Skin Problems on Dogs

Yesterday, we went to Boston for the day to enjoy the unseasonably warm weather for New Year's Day. While walking through the Faneuil Hall Marketplace, we saw MANY folks out walking their dogs. It was a breath of fresh air for me, as I recently lost my buddy to lymphoma. We saw Boston Terriers (of course), an Irish Setter, a Cavalier, many many mixed breeds, a few Puggles and my favorite: two old dogs walking with their guardians. The boy was a solid black mixed breed with a grey muzzle (my personal favorite), and a beautiful senior Collie female. The Collie looked as if she's been through a bad situation, and did not fare so well. She had been recently shaved, and her hair was growing back crookedly, she had horrible dandruff, and she smelled just awful.

As this happens often to me in public, Luis simply pushed the stroller with the kids over to the side and let me start my thing. After giving the old gal lots of loving, I asked the couple if they had her shaved to help with the skin condition. They said yes, of course...and began to tell me a story I hear often: "we had to the vet numerous times. Each time we get antibiotics, more steroids, and a special veterinary shampoo." Of course, none of these things are working. Not to mention shame on the doctor who is sending a senior dog out the door with steroids. (read more about the damage of steroids here: http://philosophyofdog.com/blog/canine-health/steroids-and-your-dog/).

I began my conversation by asking the couple what they were feeding her. They told me how they have always fed Iams. I told them they may want to look at a food with whole foods and no grain by-products. I gave them the name of a few, but followed up by letting them know that the brand is not the issue...just as I tell my customers in the store: Ignore the front label and words; turn the bag around and see the ingredients before purchasing. Here is a quickie cheat sheet to use for reading labels: http://www.vetinfo.com/best-natural-dog-food.html

I continued on with my favorite cheap start to help a dog with a fungal or yeast infection. I told them all about the benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar for the lovely Collie. For a dog her size, I told them to try a tablespoon on each meal. I also told them to get her a daily vitamin (antioxidant), a pro-biotic, and some Omega 6 and 3 fatty acids (fish oil, flax seed oil, hemp oil, etc).

As we spoke, I of course also told the family to not feel bad. I just suggested they try a few of the changes I put on the table and see if they get any results. In the least, by changing the food and adding some additional supplements, the old lady doggie will be healthier for it!

Exchanges like this happen to me very often. Mostly because I see the dog first, and I cannot stand to see a dog suffering when I think there could be a simple fix to make him/her feel better!

I always walk away wishing I gave them a card to at least email me with updates. Oh well, let's just hope they follow my regime and are able to stop with the drugs!