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.
Pseudopelade
Posted by Jc (Concord, Ca) on 03/20/2012
My 9 y/o yellowlab was recently diagnosed with Pseudopelade. It's a skin condition and basically the hair follicle is damaged and no longer able to grow hair. My poor little guy is getting bald spots all over his head. I was wondering if anyone has dealt with this and had any info to share. Thanks very much.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Marianne (Berlin, Germany) on 03/20/2012
Dear Yarnaholic1963: It could be Demodex (or demodectic mange which is the same). Our dog had it very bad and the vets treated it with Ivermectin. Check it out on the internet, really bad stuff. I read a lot of books and other information. First thing - after nothing from the vet helped and matters got worse - we changed her diet. First to fresh cooked food with veggies, than to a strictly raw meat diat with steamed veggies and sometimes fresh fruit. Check out the internet there is plenty of info to find. That already started the healing process but it still took more and it takes a long time. Also - and that is the most important thing - don't let her be vaccinated again. These vaccinations really screw up the immune system. I don't want to elaborate since I have written a lot about it in this blog and get a little tired of not getting any feedback. There is also a vaccination side effect page on this earth clinic web site. One of the best articles about Demodex I found here:
www.alternativepets.com/demodex/html
On vaccinations go to to:
Http://mythicaldanes.com/healthtraing/vaccsCO.html
That is just a first step. You will find plenty of information on the internet about vaccination critique. Good luck,
Marianne
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Yarnaholic1963 (Galveston, Texas) on 03/20/2012
My 8 month old German Shepherd has the black spots on her belly. Do you know what causes this? She also has the odor. Thanks!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Sue (Saratoga Springs, Ny) on 03/05/2012
★★★★★
My dog has skin that has black spots and smells bad, it is mostly on her abdomen. I wipe the areas with a cloth soaked in cider vinegar. This seems to offer imediate relief for itching and fades the spots a bit, and the odor disappears as well!
Inflammation
Posted by 5 Pooches Home (Houston, Tx) on 03/01/2012
Have you tried COCONUT OIL? Both as feeding and application. Feed him 4-5 BIG tablespoons of CO each meal. For application - try massaging the leg with mix of CO and castor oil. Certified organic and cold pressed is best. NOT refined one. This should help.
Inflammation
Posted by Dltolle (Hemet, California, Usa) on 02/29/2012
Would like some feedback for my dog's inflammation. My dog was diagnosed with bone cancer in his front leg over 3 years ago and I treated him naturally and he is still here. My problem is his leg where the cancer was is inflamed. I was using Rymadal and it worked well except for the fact that it blocks the Cox-2 that cause the inflammation but along with that it blocks the Cox-1 factor and this cause the stomach lining to bleed and also it is hard on the liver and kidneys. I have tried all kinds of natural remedys: omega's, Chondroitin, Glucosamine, Bromaline to Tumeric, quercerin you name it, but can't get the same results as Rymadal. Anybody have any suggestions?
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Sharon (New Orleans, La, Us) on 02/28/2012
Hi Kate, do a 50/50 solution of the ACV and either spring or filtered water. Dip it in a cotton ball and you can apply directly to the affected area as well as to the back of the neck in between the shoulder blades. Make sure to massage the solution down into the skin in both areas. I would also add some to the food in a ratio mix of 1/4 teaspoon to 8 oz of water or 3 to 4 drops in the water bowl. Some cats drink up the water but some cats, like mine, will not drink it therefore the option of putting it in the food. You should begin to notice a difference within 48 hours.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Kate (Courtenay, Bc) on 02/28/2012
Hello, I've read so much great things on this site about apple cider vinegar and how it pretty much saved a lot of animal's lives. We are a big believer in natural cures in everyway and are very weary when it comes to going to the vet. Not only because they cost so much just to get a check up, but also because most of the time they give you useless antibiotics.
I have a wonderful calico cat that, unfortunetly, has strange small red spots on her lower belly and spreading to her legs. I'm not exactly sure what it is, but I know it's not ring worm and I'm hoping ACV will help. I am just not sure how to apply it on her neck or paw, whether or not just to apply it to her belly at the area and how properly to dilute it. Beause when it come to our furry family, we don't want to take a chance. Thank you so much and thank ACV.
Skin Yeast Infection
Posted by Donna (San Diego, Ca) on 02/03/2012
The fur under my dog's chin was chronically damp, and she developed a persistent yeast infection. After a lot of research I purchased a tube of Monistat, the stuff they sell OTC for vaginal yeast infections. I rubbed it on the infected area once a day for 3 days, and voila! Yeast infection gone, never to return. It may not be natural or holistic, but it is cheap, easily available, quick, and it works.
Coconut Oil, Iodine
Posted by Sparky (Odessa, Texas) on 01/28/2012
★★★★★
My large mixed breed dog developed open sores all over her body, her hair around the sores came out in clumps. The vet(s) prescribed Pregnazone, Tipol, and antibotics. Over a year's time and almost $3,000.00 later, the sores were multiplying. After the second round of Pregnazone, she would lose bladder control when she went to sleep. It embarassed her greatly. When the vet wanted to "try" more Pregnazone I refused and changed vets. The new vet wanted to start the whole routine over. My poor baby itched and whimpered most of the time. I was at a terrible decision. I couldn't seem to get her any help and she was miserable. I considered having her put down to get her some relief from the continual sting and itching over most of her body for the past year.
I decided if women can use iodine douche for yeast infections, then I'd try a tiny bit on my sweet girl. I put Povidone-Iodine Solution, 10% (Equate brand from Walmart) into a spray bottle and lightly squirted each sore, allowed the place to dry and applied Monistat Vaginal Cream. She was immediately relieved and for the first time in a year, did not whimper and scratch all night. I applied this treatment morning and night, after a week there was noticable improvement to the affected places.
I changed from Monistat cream to Coconut Oil. The results were even quicker. After another week of the 2x day treatment (using Coconut Oil) she was so improved we only did the treatments in the evening. The sores were healed over in about two months and completely gone in 3 months. I continued to apply Coconut Oil to the spots where the hair was trying to grow back in for another month.
When I told the vet what I had done he said what he prescribed was more potent than the "mess" I was using. All I can say is that for over a year now she has not had any signs of sores, and the "mess" I used worked whereas all the prescriptions the vets used did nothing but make her lose bladder control. My sweet girl is back to being herself, happy and healthy.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Beth (Charlotte, Nc) on 01/27/2012
★★★★★
We have an 8 year old schnauzer who has developed scaly skin (yuck! ) I found your site, it was suggested to put some coconut oil in her food and rub it on her spots.... IT WORKS! In just 4 days we see a major change! The only draw back is... Our one year old puppy likes to lick it off her back and she isn't a fan of being licked! :)
Perfect! No medication... A natural fix!
Apple Cider Vinegar, Oregano Oil
Posted by Shasta (Portland, Or) on 01/09/2012
What your vet was telling you, without telling you, is the sores and black skin and constant itching is from allergies. They show allergies through their skin, not in their lungs like humans. We spent hundreds of dollars at a skin specialist. Eventually we figured out that he also has hypothyroid and once his thyroid was medicated to normal the allergies have cleared up. This is good because he is highly allergic to all plants that live in the pacific northwest!
Rectal Tissue
Posted by Brooke (Austin, Tx) on 09/15/2011
I have an 82# rescued, senior female Rottie who started "scooting" and had rectal bleeding. I took her to the vet, who found no blood in her intestines, but did find hookworms, which I treated her for with medication he gave me. Her anal sacs are fine, and the vet pronounced her otherwise healthy.
She tested positive for heartworms awhile back, and I've had her on the Bandit's Buddies program (google it online for complete info) for three months now. I'm concerned that the Nature's Sunshine HSII formula (hawthorn berry, capsicum and garlic) might be part of causing this tenderness and bleeding from her rectal tissues because of the capsicum being a nightshade, which dogs don't eat in the wild or digest well, so I stopped that part of the program (for now). I've been cleaning the area with 1/2 Epsom Salts & peroxide, then putting Vitamen E oil on the tissues, as they seem dry and almost cracked. There's no indication of infection or pus, just bleeding. To treat her internally, I've given her 1 TBS drinkable aloe (with a syringe) at night. And after reading these posts, I also just gave her about 1 1/2 TBS of melted coconut oil, which she gobbled up. Her diet is a high-quality dry food (first ingredient Salmon/no corn or wheat) that she's been on for about seven months w/no problems. She also gets a TBS or so of wet food 2x per day mixed with Nature's Sunshine Artemesia blend (a really thorough mix of vermifuge herbs).
My question is: does anyone here have any other suggestions for natural remedies to speed the healing of those rectal tissues? My first instincts are poultice, but I don't think she would hold still for that! Any other herbs I can add? I have shelves of capsulated herbs and tinctures, as well as quite a few homeopathic remedies. Thanks!
Dry Skin on Dog's Elbow
Posted by Sharon (Albuquerque, Nm) on 08/29/2011
Garlic liquid capsules are well worth trying. Break and rub into dry patches use generously. If too time consuming use really hot water and melt then apply the outer layer won't hurt anything.
it's just kinda of stiff. Antibacterial, antiparacitic, antiviral. I've used it on parasite larva, cuts everything. Use like ointment even killed a worm in ear. Worms appear to be dry skin. AGRISEPT-L is an excellent product order on internet or ADVANTAGE by wisdom of the ages is cheaper same type not as consentrated they are citrus seed exrtacts about 4 seeds. Both anti varioous ailments as garlic is. Hope these help!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Peg (Katy, Tx, Us) on 08/26/2011
You don't want to give them too much ACV. Try putting raw honey on his paw twice daily to help clear it up. Also, be sure to feed your pups plain, unflavored yogurt daily (about a teaspoon) because dogs with allergies are also prone to getting yeast infections. Good luck!
Tufts of Hair Coming Out
Posted by Stacie (Spring, Texas) on 08/11/2011
My 8 year old pug has an odd skin condition that we can't quite pinpoint. Her fur looks "polkadotted" around her back half, and if you gently pull the hair at the dots it comes out in a tuft with dead skin attached. She doesn't have a strong smell, or obvious bald spots, and she does not itch. Of course, our weather here has been extremely hot and humid, so I don't know if that plays a part or not. What she has does not sound like what is usually described as mange or a yeast infection. Any ideas?
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Caran (Katy, Tx) on 08/01/2011
My Shih Tzus are suffering from skin allergies. Have tried the vet route which hasn't worked. I have switched their food from Taste of the Wild to Natural Blance L.I.D. (duck & potato). I put 2t ACV in their water daily. I can't seem to heal my male's right front paw (in between his toes). The back one was a challenge, but is doing fine to date. I have tried sprays for the licking and now have resorted to the e-collar (soft) and back to the ozonator daily treatment. Shall I add the ACV to their food as well as the water and if so, how much? Or, eliminate the ACV at the moment? We are in the midst of the elimination diet.
Your help will be greatly appreciated!!!!
Thanks.
Impetigo
Posted by Squirt2 (San Tan Valley, Az) on 07/20/2011
Any recommendations on what I can use to clear impetigo on my dogs lower chin? Doctor not sure what it is red bumps and I can squeeze and a little pus comes out.. Getting better one day and then the next doesn't look too good. Now my male pup has a few which leads me to believe it is impetigo. Is Demasil good? I have been treating with peroxide. Getting very frustrated. Please help.
Bumps on Upper Lip
Posted by Linda (Queen Creek, Az) on 06/16/2011
My dog has bumps on her upper lip, vet gave us a topical spray which seem to be working; plus we purchase ceramic bowls and dumped the plastic but she is getting them back any ideas?
Dry Skin on Dog's Elbow
Posted by Sal (Roodepoort, Gauteng, South Africa) on 06/03/2011
Our dog also has them all all his elbows in fact and he is only 2 years old. The vet said that there is basically nothing that they can do and we just have to treat it periodically with antibiotics everytime it starts weeping. I somehow can't believe that and am hoping that we can treat it another way? Perhaps the ACV? Please help!
Yogurt
Posted by Gordon (Edinburgh, Uk) on 05/21/2011
★★★★★
Got dog from cat and dog home about 7 months ago so far £500 in vets fees, Pet Plan refuse to pay out as underlying condition. Has been on steroids, numerous creams etc to treat his skin, ear, chin and tail problems. Has been fed on a dry food diet. Mites etc ruled out
The thing that I have found that has helped the most is yogurt, Natural plain organic probiotic and should contain Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus acidophilus ( Yeo Valley ) is one,
For a medium sized dog collie etc, one tablespoon in food morning and night, will take a week or so to see real improvement and may suffer from loose stools to start with.
Medicated shampoo did help the first time used but as it strips the oils out of the skin dandruff etc returned for a few days then slowly cleared up, do not overwash the dog unless advised by the vet also for his chin used 1 pint boiled water with 1tsp salt (cooled)to wipe his chin with cotton balls after eating so no bacteria can build up,
For the yeast and allergies to build up there must be an underlying cause so am going to switch his food and try something with a higher protien content, this will take some time as can take a while to show results but at least it seems to be under control and a big improvement on what he was like before, will also be starting omega 3 tablets once the food is sorted out as this also helps skin conditions and a lot of dog foods do not contain enough.
Apple Cider Vinegar, Oregano Oil
Posted by Madonna B (Cypress, Texas) on 03/19/2011
★★★★★
My female cat started developing the lesions on her belly that were slimy and feverish to the touch. She licked them constantly and they began to spread all over her belly and lower legs. We took her to the vet and he immediately diagnosed her with Eosinophilic Granuloma. What that means is that her white blood cells think there is a foreign object in her body that needs to be attacked. However, there is no actual foreign object and her body is essentially attacking itself. We were told there is no cure and that the most they could do was give steroid shots periodically to relieve it, but that the steroid shots would eventually kill her because they suppress the immune system.
I researched everything I could find and everything I read said what the doctors did. I tried ACV from the mother diluted 50-50 and used a spray bottle to spray her tummy. It helped a little. (NOTE: diluting ACV with tap water has to be refrigerated because the tap water makes it go bad.)
Then my husband had an inspiration to put straight ACV with a dropper full of Oil of Oregano (food grade). Oil of Oregano is a natural anti-fungal, anti-biotic, anti-germ. I've used it on myself. We researched it first to make sure it wouldn't hurt the cat, but every traditional site said not to use it. We reasoned that the steroid shots would kill her and therefore really had nothing to lose either way.
The ACV with Oil of Oregano WORKED!!! We started seeing immediate results! The lessions started diminishing, the cat herself became energetic again.... She is once again the sweet, social cat she was before. It took several months to get rid of all it. We sprayed her once a day in the evening every day. We always made sure we petted and loved on her afterwards so that she wasn't too stressed. She would always lick it off some, but never had a bad reaction to it. She was miffed at being wet though, that's for certain.
Interesting thing I would like to note - we had her fixed 8 yrs ago and the area on her belly which they had shaved for the surgery had never grown back the fur. Since treating her with the ACV/Oil of Oregano combo, all of that fur has grown back!
Turmeric
Posted by Robinbirdee (Deland, Florida) on 03/06/2011
★★★★☆
Have found turmeric to be helpful--some have grown smaller will try virgin coconut oil my dog has many problems and this site saves me from many trips to the vet thank you so much!
