple more..These are simple foods with only one ingredient and allergy friendly. My dog has pineapple for a snack at lunch time and an apple before bed. He is strong, healthly and his coat gleams. I am so glad to have found a way to cure him of his allergies. It didn't happen overnight, it won't and his cells have to regenerate. It took 3-4 months. Now that his allergies are under control, I can introduce one food at a time in small, consistent amounts for a couple of weeks to see if the allergies reappear. I have done so with both chicken which caused pretty much immediate scratching and with beef, that started his scratching after building up in his system after about a week. These were removed from his diet again and he is allergy free again. Next I will try cheese or peanut butter. Hope this helps someone else out there that is struggling to help their furry friend.
Colostrum
Posted by Ellen (Leander, Tx) on 08/05/2013
Correction: The colostrum I purchased is bovine (cow), not goat.
Evening Primrose Oil
Posted by Deirdre (LA) on 07/01/2016
Dear Lyn,
Please read Earth Clinic's pages on yeast infections and allergies for suggestions about dietary changes. One of my dogs was having a lot of skin issues for several years and losing all his fur and I insisted the vet run a thyroid panel on him. She then ran an additional T-4 test to verify he was hypothyroid. After a month on the lowest dosage of thyroid medications, his energy returned and his fur grew in thicker and more beautiful than ever. I also put both him on a raw food diet and that has helped his allergies immensely.
Chamomile
Posted by Peetred (Hastings, Ne, Usa) on 07/10/2010
★★★★★
We got two kittens only to find out that our 4 year old son was allergic. He would sneeze, cough, get congested, and his eyes would get swollen, puffy, and red. I started having him drink lukewarm chamomile tea when I read that it was a natural antihistamine. It seems to reduce his allergies significantly. When his eyes get swollen, I also apply a used chamomile tea bag to his eye/eyes. It brings down the swelling immediately.
Over-The-Counter
Posted by George (Orangeburg, SC) on 10/06/2008
★★★★★
We took our Scottie to the vet because she was itching so badly. The vet put her on antibiotics and a steroid spray which caused her to go deaf for weeks. (Not to mention the cost!) After that, the vet said she had a food allergy, so we bought an expensive brand of anti-allergen dog food. No luck with that either. Then I saw your website and decided to try the ACV. This caused her to sting and begin scratching wildly. She also howled in pain. I diluted it to half and half with the same result. She started avoiding me when she saw me coming. I then tried baking soda and water paste. That didn't work either. I decided to go to Walmart and ask the pharmicist what he had for an itching dog and he suggested Solarcaine Cool Aloe Gel. This gel has lidodcaine (which relieved the itching) and aloe vera (which cools the skin). It worked like a charm. I highly recommend this for your itching dog!
Omega 3 Salmon Oil
Posted by Susan (Dallas, Texas) on 08/14/2008
★★★★★
My golden retriever had constant hot spots and skin allergies. Tried a cheap product called Missing Link. It has omega-3 salmon oil in it and you just sprinkle a tablespoon on their food daily. What a lifesaver. Her skin is great, her hair is silky, overall health is good. No more biting at her skin and being miserable, or hot spots! My vet doesn't sell it, but they recommend it to all their pet owners now due to my dog's results. They tell everyone about my dog and her results and everyone runs to pet her when she comes in cause of her silkiness. Good luck.
Raw Food Diet
Posted by Jennifer (Florida, FL) on 03/05/2015
★★★★★
I've cured hundreds of dogs and cats by switching their owners to raw feeding. Cheaper and pets live 25-30 years old with no issues.
80% flesh, 10% raw bone, 10% organs as a rough diet plan.
Neem Seed Oil - Promising Remedy!
Posted by Gabriela (Pahoa, Hawaii) on 02/24/2008
★★★★★
My pet recipe: Neem Seed Oil (100% pure only). I use it on everything, when our pets have itching, they scratch constantly and inflict wounds on themselves. If they have tics in their ears, they might inflict a wound somewhere by constantly scratching on the outside.
Neem Seed Oil is against parasites, mites and tics and fleas. It is also anti-bacterial. I used it on little turtles, chickens and cats. These are our only animals. I am so confident with this. I have solved problems, the vet said, were psychological. In one case, it truly was. Our cat was not stopping to scratch herself and inflicted wounds on herself because we had been away for some time and she was traumatized. I solved this problem by using Neem Seed Oil on her wounds first and then I put a little dog-shirt on her (like a T-shirt for tiny doggies you can buy). She was so estranged about the funny thing on her body that she forgot about her licking and couldn't anyway. After a few days, she got it off herself and had all forgotten her obsessive licking. When I use Neem Seed Oil, I put it on my hands, and oil the animals generously on all the spots necessary. They hate it - but usually one or two treatments are enough.
Omega 3 and Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Pinkie (Portland, Oregon) on 11/03/2007
★★★★★
Thanks to Marina from Victoria,Canada on the flaxseed tip. My Morris is a orange mixed breed. Looks like (you guessed it) Morris on the commercial! His skin was dry and he had the welts on his neck. I read your posting, had some omega 3 and squirted it in his mouth. After 2 days I gave him a day off, the difference in his skin is unbelieveable. His coat, like when he was a tiny kitten. He's 5 months now. I have another mixed breed Mischief (she has a crooked tail:)normal skin & coat, but she will be the next one to benefit. They won't drink water with ACV in it but I'm working on a mixture they can't detect. Also plain yogurt no flavor, no nothing, will clear up parasites. A tip from a vet!
Hydrogen Peroxide
Posted by Dolly D. (South, Ma) on 09/04/2011
I know this post is really old but this may help others - my dog has yeast infections in his ear and was 99% deaf - I had been giving him biscuits for treats - turns out he was allergic to the wheat/grains - about two weeks after I removed these from his diet the infection was gone and his hearing had returned to normal.
Meat Tenderizer
Posted by Melissa (Pt. Pleasant, NJ) on 01/08/2007
★★★★★
Adolph's Meat Tenderizer reduces the allergens in a cat or dog's dander and saliva. 'I just thought you guys would be interested in this cure. I have 6 cats (all of which I'm allergic to), and bathing them in a solution of Adolph's Meat Tenderizer and water (one tablespoon to a cup of water) helps reduce my allergic reaction to them considerably. You just wipe each animal in your home down entirely (paws, tail and tummy included) with a towel dampened with the solution, and then dry them. You can do it once every one to three weeks, depending on the severity of your allergies. This cure was actually suggested to me by a veterinarian, and it works great!
Omega 3 and Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Marina (Victoria, Australia)
★★★★★
I have a cat that is always chewing at its fur and had been giving her cortisone for the last 18 months. I put ACV in her water bowl and also flaxseed oil in her food. No more scratching and welts on her back have healed. I also rub her fur with straight ACV and she now can lie in front of the heater for warmth, whereas before she preferred to stay out in the cold air at night because the house was too warm for her. The next step is to get through our summer. You start off with 1 drop of ACV in your cats bowl to start them off. The next week add two drops. This will do for a small cat bowl. I also put ACV in my dogs bowl and I usually put in a teaspoon. She loves it. She is an aged dog but still loves to run and especially loves to chase the ball I throw to her repeatedly and she isn't sore afterwards.
Turmeric
Posted by Jeff (Missouri) on 02/14/2017
★★★★★
Natural dog skin allergy cures
Why r u not recommending turmeric in the dog's food and in pill form for eye and skin rashes. I found it to work in just a few days.
My dog had a very bad rash all over his body plus runny ichy eyes..I started putting turmeric in his food and within three days eyes started clearing up and his skin returned 98% clear..I'm still trying other herbs to clear up the rest....THIS was after spending almost $2000.00 at a vet.
