I had a Golden Retriever who developed welts and hotspots from flea bites and had a Labrador Retriever who had skin dermatitis. The following are some tips for you to try that have helped us (once you've eliminated mange, or other bacterial skin issues with your vet):
- One vet recommended Gold Bond medicated powder. There are several strengths. I applied this directly to hotspots after cutting away the hair. You can also apply to generally itchy skin. Make sure to apply outside and keep your dogs' eyes/nose/mouth UPWIND. It burns and my dog hated it. But, he would also see me coming with the bottle and run outside and immediately lay down - it worked that well. I would gently apply it, gently work it in, and then get him up and pat the areas so the excess would blow off DOWNWIND.
- My holistic vet recommended Domeboro - these are tablets available at a drug store. I mixed the recipe at 1/3 and held compresses on the oozing or itchy areas, sores, rash for about 15 or so minutes. It works as an astringent and dries the sore or rash out. You'll notice the chalky feel on your hands when you're done.
- Another product I used for years is CoolSpot 2000. It's available online. It can be pricey (around $20 for 4 oz.), so look around for the best deal. It's great as an antibacterial on sores, welts, hotspots, etc. I would use this to treat an area, distract my dog with some play to let the area dry, and then follow up with the Gold Bond powder.
- As for shampoo, I've used the sensitive/baby version of Dr. Bronner's. It's concentrated, so I use only about 1 Tbsp. per 2-3 cups of water. You don't need it to lather up to give a good bath. To this, I'll add a quick squirt of vegetable glycerin and a quick squirt of good aloe vera gel. Shake and mix it up well and bathe. For a great rinse, use about 1/8 cup of apple cider vinegar to 2 qts. of water. This helps reduce itchiness on the skin and makes their hair wonderfully soft. Pour it on and work it in and leave it on - don't rinse.
CRITICALLY IMPORTANT NOTE: Vinegar can burn like the dickens on any open sore or rash. PLEASE do not use if your pet is having these problems. A possibility for these issues is to dilute it to about 1 Tbsp. of vinegar to 3 qts. of water or even more water. It doesn't take a lot to show results. Once the sores are reduced, you can increase the amount slightly for maintenance.
- Yeast issues in ears. Make a concoction of white vinegar and water - 1:1 parts. So 1/2 cup vinegar and 1/2 cup water. You can add a Tbsp. of over the counter hydrogen peroxide to this. Drizzle some on a rag or cotton and clean the ears out. Don't put so much on it that it drips down in the ears.
- A solution of Epsom salts can reduce itchiness and act as an astringent as well for the skin.
Hope these tips help some of you struggling with these canine issues. Been there, done that, and spent the money. Good luck!
