Recurring Dog Rash

by jeannette
(ozone park, NY)

My dog has a recurring rash. My vet prescribed him Simplecif, but the medication only takes the rash away temporarily and it keeps coming back.
The vet has referred him to a specialist, but before I take him there I would like to know if there is something I can do at home to treat the dog rash.

The rash starts in a form of a small pimple and it pusses. When the pimple pops it becomes very dry and flaky, the rash grows in a circular size and the hair in the area of the rash falls off... each area of the rash is very small in size - close to the size of a pea.

What can I do to treat this? I don't know if its a fungal/bacterial infection, allergies, hot spots, etc. I do know its not from fleas or ticks as my dog has never had them.

Please help. I have spent so much money taking him to different vets and they don't know what it is...it would be difficult to afford a specialty vet.

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Recurring Dog Rash

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My Online Vet Response for Recurring Dog Rash
by: Dr. Carol Jean Tillman

Hi Jeannette,
Even without submitting a photo, what you are describing is a bacterial skin infection. Simplecif is an antibiotic, so that is why the skin problem clears up.

You wrote,
"What can I do to treat this? I don't know if its a fungal/bacterial infection, allergies, hot spots, etc."

The question is not 'HOW to treat it?' (since any antibiotic will clear it up), the question should be 'How to PREVENT it from recurring?'

You have not submitted enough information for me to treat him online--but I can give you a few suggestions:

1. DIET

He needs to improve his immune system. No More vaccinations - seek the help of a holistic veterinarian for an exemption for Rabies.

No more dry food -- Feed him a good quality canned or raw diet. See our page on the 10 Best Dog food options.

Supplement his diet with Immuplex from Standard Process. One capsule in food two times daily for a large dog over 50lbs or 1/2 capsule in food two times daily for a smaller dog.
Also, add in Mega C powder from OrthoMolecular Specialties (http://www.belfield.com/megac226.php). The dose is dependent on body size, and will be listed on the label.

2. HYGIENE/GROOMING

Keep him clean. If he is a long hair breed, you may need to keep the hair clipped short in the area where the rash recurs. Bathe him once a week with a mild shampoo like Johnson and Johnson Baby shampoo, for 4 weeks. Then one to two times per month. Rinse and dry well.

3. STRESS

Decrease stress (emotional and mental). Are there other dogs in the household that pick on him? Any small children in the household that seem to terrify him? Do you work long hours and he is left alone? Does he get enough exercise, and do you take him for regular walks?

In holistic medicine, it is not just the skin or one particular body part that is treated, it is the WHOLE patient.

To find a holistic veterinarian in your area click here:
find a holistic veterinarian in your area

Please keep us posted by coming back to this page and clicking the 'click here to add your own comments' link below.

Take care,
Dr. Carol Jean Tillman

DISCLAIMER: This educational advice is based on the depth of your question and the picture you submitted. The above should never replace the advice of your local veterinarian, as they have the ability to evaluate your dog in person.

Related Pages: Dog Skin Conditions & Remedies

Follow up to Recurring Dog Rash
by: Jeannette

Hi Dr. Tillman,

I followed your advice... I changed his dog food to a canned food and I ordered the Immuplex capsules.

So far what I have done is the following:

- I gave him the canned food. I bought him Wellness moist canned food and fed it to him for about 3 days. He ate it with no problems, but I gave it to him without the Immuplex because I still had not received it.

After the 3 days I changed the canned food to Wellness grain free dry food, because I was told that the moist food will rot his teeth. He seemed not to like the dry food and he wouldn't eat it so I mixed the dry food with a little of the canned food and he has been eating it for a few days now and he was well.

I finally received the Immuplex caps in the mail and I gave him an entire capsule in his food. He ate it along with the food... it has been twice that I have given him the capsule in the food and right after he eats he throws up all of his food. I have not given him the mega c powder yet because I still didn't receive it in the mail.

Please help. I don't know what to do. I don't know if it is the food or capsules that are making him throw up. He doesn't seem well, he doesn't want to eat and he looks sick... What should I do? Can you please recommend a dog food for him or a diet?

Also, its it true that canned food can rot his teeth, and can you explain further why did you ask me to take him off of dry food?

I also need to know if it absolutely necessary for him to be vaccinated on an annual basis. You suggested that I see a holistic vet for an exemption of the rabies shot, but what about all other shots? He is due for his annual shots soon, so I am trying to figure out what to do.

I'm not sure if this is important, but my dog's weight is 15.1 lbs.

Thank you,

Jeannette

My Online Vet Response for Recurring Dog Rash
by: Dr. Carol Jean Tillman

Hi Jeannette,
Thank you for providing some more information on your dog.

OK, regarding what will cause, 'rotting of the teeth'. Canned and dry dog food will BOTH accumulate tartar on a dog's teeth. UNLESS the dry dog food says it is a 'tartar control' food, dry food is just as bad as canned food.

What dogs (and cats) need to have is something hard and abrasive and labeled as "tartar control" to give AFTER each meal. In the wild, after they kill their prey and eat the carcass (which is SOFT and filled with lots of moisture), it is the RAW bones they chew on to help clean the teeth and provide calcium.

I would NOT recommend a tartar control dry food to feed as the only nutrient. Its purpose is to clean the teeth, NOT for providing enough moisture for healthy skin and hair, joints, kidneys urinary tract, etc. ESPECIALLY, for your dog that has a chronic recurring skin rash.

At this time, since your dog is adjusting to a diet change, and has had antibiotics, I would NOT start with the Immuplex and Mega C to boost his immune system. Wait 3-4 weeks after he is eating and doing well on his canned food (the Wellness moist is a good choice), then start adding in the Immuplex only 1/4-1/3 capsule 2 times daily for a small dog) and only 1/8 tsp of Mega C powder in the food two times daily.

For now, to help his GI tract, buy Lactobacillus acidophilus in capsule form (for humans) and add 1/2 capsule in chicken or turkey baby food, feed about 1/3-1/2 jar three to four times daily for three days. Acidophilus is to help replenish the GOOD bacteria in the intestine that was killed off by the antibiotic.

If he is still vomiting after each meal, stop ALL food for 12-24 hours, allowing him to have liquids only (such as chicken or turkey broth, or beef bouillon), with the acidophilus added. Give him only 1-2 TBSP of broth 4 times daily, and allow water free choice.

TO BE CONTINUED IN PART TWO.

My Online Vet Response for Recurring Dog Rash PART TWO
by: Dr. Carol Jean Tillman

Hi Jeannette,
Here is the rest of my response...

Then go back to the baby food.

After 3 days of NO vomiting feeding him baby food with acidophilus, then add some of the Wellness moist food, about 1/2 tsp to 1/4 jar baby food and feed three times daily, and add acidophilus to each meal.

Gradually increase the amount of Wellness and decrease the baby food over one week, until he is only eating Wellness canned food two times daily.
(For a 15 lb dog, feed 350 calories per day. Or 175 calories two times daily. The quantity you feed will depend on how many calories it has in it. Beef will have more than chicken, etc.)

Continue adding Acidophilus 1/2 capsule to each meal 2 times daily for 3-4 weeks. THEN start to work on his Immune system by adding in the Immuplex the first week, and if he is OK, then by the second week, start to add in the Mega C.

Take care,
Dr. Carol Jean Tillman

P.S. If you've found this service or our web site helpful, please "Like" us
by clicking the like button at the top of the left
margin. Thank you!

DISCLAIMER: This educational advice is based on the depth of your question and the picture you submitted. The above should never replace the advice of your local veterinarian, as they have the ability to evaluate your dog in person.

Thank you, what about the dry food?
by: Anonymous

Dr. Tillman,

Thank you so very much for all your recommendations, and I will start following your advice ASAP. Hopefully this will all work and my dog will be better soon.

Regarding the dry (Wellness) food, you did not mention what I should do. Should I take him off it completely or should I continue mixing it with the canned food? Can you Please recommend some good healthy dog treats as well.

Also, regarding his vaccines, should I stop them in total? is it safe to do so and should I apply some type of ointment to the rash to relieve the itching and redness, etc?

Thank you once again, I greatly appreciate all your advice..

Jeannette

My Online Vet Response for Recurring Dog Rash
by: Dr. Carol Jean Tillman

Hi Jeannette,
Regarding the Wellness Dry Food -- Yes, I would take him off it completely. No dry food at all.

For healthy dog treats--There are TWO kinds.
Tartar control... there are a huge number to choose from. Basically, you need to choose one that fits these requirements:
1. your dog LIKES them, so he will CHEW on them.
2. they do not upset his stomach or cause diarrhea
3. they WORK, keeping his teeth clean!
And they should be given after each meal.

For 'snacks': to be given for obedience training. No FREE LUNCH! He must DO something for it, sit, come, lay down, something:
baby carrots, pieces of apple or cantaloupe, or steamed green beans, freeze dried chicken, beef, or fish (Such as Halo's Liv-a-Littles)

Check out Dr Richard Pitcairn's book, Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats for a good reference on diet and healthy 'snacks'.

YES, stop giving any more vaccines.

Nothing topical on the rash, just keep it clean and dry.

Take care,
Dr. Carol Jean Tillman

DISCLAIMER: This educational advice is based on the depth of your question and the picture you submitted. The above should never replace the advice of your local veterinarian, as they have the ability to evaluate your dog in person.

Recurring Dog Rash..
by: Anonymous

Thank u do much Dr. Tillman on all your advice you been great...one other question: the treats that are tarter control would be a bone, right? Can you recommend any specific brands?

Also, is it ok to feed my dog sliced turkey cold cuts? I stopped feeding it to him since you have been advising me, but he used to love it. Is it safe to feed him?

Thank you,
Jeannette

Recurring Dog Rash..
by: Anonymous

Also, regarding the canned food, is it okay to feed him more than one flavor? I am currently giving him the chicken grain free flavor, but I would like to give him different flavors. Can I give him the regular dog food that's not grain free?

Thanks

My Online Vet Response for Recurring Dog Rash
by: Dr. Carol Jean Tillman

Hi Jeannette,
For Tartar control treats, any commercial brand is ok. Just find one with NO artificial colors and NO preservatives. And make sure your dog likes to chew on it, does not upset his GI tract, and that it cleans his teeth!

Raw bones are ok, NO RAW PORK or RAW FISH. But I am cautious about recommending raw bones due to the number of recalls from grocery stores with bacterial contamination.

I DO NOT recommend COOKED bones, these will break your dog's teeth, and will splinter and cause other problems.

Most sliced turkey cold cuts contain nitrates for preservatives. They are NOT healthy. I do not recommend them. Try Halo Liv-a-Littles freeze dried chicken, beef or fish.

Yes, rotating different flavors of canned food is ok, as long as they do not change in fat percentage too much. If all are under 10% fat, that would be better than rotating from one that is 8% fat to one that is 22% fat (it would cause diarrhea).

Grain-free canned foods are better for dogs with skin issues. Since you are already feeding a grain-free product, it would be best to continue.

Take care,
Dr. Carol Jean Tillman

DISCLAIMER: This educational advice is based on the depth of your question and the picture you submitted. The above should never replace the advice of your local veterinarian, as they have the ability to evaluate your dog in person.

Recurring Dog Rash..
by: jeannette

Goodness I am absolutely so confused. I have been reading so many reviews on how wet food is not good for my dogs teeth.

Prior to seeking your advice I had been feeding my dog dry food for 4 years, therefore this is a big and hard transition for me since am so concern about my dogs teeth rooting.

My dog has great teeth - no signs of any tartar at all. While feeding him dry food I didn't brush his teeth everyday, rather I would brush his teeth only when I showered him which is twice a month, and periodically when I would remember.
I do know that now since I am feeding him wet food I have to brush his teeth every day, and it's been so hard because my dog does't really allow me to reach the back of his teeth correctly. I try my best to brush his teeth every day, but honestly it's tiring and difficult...

I don't want my dogs teeth to go bad! Is the new moist food diet intended to go on forever or just until the rash goes away? Also, how long do I keep him on the Immuplex and Mega c ??

My Online Vet Response for Recurring Dog Rash
by: Dr. Carol Jean Tillman

Hi Jeannette,
If your dog's teeth are good with the DRY dog food, then they will be good with the canned food too. DRY dog food DOES NOT clean the teeth, UNLESS it says that it is a tartar control food.

Feeding dry food long term is not healthy and is probably why he has a recurring skin rash. So, yes, you would feed moist food forever.

Think of it this way... if his teeth have been maintained on the dry food, and two times per month brushing, then they will maintain the same with the canned food.

But it is good for a dog to chew as they would in the wild when they kill their prey and eat the bones. So, provide your dog with tartar control chews, one to two times per day after a meal. The Immuplex and Mega C should be continued for 3-4 months, at least until the skin is healthy.

Take care,
Dr. Carol Jean Tillman

P.S. If you've found this service or our web site helpful, please "Like" us
by clicking the like button at the top of the left
margin. Thank you!

DISCLAIMER: This educational advice is based on the depth of your question and the picture you submitted. The above should never replace the advice of your local veterinarian, as they have the ability to evaluate your dog in person.

Recurring Dog Rash..
by: jeannette

Hi dr,
My dogs rash has become worse!! I know its only been two weeks since i have been following your advice but never in the past has my dogs rash been this bad. In the past he would just get a small little pimple pustule like and they never looked so big and red as they look now, in the past he has never had one in his stomach and now he has one in his stomach and this is the worst one of all . Am not even sure if the one on hi stomach is the same as the ones he had on his body because it looks bigger and redder. The ones on his body are very small and do not look red like the one on his stomach...
I dont know what to do i know hes very itchy because he trys to scracth, i feel so bad for him . I am submitting pictures so u can see how the one on his stomach looks as for the other ones he has alot of them but they r under his skin you cant really see them because of his hair but i sent u a picture of how it looks when the hair falls off.
What should i do am desparate, i dont want to spend anymore $ on vet visits, should i take him to a dermotoligist ?.... Hes getting to many of them , this is the most hes had ..... He also keeps licking himself alot....
I cant attach the picture to this comment...
Thank you,

My Online Vet Response for Recurring Dog Rash
by: Dr. Carol Jean Tillman

Hi Jeannette,
Yes, we started July 28, a little more than two weeks ago. Please remember that when treating skin conditions holistically, using nutrition, supplements, and bathing, it usually takes 3-6 weeks to see improvement. If there has been a moderate amount of suppression with conventional drugs, it can take longer. This is because the suppressive drugs, antibiotics, antihistamines, cortisone etc. have been stopped.

So, as the 'vital force' of your dog is released from the effect of the drugs, the symptoms will get WORSE before they get better. Of course, it is much better to have a holistic veterinarian to observe and monitor your dog's symptoms. Not just to look at the skin, but at your WHOLE dog, his energy level, behavior, his eyes, ears, nose, teeth, EVERYTHING. And also to prescribe a homeopathic remedy to help treat his 'constitution'. In other words, his underlying reason for why he is susceptible to these recurring skin infections.

If you choose to see a Dermatologist (unless it is a holistic or homeopathic dermatologist), they will prescribe more antibiotics that are stronger and will be more suppressive.

So, my suggestion at this time, would be to find a holistic veterinarian who can examine your dog in person and give you more specific advice than I can online.

Click here to find a holistic veterinarian in your area.

Please keep us posted by coming back to this page and clicking the 'click here to add your own comments' link below.

Take care,
Dr. Carol Jean Tillman

P.S. If you've found this service or our web site helpful, please "Like" us by clicking the like button at the top of the left margin. Thank you!

DISCLAIMER: This educational advice is based on the depth of your question and the picture you submitted. The above should never replace the advice of your local veterinarian, as they have the ability to evaluate your dog in person.

Related Pages:
- Dog Skin Conditions,
- Dog Itchy Skin,
- Dog Skin Rash,
- Dog Skin Allergies,
- Ask a Vet Online Library - Dog Skin Rashes, Marks, Spots, Lesions & Patches (including itchy skin and mange) Section,
- Ask a Vet Online Library - Dog Hair Loss Section

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