Dog Skin Problems / Itchy Reddness on Ears, Eyes & Mouth

by Tonya T.
(Arlington, TX, USA)

I have a 6 year old lab/pit mix who constantly has skin problems. Every year she gets itchiness and redness. She recently has developed more areas of red inflamed itchiness (inner ear, around eyes, around mouth).

She has been a great dog, never ever sick but always having problems with her skin. We have tried special shampoos and diets and although they help, nothing takes it away. I’ve sent a picture of all current inflamed red areas and she seems overall miserable this week.

The only thing I’ve noticed in her ever is she has developed an anxiety to loud noises causing her to pant and shake. No One smokes and she is our only pet. She only goes outside to go to bathroom and for occasional walks.

She is an inside dog. She also never smells good. It’s not an infection smell but we can bath her and she still smells. Please tell us what’s wrong with our dog?

Comments for Dog Skin Problems / Itchy Reddness on Ears, Eyes & Mouth

Mar 17, 2015

My Online Vet Response for: Dog Skin Problems/Itchy Redness on Ears, Eyes, & Mouth
by: Dr. Carol Jean Tillman

March 17, 2015

Hi Tonya,
Your female/spayed 6 year old lab/pit mix has what is called, ‘Atopic Dermatitis’ in conventional medicine. Otherwise known as inhaled allergies. These allergies can start off at 6 months to 2 years of age, being seasonal only, during the Spring and Fall months, and over time become year round.

In holistic medicine, this is termed ‘Psora’, a chronic miasm that arises in a susceptible individual from a combination of factors:
genetics, environment/vaccinations/and poor diet. Also called the ‘Itch’ Miasm.

Treatment in conventional medicine involves cortisone, anti-histamines, medicated shampoos, and sometimes immune suppressive drugs to control the itching. These treatments are extremely effective in suppressing the symptoms, but there are many side effects.

In holistic medicine, the plan would be:

1. Oatmeal/baby shampoos once weekly. Keep the water slightly cool, to ‘cool’ her skin. A dog’s normal body temperature is 100-102 degrees (making them feel warm to us at 98.6 degrees).

2. Rescue Remedy to spray on the inflamed, red skin to ‘calm’ it down. Use the ‘human’ Rescue Remedy drops in alcohol. Add 20-30 drops to a 4 oz pump spray bottle and fill with Spring Water.
You can spray this on the palm of your hand and rub it on her face, sides of her mouth, over her eyes, and then spray over her back or anywhere her skin is red and inflamed. This can be done as often as needed. It will not ‘over dose’ her. It is especially useful in the evening if she is staying awake all night itching.

3. Raw Diet-consider a transition to a raw diet. Nature’s Variety, Primal, Bravo, etc. are some examples. You may want to mix it a little with some canned food. Make sure the canned food has NO preservatives, artificial colors or additives. Try Pet Guard, Nutro, Nature’s Recipe, etc.

4. No more vaccinations- Seek the help of a holistic veterinarian to write an exemption form.
Another resource for vets knowledgeable in homeopathy is AVH.org.

5. Homeopathic remedy-Sulphur. This is the main remedy for Psora. Try Sulphur 12C given in either dry pellet, (one pellet by mouth two times daily), or dissolve one pellet in a 2 oz glass dropper bottle filled with Spring Water. Succuss or shake the bottle 20 times by hitting it against the palm of your hand prior to each dose, and give her 1/2 dropperful by mouth two times daily.

6. Immune support:

1. Missing Link Canine Formula
2. Immuplex from Standard Process
3. OrthoMolecular Specialties, Mega C Powder
Try one of these to help her immune system.

It may take 4-6 weeks to see a response, if not sooner. Regarding her fears of loud noises, she can also have the Rescue Remedy by mouth or add 2-3 drops to her water bowl daily.

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.

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