I recently rescued a male Pit Bull from off the streets. I live in Newark, New Jersey and one night I was parking my car and he (Rocket the Pit Bull) was standing outside in the cold. I thought he was lost so I brought him inside. He stunk and was literally skin and bones (I could count his ribs).
In the morning my neighbor told me that his original owners lived 2 houses down from us, but when they moved, they left Rocket with the new tenants, who did not care for the dog and treated him very poorly. I found out that the new tenants left Rocket outside because they no longer wanted to take care of him, and they were hoping he would run away.
I've tried everything to make him healthier after adopting him. But I'm a stay at home mom to a 4 month old, so unfortunately I cannot afford to take him to the vet at this time. Would anyone happen to know of any "home" or "natural" dog-friendly remedies that I can do to help with his stinky fur and flaky skin? I give him a bath twice a month (on the 1st and the 15th), but a couple of days after a bath he stinks and his skin is constantly flaking, really really badly.
He does not seem to be in pain or uncomfortable. He is constantly running around and playing, and eats all of his food. Please help.
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Congratulations to you for caring for your new friend now!!! When you adopt a pet, you also adopt the responsibility to address any medical problems he may have. From your description, it appears he has had a difficult time after his prior owners left.
Many animals are able to hide pain and medical problems they may have so simply observing your friend may not be the whole picture. Please take him to your vet for an overall exam to clarify the odor and skin problems, get the shots he needs, etc. Much better to address the problems now to avoid more expense down the road.
Not everyone has unlimited funds to just throw around to a vet that will cost hundreds of dollars each visit on a "trial &error" experiment. At least she is reaching out to find alternative options for treatment...by doing so she IS taking responsibility for her new pet. Instead of insinuating that this lady doesnt take responsibility for her dog...and seeing as you you seem to think everyone has money that grows on trees....why don't YOU send her the money required since u have so much it.
I understand, and think you should be applauded for doing the right thing, even if you have limited resources!!! At the bottom, I'm pasting a link to a human/dog med chart, but you can google something like DIY dog meds/treatment and find tons of info. I have two dogs with different types of skin issues. Benadryl (generic) is good if it's an allergic reaction. I give my 60 lb spaniel one 25 mg tab when she's itchy. It's cheap, like 100 tabs for $2 at the right store. It could be fungal. Coconut oil is a natural anti-fungal. I melt about a teaspoon in a mason jar (30 sec in microwave) add food/lid, shake to coat. I wash it every few weeks. Just keep it on the counter with the lid on. It doesn't spoil. I found some $4 antiseptic/anti-fungal spray on Amazon that clears flaking on the spaniel in one day. But, when I bathe her, I have to spray again. I've been told flaking with spaniels can be a lifetime issue. Yours sounds more like something related to the lack of care he received in the past. (link to spray also below.) I bought one bottle, and a week later ordered four more. Some stinky skin things are yeast. My little dog loves yogurt. The big one will eat it because she'll eat anything. If you think it could be yeast, try probiotics or a little yogurt every day.
www.amazon.com/
It's probably a combination of yeast and bacteria. My sheps get it off and on too. I have found increasing their 'good fats' and vitamin-rich foods really helps. My black female recently started itching again... and these are the steps I'm taking.
1) mix about a teaspoon of flowers of sulfur with 1 cup 50/50 coconut oil/olive oil and rub onto skin. The dog will lick it off. Don't worry, won't hurt the dog. Rub it into the dog's fur and keep them outside if possible 'cuz this is messy.
2) I've added flaxseed oil, fish oil, and eggs to her diet. Just one capsule of each squirted over food. She loves it. Also, give her as much coconut oil or olive oil as she will eat.
3) After the coconut oil has sat on her fur for a week. Bathe in babyshampoo with some tea tree oil added. 15 drops per cup of baby shampoo. This will help to kill the yeast.
4) keep giving good fats, flaxseed oil, fish oil, and high vitamin foods. Raw chicken, eggs, pumpkin with oats, etc. Repeat the week of sulfur oil and tea tree baths as necessary.
She has had it before. This is what I do when it flares. Works really well. Instead of going 100% grain free you can just up raw protein/quality oils and reduce the amount of dog food. Corn in the food feeds the yeast.
That's what I do anyways. Good luck.
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