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.
No Grain Diet
Posted by Person_who_cares (Everett, Wa, Usa) on 04/20/2013
★★★★★
I did not have any trouble with my West Highland White Terrier's skin until she was about 6 years old and then it started in with hot spots, bleeding from an ear, excess thirst, excess itching and scratching and excess urinating, all I found were symptoms of fungus/yeast infection in dogs.
Searching the internet, most articles for treating skin problems are to use apple cider vinegar, which works but it is treating a symptom and not getting to the reason for the skin problems. If vinegar is showing signs of improvement, odds are the skin problem is a yeast/fungus infection.
With respect to treating dog yeast/fungus infections, I found a very good article online that I thought I had saved but cannot now find it. It said do NOT feed the dog grains, including oats, no potatoes or sweet potatoes, no peas and no honey because they turn into sugar in the dog and feed yeast/fungus. It said to use anti-fungus shampoos and conditioners with a certain anti-fungus ingredient that I did find at a pet store chain. It said to rinse the dog with a hydrogen peroxide, white vinegar mix watered down and to soak the dog's feet in that.
All vet pet doctors wanted to do was to throw steroids at it and to blame her breed. The results showed that that the majority of dog pet food manufacturers and many vets do not have a clue about yeast/fungus infections in dogs and actually contribute to the dog's health problems by putting the poor dog on dangerous steroids, which shorten any dog's life and gives them other health problems. I spent over $3000 in vet bills on my dog's skin problems. I had to ask the vet to do an allergy test, which showed she is allergic to nothing. The vet showed no interest in anything other than throwing steroids at the symptoms and not finding out the cause like a real vet should/would do. Another vet said they did not treat chronic skin conditions - blah! The problem is that many vets do not have a clue about effectively treating dog yeast/fungus infections when this should be basic knowledge to them.
The results of the no grain, no potato, etc. diet are my dog now has hair where she had none, no flaky, itchy skin exists on her any longer, she rarely scratches or itches at herself. She drinks far less water and urinates far less. She seems much happier.
I initially found a dog food with none of the yeast/fungus feeding ingredients in it that I had to rehydrate but the dog food smelled and I wanted a dry dog food that I could just put out and not have to mess with. I found a dry dog food held together with millet, which does not turn into sugar in the dog. This dry dog food is the only dog food that my dog was ever absolutely nuts about and eats with enthusiasm. Earth Clinic said to share the names of such foods in one place and in another place says not to put the names in the article so I will not share the name of the dog food that my dog is absolutely crazy about and which helped her finally have a healthy coat after two terrible years of skin problems.
Do not use those oat shampoos on a dog with skin problems because the oats in it are a source of food to the yeast/fungus. Find a good anti-fungus shampoo/conditioner to use.
No Grain Diet
Posted by Lourai (Phoenix, Az) on 10/11/2020
We have our dogs on limited ingredient diet, no grains. It's not at a grocery store, you have to go to the pet store to get it. Starts with a C. The dry food we use is pricier than some, but my little Maltese/Shihtzu mix's fur is shiny and she has energy like a puppy. I also add a meat topping with no sodium because she is so picky. She's 10 1/2. She still has allergy flare ups, but seasonal, not food related.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Nicole (Pottsville, Australia) on 03/16/2013
hi I have a two year old pug x jack russell, Izzy. She has been itchy and scratchy for it seems like forever. She has a rash at the moment that looks like pimples in her groin area and she is continually chewing /licking her feet and scratching her chin ears and eyes. Where her tail joins to her body she gets dry scabs. She also has an odour. I have taken her to the vet several times about this and they give her prednisolone and antibiotics. This seems to help for a little while but her coondition comes back as soon as she has has finished prednisolone and antibiotics. I am currently feeding her a BARF diet. Thank you for the info on ACV I will try it and see if this helps her.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Judy (Denver, Co) on 08/03/2013
I have border collie mix that rubbed his eye for short while and had brownish hair just down from tear gland but I didn't notice any draining.
I also have miniature american eskimo with weeping eyes. Boots quite frequently lickes her eyes like a mother dog might. Lately he's been licking her head. I;ve noticed her rubbing her head on hardwood floor. Yesterday he licked her head and all she had was wet hair. Today I noticed he had a crust in corner of his eye and I scratched it off with my fingernai and it was actually a scab and it looks like a crater and red but not bloody. He started licking my Lala's head and kept at till I made him stop. Now she has a red spot with no hair and a scabby looking spot thats dark gray off to one side. This red spot with no hair and dark grey thing is all about the size of a nickle, which is pretty big on her small head. It's hard to believe this came about in 24 hours.
We have ferrel cats in the alley and some spend time under rv parked in back and my dogs make a B-line for that rv and run under it to chase the cats away. Who knows what those might have.
I don't know quite what to do. I have dog vits I give them occasionally. Boots likes them but Lala sometimes refuses them. I'm retired and don't have money for a vet. Their dog food isn't the best but I give some of my veggies, fresh fruit, meat and fish and my brown rice.. I've looked up recipes for dogs and they're pretty much what we eat. Frankly they'd rather eat my food than theirs. I eat organic as much as I can.
Except for an occasional itch they don't scratch a lot. Lala sheds too much in summer so I give her fish oil capsules and that stops. The reddish part of patch on Lala's head looks like ringworm in humans but not dogs.
I have organic apple cider vinegar but not sure how to use it, expecially around the eye. Any suggestions will be appreciated. Thanks.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Debbiefudge (Brighton, Uk) on 08/18/2013
Hi. I wouldn't use the ACV around the eye area at all. Put some in their drinking water. I would give fresh raw garlic daily in case the ferral cats have fleas.. (Most likely). That could be what started off the sore near the eye. A flea bite. Just bathe it with some cool, boiled water to keep clean and dab on a little coconut oil. And allow to heal, don't pick the scab off. As for diet. Stop commercial dog food all together and give as much raw meat, raw bones as you can and your scraps.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Meile (Dallas, Ga ) on 11/05/2013
My dog has had a skin infection and just got done with her steroids and now she has the same thing again. I want o know if there is anyting I can do to be able to fix it myself. she has bumps that look like pimples and when you squeeze them puss comes out then blood and then the next day she has a blad spot from the scab that forms. I have tried hydrogen peroxidie sprayed directly on her skin. I haven't seen any changes with that. I give her a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar with her food a day. She is a 14 lb. chihuahua mix dog. She is a rescue dog that I got 5 weeks again. So I don't know much about her history.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Fiona (Tustin, Ca) on 11/12/2013
I suggest you give your dog bath with aquarium salt with methylene blue. Or it can be magnesium chloride.The skin needs balanced minerals. Also these baths will draw toxins out. I have tried this with my 2 dogs. I think the older dog can run much better after this bath.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Amanda (Tennessee) on 09/12/2016
Would you let me know what kind of raw diet did you try? Any suggestions where to find recipes?
Olive Oil
Posted by Gass (Independence, Mo) on 03/04/2013
★★★★★
For dry flakey skin on my german shepard I used 2 tbl spoon of olive oil once a week on his dry dog food till gone. I mean when I got him it looked like bad dandruff on a black sweater. He also had a 1" & 1/4 long, about 1/2 tall tumor looking spot on his butt he was nalling at- and it cleared it up also. Also his coat became so shinny it looked like I had wipped him down with the olive oil.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Posted by Kdlund (Sheridan, Mi) on 01/24/2013
★★★☆☆WORKED TEMPORARILY
I have a beautiful dog. He is a mix of akita and white shephard. The problem I have is that he chews all the time, and his coat is sparse on his back side, and he has very dry skin back there. I have treated him with everything the vet gave and nothing, the problem still exists. I have treated him for fleas, bugs, whatever. He was dipped for mange and all. He really smells bad too. Even after treating for fleas I read that you could use dawn dish soap to get rid of fleas too, because he keeps chewing I decided to do this and guess what more fleas.
I heard to put peroixide on his irritated areas to stop the itching, did that and it worked for about a day and he is back at it.
I am going to try the wormer thing and see if that works but in the mean time I have dog hair all over the house and really feel bad that he chews all the time. I know he must be going crazy.
The vet wanted to put him on steroids, I am a nurse and know what they do to humans, I don't want my dog on them. Any help or ideas?
Hydrogen Peroxide
Posted by Claire (Boston, Ma) on 01/24/2013
Hi Kdlund, I think it's an internal issue, not an external one. I know a number of people who thought they had flea problems when the issue was in fact food allergies and overgrowth of yeast. I would use a flea comb to see if you see any flea droppings. If not, it's got to be an internal issue.
1. When a dog smells bad, it's frequently from poor quality dog food. You can also tell if its bad dog food if their fur is very oily. There are some interesting articles on the internet about what goes into some cheap brands of dog food from rendering plants (road kill, flea collars, etc) and so it's no surprise that dogs don't do well on food like this.
2. Because of some ingredients in dog food, you will have a lot of yeast overgrowth issues, which can cause a dog to scratch and chew incessantly.
3. Your dog also might have food allergies. This can lower a dog's immune system.
To help your issue, I suggest you change your dog food to a very good quality holistic brand of dog food that is grain-free and good for allergies. Mix the new brand in 50/50 with the old brand at first... give it a few days before you switch over 100%.
You should do your research on this and you may have to test a few brands. For a year I had my dog on a grain-free formula (Blue Wilderness), but after about 6 months, he started to get yeast issues, non-stop ear infections and scratching and biting. So these high end foods don't always work! I found another brand at Petco... very expensive... which was also grain free and supposed to help or eliminate allergies. I put him on this and within a week the incessant scratching and smelly ears went away. I had tried strong probiotics by the way, but this did not help the yeast issues at all. You may pay more for a higher quality dog food, but save on expensive vet bills in the long run,
I hope this helps you. Best of luck to you and your fur baby!!
Salmon Oil
Posted by Kathryn4 (Lanham, Maryland, Usa) on 11/28/2012
★★★★★
I have come acrross a remedy that may help others concerning redness and scratchiness on my beagle mix. Every day I give salmon oil squirts over his food - no more itching and redness. A miracle!
Apple Cider Vinegar, Coconut Oil, Yogurt
Posted by Janice (Toms River, New Jersey) on 09/14/2012
Please tell me the amount of each to use daily. I have a chihuahua. Medium size approx 15lbs. Thank you so much.
Apple Cider Vinegar, Coconut Oil, Yogurt
Posted by M (Burbank Ca) on 11/08/2015
Also check the food you give your Jack. If it has rosemary (oil, extract, anything). Jack's are allergic and it causes itching between the toes & ear infections.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Nettie (Salem, Mo., Usa) on 05/04/2012
I have a 18 lb Dachshund with sensitive stomach and coat. Can I use Organic (raw, unfiltered)ACV mixed 50/50 with water to spray on him for the rash and flaky skin? I just bathed him and rinsed him with plain water then sprayed the 50/50 solution on him and let him drip dry outdoors...... Is this correct? Also, with this help to deter ticks? He has seizures that seem to occur after treatment with "Frontline" or "Advantix". I need a cure for ticks. We live in a wooded area very bad for ticks!!!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Laura (Vancouver, Bc, Canada) on 05/07/2012
Hi Nettie, What is your progress now? Has it been resolved since you last posted? AVC cures alot of ailments, so it's rarely a bad thing.
Our dilemma is we desperately need Advantage Multi but cannot get any for reasons that are too complicated to explain. Would you have any, or know a friend or family member who's a Vet? We're at our wit's end over this dilemma. Please email us at: lovehealing3 (at) gmail
Laura
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 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 Brooke (West Salem, Wi, USA) on 09/16/2012
Marianne, having problems with my phone so please forgive improper capitalization. thank you for posting the link about vaccines for animals. I worked at a very busy vet clinic for 3 yrs and know that some of the vaccines only need to be administered once in a dogs lifetime. I am cautious about vaccines for my child but hadnt thought of the dangers for my furry children.
doing internet research, several years ago, I discovered that wheat allergies can cause my dogs ear troubles. The vet hadnt heard of it but said it made sense and he would research it further. I have a prescription for my dog for when her ears flame up, stink and itch horribly... its usually because someone has slipped her something with wheat in it or she has stolen it.
i am excited to have found this forum and look forward to spending lots more time on here. Again, thank you for the links. I will follow up with them soon.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Diamond (Salisbury, Ma.) on 09/27/2012
Debbie; Egg yolks is not good for pets, it's best to give them only egg whites once a month.... Also ACV is all natural, no sugar... Good luck
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Tammy (San Antonio, Texas) on 04/30/2012
I know this is late, but this is what can help with lick granules or interdigital cysts/funcules. If there is something stuck in the dog's skin, then you'll probably have to take it to the vet to get it taken out. If there's not, dip the dog's paw in hydrogen peroxide. Only do this once. Then, soak the dog's paw in an Epsom Salt solution for several minutes everyday until the swelling goes away. Also, apply Neosporin to the dog's cyst everyday after the soak and wrap up the paw with something so that the dog won't lick it.
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.
Impetigo
Posted by Aurorag (Muncie, In Us) on 12/15/2012
Our cat had this and we changed to a bowl that was not plastic and washed the bowl frequently as well as using peroxide and it healed.
Impetigo
Posted by Karen (Atlanta) on 03/16/2013
Apparently, this is a common but little known problem. I heard about someone locally with the same problem. The vet told them to stop feeding them in a plastic bowl and it cleared right up!
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?
Bumps on Upper Lip
Posted by Shannon (Edmonton, Canada) on 07/19/2012
My dog gets these as well and my vet told me that they are cold sores. Aparantly more commen then you would think. They told me to just wait it out. the heat can bring them out.
Bumps on Upper Lip
Posted by Kathryn4 (Lanham, Maryland, USA) on 03/05/2013
My cat gets bumps on the lip and I give her lysine treats. The only ones she will eat are the enisyl. Something similar might help your dog.
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!
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!
