My dog (Australian Shepard, German Shepard mix) is about 11 years old and really overweight. I was brushing her today and she's been really sensitive and seems to react painfully when I try to brush or touch her upper hips, lower back, and hindquarter area. She has what looks like serious dandruff or dry skin. This has been going on for awhile now, and I'm becoming increasingly worried about her. Any ideas as to what could be wrong? Treatments?
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For older dog arthritic hip pain I recommend cetyl myristoleate. Read testimonials here http://www.iherb.com/product-reviews/Natrol-Cetyl-Pure-Joint-Health-120-Capsules/5568/?p=1&fr=5
Most common reasons for skin issues (i.e. itching, skin irritation and/or hair loss) include:
- Allergic reactions to flea bites, food/treats, grooming products or house-cleaning products, etc.
- Mites
- Fungal/Bacterial infections (ringworm, yeast, staph etc.) See a remedy below
- Steroid use (also called prednisone, cortisone or the so-called 'allergy shot')
ALLERGIES
To allergic dogs just one flea can cause havoc. Even if not visible, you can always see the debris fleas leave behind that looks like finely ground coffee. If placed in water, they will turn red.
You can get rid of the fleas with natural methods to avoid exposure to toxic chemicals of Frontline, Advantage and other popular flea medications. For recommendations see http://www.wikihow.com/Get-Rid-of-Fleas-Naturally Also, you can dust your yard where your dog roams with inexpensive diatomaceous earth. For more info on flea control see http://www.care2.com/greenliving/all-around-non-toxic-flea-control.html
and http://wolfcreekranch1.tripod.com/diatomaceous_earth_fleas.html
Check food/treats ingredients. Dog's digestive system is not designed to handle grains well. Discontinue any with corn, wheat, etc. Get ones with no grains with meat as a primary ingredient – chicken, lamb, salmon, etc.
Discontinue use of grooming products or house cleaning products that can be allergens. For a while, use white vinegar as the cleaning agent for your floors, counters, etc. Vinegar has strong cleaning and anticeptic properties and the smell disappears quickly after use. See http://www.vinegarworkswonders.com/faqs.asp
MITES
Three types of mites attack dogs most often: demodectic (not contagious and may itch or not), sarcoptic (very contagious and extremely itchy) and cheyletiella (contagious and mildly itchy). This condition is known as mange. The typical symptoms of mange as the condition progresses include hair loss and scaly or crusty skin.
Avoid the medications most often prescribed by vets that contain toxic chemicals which will harm your dog sooner or later. These are Ivermectin (also known as Ivomec) and Amitraz (also known as Mitaban). Instead, I recommend the use of natural products. Search the Internet to find them. I prefer the spray type treatment which is effective, easy to use, and inexpensive that will kill the mites but is harmless to pets and humans. You can get it at http://www.florapetnaturals.com/online-store.html
STEROID USE
As Dr. Karen Becker, DVM states - "Steroids (also called prednisone, cortisone or the nondescript “allergy shot”) are the least optimal treatment choice, as they work by suppressing your pet’s immune system. Not only can steroids have a negative effect on your pet’s liver, adrenal glands and kidneys, but suppressing your pet’s immune system with steroids also allows for opportunistic yeast and bacteria to grow on your pet’s skin..." Please read the information below: 'Steroids The Great Pretender - Even Low Steroid Doses Can Be Trouble'.
http://www.shirleys-wellness-cafe.com/steroids.htm
Steroids are very dangerous and do not cure anything, they just mask the symptoms temporarily but the underlying cause remains and result in undesirable health complications, including skin problems.
SKIN INFECTION REMEDY
For many skin issues I recommend a powder called 'Flowers of Sulfur' (also known as 'brimstone' or 'sublime sulfur').
This substance has been used for thousands of years to cure all kinds of skin ailments including fungal and bacterial infections and if there is itching, it will stop it very quickly. Google it to learn more about its healing properties.
Even vets have forgotten about this wonderful and inexpensive remedy but fortunately you can still purchase it at your local pharmacy for very little money. You can also buy it online at http://www.pennherb.com/search?mp=s&se=Flowers+of+Sulphur+Powder
Flowers of sulfur is safe to apply to your pet's skin but take care not to inhale sulfur powder.
You can dust this powder on your dog's skin OR mix it with an oil to rub on the skin.
The dusting can easily be accomplished if you use a powdered sugar duster or an empty talcum powder bottle. Separate the hair as you go around dusting to expose the skin until you have covered it.
Alternatively, mix 2 tablespoons of flower of sulfur with 1 cup of Jojoba oil and put it in a bottle. Always shake to mix well before applying to the skin as it tends to separate. This method works well for smaller skin areas. You do not need to wear gloves as it is not toxic to humans either.
Christina
Cat's live on average about 15/16 years - although my beautiful kitty was put to sleep earlier this year when he was 21, so they can live beyond the average. As cats get older, they do tend to thin out, and eat considerably and seem to be a bag of bones in their twilight years - mine was always quite podgy and constantly hungry up until about 4 or 5 years before he died. If she's having trouble walking, then it is possibly arthritis - it wouldn't be unusual in a cat of her age. So long as she's relatively happy, healthy and eating well (albeit less than previously) then there's no reason to have her put down. Keep an eye on her and get the vet to have a quick look - often there's something they can prescribe, although cats are notoriously bad at receiving medication!
Pam
She may have hip dysplasia or arthritis and the only way to find out is a trip to the vet. You might want to start her on a glucosamine and chondroitin supplement as well as MSM. Entirely Pets online has a lot of joint remedies.
♥ I love my Puppy!!♥
Either Arthritis or Hip Dysplasia. Your vet is the only one who can actually diagnose and suggest treatment options for this. For all we know, it might not even be HD or Arthritis.
As for the dandruff/dry skin, bathe her using oatmeal based shampoo and see if it helps. While your at the vet, you can talk to them about this as well.
Kynrianna
Sounds like you may want the vet to check her hips for hip dysplasia &/or arthritis. As for the dandruff/dry skin, I suggest increasing omega's in her diet.