Dog Ongoing/Recurring Skin Rash

Hi Sarah,
From just a photo of Wally, I do not think that I will be able to give you a diagnosis. BUT, from his history of a recurring skin problem since the time you found him running in the street in an intersection, I would be very suspicious of Wally having some emotional grief or sadness.

The bacteria found is probably only secondary to the true underlying problem. If Wally has been continually itching, chewing, and irritating the area and not allowing it to heal, of course, it will get infected. His overall immune system is depressed, making him more susceptible to bacteria, fungus, etc. Also, if he has any dental problems, gingivitis, or a bad tooth, the bacteria in his mouth, and saliva can transfer to his skin.

Therefore, improving his emotional well being using Bach flower essences would be the first step. In the clinic, I would make up a ‘Bach Combo’ for Wally. Using a 2 oz glass dropper bottle, add 10 drops of Rescue Remedy, 5 drops of Walnut, 5 drops of Honeysuckle, and 5 drops of Water violet. Fill it with Spring Water, and add 2-3 drops to his drinking water daily or squirt 1/2 dropperful into his mouth once a day. Continue for 3-4 weeks (Rescue Remedy for anxiety, walnut for getting adjusted to change, honeysuckle for homesickness and water violet for grief.)

If he is improving then decrease to 2 times per week for another month. Then to one time per week for a month.

You can also make up this mixture in a small travel size pump spray bottle, to spray on his skin as needed to ‘calm’ down the skin. If he licks it, it will help him too.

Next, he must be on canned Wellness, NOT dry food. See our page on 10 Best Dog Food Options. Canned or a raw diet would be essential for his immune system and to allow his skin and haircoat to return to normal.

Next, remove all toxins from his body, and STOP the Frontline and any flea repellents. Use an oatmeal shampoo weekly to help reduce the itching. If his skin is dry, then massage in coconut oil all over, especially in those areas that are the worst, let it stay on for 1-2 hours and soak into his skin. (You may need to put him into a carrier so he is not jumping onto your furniture and get everything greasy.) Then bathe him with Dawn Dish soap, to remove the oil, followed by the oatmeal shampoo. This can be done weekly for a month, then as needed.

(Continued in Part 2-Ongoing/recurring skin rash)

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There are also many good dog dietary supplements available to improve the immune system and help the skin. OrthoMolecular Specialties, Mega C Powder, Immuplex from Standard Process, and Omega 3 fish oil for dogs are a few of them. And finding a holistic veterinarian would be the best way to help guide you in restoring Wally to good health.

Another resource for vets knowledgeable in homeopathy is AVH.org.

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: 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