Hi Dr Carol,

I adopted a tortie about 6 months ago from the local humane society. She is about 3 yrs old, fixed, and up to date with her shots. She is declawed in the front, and is always indoors. I have no history on her prior to the pound. (she was fixed and claws done before I got her).

Anyway, have been spending money trying to figure out a hair issue with her. She was missing hair on her lower abdomen when I got her, as well as in some spots on her legs. It does not appear to be acne, no spots or sores.

Ringworm has been ruled out, as well as mites, etc. On her last trip to the vet, they gave her a steroid shot, as well as put her on antibiotics for 10 days. I thought that was doing the trick, as I was actually seeing tufts of hair growing back in the hair loss areas.

Now I notice new balding spots on her. She does not appear to be over washing, or neurotic or anything like that. (I am home all day). I am at a loss as to what to do now.

I just want to help her out here, and cannot afford to hand the vets a couple of hundred dollars every month for them to guess.

She is a very well tempermented kitty, and I absolutely love her, she has adapted well. Any suggestions as to what I should do next? Your help would be most appreciated.

Thanks
Susan and Lilly Cat
PS: There are no other animals in the home

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Natural flea control in and outside of the home:

1. Borax powder bought at the grocery store in the laundry detergent section can be sprinkled onto carpets, then vacuumed and it works very well and lasts about a year for flea control inside the home. It should cost about $5-6 dollars for a nice size box.

2. Diatomaceous Earth is a desiccant and kills flea larvae outside the home

Natural Flea Shampoo for Dogs and Cats

1. Pyrethrins, derived from Chrysanthemums works well for a flea shampoo and this is available commercially-I carry it

Natural Topical Remedy for minor skin irritations in dogs due to flea bites

1. Neem Extract topically works well

Recipe for Natural Flea Dip for Dogs

• 2 cups fresh rosemary or fresh peppermint
• mix with 5 quarts of warm water
• steep solution for 30 minutes
• let cool
• begin dipping

If your dog still itches after the flea dip:

Holistic herbal recipe for itching in dogs

• 5 drops licorice extract (licorice acts like cortisone to relieve itching)
• 5 drops dandelion root
• 5 drops cats claw
• Mix all 3 together and give 5 drops of the final solution by mouth once a day for 14 days in a row

Natural Mosquito Control

1. Cat Nip Oil topically and diluted repels mosquitoes that carry heartworm larvae

2.*. Skin so soft-diluted 50/50 with water and put into a spritzer bottle is natural, smells good and also safely repels mosquitoes for pets and people

For more information visit veterinarian and author, Dr. Carol Osborne online at www.carolonpets.com or call her toll free at 1-866-372-2765.

Interdigital skin is the skin between the toes. Allergies, irritants, bacteria and fungi, and parasites can infect this area. Dogs with Allergic Inhalant Dermatitis usually lick their feet excessively, which causes a characteristic rust-colored discoloration to the feet. External irritants are also a common problem. Lawn chemicals and herbicides as well as pebbles and hot road tar are often incriminated. Walking on recently cleaned carpets is also irritating. Interdigital skin is also affected by demodectic mange, certain bacteria and a variety of fungal infections.

Pemphigus is a type of skin disorder that may involve the footpads. The bridge of the nose, especially sunburned noses, and the eyes are also often involved. Pemphigus is associated with a defect in protective immunity in dogs and humans. Secondary bacterial infections are common. The skin is sore and covered with cysts as well as pus-filled sores.

SYMPTOMS
* Constant licking and chewing of the feet.
* Saliva from constant licking causes rust-colored discoloration to white paws.

WHAT YOU AND YOUR VET CAN DO
* Epsom salt soaks are soothing. Cotton socks prevent sore feet from further irritation.

* Rinse the feet off with water to decrease exposure to irritants like salt and deicing chemicals used in winter. Keep a spritzer bottle by the door and use it every time the dog comes inside, then dry his feet off with a towel.

* Trim excess fur between the toes and remove mats between the footpads.

* Diagnosis for Pemphigus is confirmed by a skin biopsy. Treatment is geared at symptomatic relief of foot lesions, antibiotics to eliminate secondary bacterial infections, and immune system stimulation.

COMPLEMENTARY TREATMENTS
HERBAL REMEDIES
Immuno stimulant herbs include Echinacea, Reishi, Astralagus, Maitake, Shitake, Ashwaganda, Ginseng.

HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES
Sulphur 30c given twice daily provides some relief of local irritation. Immuno stimulant vitamins include Vitamin A and Vitamin E.

Excessive exposure to sunlight not only causes painful sunburn, it also increases the risk of skin cancer. Cutaneous Lymphosarcoma is a type of skin cancer. Lymposarcoma is the third most common cancer in dogs. Breeds most prone include Boxers, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Scotties, and Westies. Most are six to nine years old. Males and females are at equal risk. The dog’s skin gets flaky, scaly, red, and itchy. Painful skin lumps may develop and ulcerate. The footpads and gums can also be involved. The cancer can spread to the lymph nodes, liver, spleen, and bone marrow.

WARNING
In high mountain areas where ultraviolet (UV) is especially strong, Pointers, Bull Terriers, Pit Bulls and Dalmatians are often affected with skin cancer.

WHAT YOU CAN DO
* Diagnostics include blood and urine tests as well as a biopsy of the affected tissues. Blood and urine help provide information as to the effects of the cancer on other body functions, as well as the dog’s ability to undergo chemotherapy. An ultrasound helps to detect spread of the cancer to other areas (i.e. liver, spleen, bone marrow). Chest x-rays help to rule out lung involvement. Withdrawing a few cells from the bone marrow (called a bone marrow aspirate) detects cancer spread to the bone marrow. The most appropriate treatment depends on several factors, but for most dogs chemotherapy is best. Eighty percent of dogs treated go into remission at 8-10 months with an average survival time of one year.

* Avoid excessive exposure to sunlight. Stay indoors from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. when the sun is hottest. Use sunblock with 30 plus protection for areas with thin and light colored hair.

COMPLEMENTARY TREATMENTS
HERBAL REMEDIES
Herbal lotions made of jojoba, aloe vera or hypericum help moisturize dry, sunburned skin.

HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES
Use Cantharis if sores are present from sunburn. Silica 6c – one pellet every other day for three days is useful with Lymphosarcoma. Phosphorus 6c – same dose as for Silica, 6c is useful if skin tumors bleed.

Bacterial skin infections are the third major cause of itching in dogs. Most of these infections occur when the immune system is compromised by allergies, illness or stress. “Pyoderma” is the medical term used for bacterial infections of the skin and literally means “pus in the skin”.

TYPES OF BACTERIAL INFECTION
* The bacteria responsible for most skin problems in dogs are called “Staphylococcus aureus”. Small numbers of these “staph” bacteria normally live on intact skin in harmony, but when the outer protective layer of skin is abraded because of itching, these bacteria multiply and cause infection. Common signs include itchy red raw bumps, scabs and pustules. Later, dry crusty areas of hair loss with an off-odor develop. The primary area involved generally depends on the underlying cause. For example, bacterial infections secondary to flea allergies cause lesions over the hindquarters and base of the tail. With inhalant allergies, the face, feet, chin and abdomen are the predominant sites.

* Bacteria can also infect the skin between the toes. This is called interdigital pyoderma. Demodectic mange also causes interdigital pyoderma.

* Bacterial infections of the chin are called canine acne.

* Skin fold infections are common in obese dogs and in breeds with pushed-in faces like the Sharpe, Boxer, and Pekingese. The extra skin folds are the site of infection. The area between the folds is dark and damp which provides an ideal environment for bacteria to multiply.

WHAT YOUR VET CAN DO

* Antibiotics are indicated for most bacterial skin infections. A course of two to three weeks is usually effective. Bathing with benzyl peroxide-type shampoos is recommended for generalized infections. Topical preparations may suffice for small, localized lesions. Alcohol wipes and baby powder help dry out moist skin fold infections.

* Corrective surgery may be necessary to eliminate persistent infections in certain skin fold cases. Allergy shots, also referred to as Hyposensitization injections, are very effective to enhance immunity in dogs. They are a cost-effective alternative to long-term antibiotics and reduce the recurrence of bacterial skin infections approximately 80 percent.

COMPLEMENTARY TREATMENTS
HERBAL REMEDIES
Goldenseal root tea added to the daily diet is helpful for staph infections. Calendula lotion may be applied topically to infected skin lesions. Bee pollen may be useful.

HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES
Hepar Sulphins may be beneficial when pus is present. Sulphur 30c is often recommended for treating bacterial skin infections.

Allergic dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin that occurs after exposure to an allergen. An allergen is something to which the body is allergic. The number-one sign of allergies in pets is itching. Dogs lick, bite, chew and scratch themselves to the point of self-mutilation. The result is red, raw areas of skin with oozing sores and hair loss. The difficulty that vets face is isolating the allergen responsible for the reaction because in many cases there is usually more than one substance involved.

TYPES OF ALLERGY
* Fleas are the number one cause of allergies in dogs. Over half of all canine allergies are due to fleas. The dogs are actually allergic to a protein component of the flea saliva . One fleabite in these dogs can cause intense itching lasting up to 14 days.

* Allergic Inhalant Dermatitis is also referred to as Atopic Dermatitis and/or Atopy. These terms are used for allergies that develop in response to inhaled particles. Inhaled allergens, like house dust, mold and pollen, are the second most common type of allergy in dogs. These allergies start at a younger age in dogs and some breeds seem to be more prone, such as west highland white terriers and sharpeis.

* Food allergies account for 10-20 percent of canine allergies. Skin infections (Dermatitis) are the primary sign

(NOTE: Identifying the source of an allergy can be frustrating. Dog bedding that contains cedar chips or other scented material can be responsible.)

WHAT YOUR VET CAN DO
• Intradermal skin testing is the most accurate method available to figure out what’s causing the dog’s allergy. Small amounts of different substances called allergens are injected into the skin. If the dog is allergic to one of the substances, the skin reacts by getting red and swollen at the injection site within 15 to 30 minutes. Once you know what the dog is allergic to, it may be possible to avoid it, for example, beds with cedar chips.

* When a food allergy is suspected, an elimination diet is most effective to detect the offensive food. Hypoallergenic diets are indicated once the diagnosis is confirmed.

* Hyposensitization is the best treatment option for allergies like pollen and mold that cannot be avoided. Hyposensitization involves giving injections of small amounts of the actual allergen. These allergy shots are dosed and given in increasing increments weekly or biweekly. The goal is to stimulate the body to become immune or less sensitive to the allergen.

* High doses of Vitamin C can help reduce itching and antibiotics may be indicated to treat secondary bacterial infections. Bathing with hypoallergenic oatmeal-based shampoos and using leave-on after-shampoos moisturizers with aloe vera and alpha keri help decrease skin irritation. Omega 3 and 6 fatty acid supplements found in fish oil, along with Zinc and the antioxidant vitamins A, E, and Vitamin C with bioflavinoids help improve dry, flaky skin and haircoats.

* For ongoing flea problems, monthly flea products available through your vet are the safest and most effective way to prevent flea infestations.

COMPLEMENTARY TREATMENTS

HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES
A range of homeopathic remedies may be useful which include Sulphur, Hepar sulph, Arsenica alb, and Rhus tax. Dosages range from 30c to 1m. Acupuncture stimulates the immune system and generally requires six to eight treatments for effective results.

HERBAL REMEDIES
Herbs for topical use:
* Witch Hazel
* Aloe
* Calendula
* Comfrey
* Chamomile
* Oregon Grape
* Licorice

Chinese herbal formulas that may be useful include:
* Scutellaria
* Tribulus
* Anemarrhena
* Capillaris

Dry skin is common, especially when the weather gets cold and we have to turn the heat up indoors. Dry skin is flaky and often has white scales that resemble dandruff. Diets deficient in essential omega-3 fatty acids and zinc can lead to dry skin, as can bathing your dog with the wrong shampoo or using water that is too hot. Allergies, parasitic skin problems like mange, and bacterial skin infections can lead to dry skin, as can certain hormonal disorders like Thyroid Disease.

WHAT YOU CAN DO
* Regular bathing using hypoallergenic shampoos that contain oatmeal or benzyl peroxide provide relief. A vinegar-water rinse used after bathing is soothing and helps resolve flaky skin. To prepare the rinse: add four tablespoons of white vinegar to one gallon of water. Massage this through the fur, then rinse again with plain water and air dry. Cooler, rather than warmer water for your rinses is less irritating to the skin.

* Leave-on moisturizers (one tablespoon per gallon of water) with aloe vera and alpha keri are helpful in many cases.

* Add essential omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, zinc, and Vitamins A, C. and E to the diet. Fish oil and flaxseed oil are good sources of omega-3 fatty acids.

* Use a humidifier or place a pan of water by your radiator to increase moisture in your home during the winter.

* Grooming helps prevent mats and tangles. It also removes loose hair. Grooming on a regular basis is the single best way to maintain the overall health of the skin and haircoat.

COMPLEMENTARY TREATMENTS

HERBAL REMEDIES
Blot areas with a fresh, organic lemon juice solution. You can also add goldenseal tea to the diet daily.

HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES
Sulphur 6x is helpful for dry, itchy skin. Give one pellet once daily for 14 days; withhold food 10 minutes before and after treatment.
NOTE: Dosages of Vitamins and Fatty Acids in Complementary Box are accurate and useful
* Zinc Dosage
(NOTE: All dosages are given daily by mouth.)
        * Zinc Methionine 2 milligrams per pound of body weight.
        * Zinc Sulfate – 5 milligrams per pound of body weight.
        * Zinc Gluconate – 2.5 milligrams per pound of body weight.
* Omega 3 Fatty Acid Dosage
        * Fish Oil and Flaxseed Oil - 50 milligrams per pound of body weight.
* Vitamins
        * Vitamin E – 10 IU per pound of body weight. Up to 800 IU daily for large dogs.
        * Vitamin C powder– 25 milligrams per pound of body weight per day. From 250 milligrams to 1000 milligrams depending on size of the dog given daily.
(NOTE: Take the total daily dose of Vitamin C and give one third of the dose three times daily or every 8 hours for best results.)

There are two types of mange that affect dogs. Demodectic mange, also called “Demodex”, is caused by microscopic mites that normally live on the skin and in hair follicles. Demodex causes minimal itching, but the secondary bacterial skin infections associated with them can cause itching. Sarcoptic mange, or Scabies, is caused by sarocoptic mange mites. These mites dig tiny tunnels under the skin which causes intense itching. Dogs with scabies itch, dig and bite at themselves ferociously.

DEMODECTIC MANGE
* There are two forms of demodectic mange in dogs: localized and generalized. The localized form causes hair loss on the face and front legs. This form is common in puppies. There is no itching and it often resolves spontaneously in four to eight weeks. Occasionally it gets worse and progresses into the generalized form.

* The generalized form of demodectic mange can affect the whole body and is more common in older dogs. Secondary bacterial skin infections and itching are common. The ears and feet may also be severely infected.

* Certain breeds have a hereditary predisposition and puppies three to six months old are usually affected. High-risk breeds include Sharpes, West Highland White Terriers, Great Danes and Airedales. Older dogs can get demodectic mange if their immune system is depressed because of drugs or an underlying disease like cancer.

SARCOPTIC MANGE
* Dogs with Scabies suffer with oozing skin sores, hair loss, crusts and scabs. Secondary bacterial infections are common. Initially the itching and hair loss are most pronounced on the ear tips, elbows, legs and face. Sarcoptic mange mites burrow very deep into the skin, which makes them extremely hard to find, even with deep skin scrapings and skin biopsies.

* Scabies cases are often misdiagnosed as allergies with secondary bacterial infections.

WHAT YOUR VET CAN DO
* The generalized form of demodectic mange is confirmed by skin scrapings in which the mite is visualized under the microscope. Treatment is difficult and consists of long-term management of underlying concurrent diseases, as well as antibiotics and a series of miticidal dips. Severe cases may be fatal.

* For scabies, a product called Ivermectin given in two doses two weeks apart kills the mites. Itching subsides a few days after the first dose. The skin damage and secondary bacterial skin infections generally take a few weeks or months to resolve, depending on their severity. Revolution is a new monthly over-the-counter product available in a liquid form labeled as a preventative for heartworms and fleas which is also effective for Sarcoptic Mange.

WARNING
Scabies is contagious to other dogs and humans. Everyone in the whole house can end up itching. In people, the mange usually clears up in a few weeks with or without treatment. Wear gloves and wash your hands well to decrease your exposure risk when handling infected animals.

COMPLEMENTARY TREATMENTS
HERBAL REMEDIES
Echinacea (purple cone flower): can be added to food or warm compresses of the infusion can be applied topically to infected areas.

HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES
Sulphur 6c is useful for both demodectic and sarcoptic mange: one pellet once a day for 30 days. Withhold food 10 minutes before and after treatment.

Immuno stimulant herbs such as Reishi and Astragalus as well as Vitamins A and E may be beneficial to enhance immune function in Demodex cases.

TIP
“Milbemycin” is the active ingredient in the product Sentinel, a monthly tablet labeled for prevention of heartworms, fleas, intestinal worms, and ear mites. Selamectin is a new monthly product approved in dogs (and cats) and is effective against ear mites, sarcoptic mange, heartworm and fleas.

Regular grooming helps keep your dog’s skin and haircoat healthy. It helps eliminate mats and tangles and gives you a chance to check for ticks and fleas as well as lumps and bumps.

Shedding is a natural process. Indoor lighting and heating, as well as seasonal temperature variations all affect shedding. Most healthy dogs shed twice a year in the spring and fall, while some breeds, like the Pekingese, Collie and Great Pyrenees, shed all year-round. Skin disorders, dietary imbalances, and hormonal fluctuations all affect hair growth and shedding cycles.

HAIR TYPES
* How often your dog needs to be bathed and groomed will vary depending on the breed, the hair length and the dog’s lifestyle. Breeds that shed all year round, like the Pekingese and Collie, need to be brushed regularly and groomed every 4 to 8 weeks to properly maintain their haircoats.

* Breeds with fancy haircuts, like poodles and cocker spaniels, require coat care at four to six week intervals. Poodles shed but their hair does not come out until it is brushed. Maltese and Yorkshire Terriers need attention every couple of weeks just to keep their long, silky coats tangle-free.

* Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds and other breeds with relatively short coats need a good bath and brush out three to four times a year.

* Regardless of the breed, the bath is the single most important factor in grooming.
(NOTE: The more hair the dog has, the more coat care he will require.)
(NOTE: A leash prevents excess wandering and makes the job safer and easier. Leave 18 inches of slack so the dog can move around a little bit.)

WARNING
For long-coated breeds make a “poop shoot” by trimming excess hair from beneath the anal area. This promotes cleanliness and helps prevent several problems, especially with those involving parasites and flies in warm, humid climates. Flies lay eggs in soiled fur which hatch into larvae called maggots. Maggots live on flesh and can cause life threatening infections. English Sheepdogs, Collies and Shelties are at high risk.
(NOTE: Tip: A rubber mat provides secure footing. Boric acid – 2 tablespoons in 1-cup water helps remove eye stains.)

WHAT YOU CAN DO
* Use shampoo and conditioners that are specifically designed for dogs. Your vet will recommend products that are best suited for your dog’s skin and haircoat. Proper grooming equipment also makes the job easier. A slicker brush, along with a metal comb, a pin brush, and a bristle brush work well for most breeds initially.

* Before bathing, brush out the coat and remove mats and tangles. Mats are twice as hard to get out once wet. Lubricate your dog’s eyes with artificial tears, or put a drop of Vitamin E oil in each eye, cotton balls work well to protect the ears. Rinse well and shampoo twice. Leaving the second set of suds on for five to ten minutes lets you get the most residual action from medicated shampoos. Use conditioners sparingly then give the final rinse.

* Your dog may or may not tolerate being dried. In either case, keep dogs indoors until they are dry. Then brush out the coat. Brushing the fur backwards helps remove excess undercoat. Check for mats between the toes and footpads, be sure toenails aren’t too long, and wipe out the ears.
(NOTE: Proper grooming tools are essential to maintain your dog’s coat.)

Skin diseases are very common in dogs. They can occur because of bacterial, viral, fungal, allergic, parasitic, and hormonal disorders. In older dogs skin cancer and cysts are not uncommon. Signs of skin problems are among the easiest to detect. They include dry flaky skin, as well as red, raw irritated areas often with hair loss, scabs and crusts. Many skin diseases cause similar signs which can make exact diagnoses difficult. Unfortunately many cases are chronic and cannot be cured but can be controlled. These dogs often require long-term therapy which is frustrating and costly. Nutrition, bathing, and grooming provide symptomatic relief in almost all cases.