Itchy Labrador - Steriods not suitable

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maxusa

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Hi,

We have a 1 year old labrador that we got in October from Dogs Trust. When he came to us he had a skin condition in his groin area and was on antibiotics. Since that time he has had numerous courses of antibiotics, shampoos and sprays in his food.

The Vet then prescribed steriods, but these are not agreeing with him at all, he has been sick and has no control over his bladder on these and seems miserable.

Am wondering if there are any natural remedies that anyone could suggest for him?

Thanks
 
I feel for you, have been through this with my own dog but we think it is allergy related - once the steroids (and the anti-biotics for another issue!) wear off we are going to have him properly allergy tested to see if we can get him vaccinated.

Will look forward to other replies with interest.
 
Just a couple of quick thoughts

1) Could it be a strep infection? Am guessing not given what you have already tried.

2) What is your dog being fed? Could it be a food intolerance/ sensitivity?

Personally - I would want to elimiate toxins from his system as much as poss. I would wash area with soemthing like v. dilute antiseptic (eg. TCP and water) and the put aloe vera gel on to soothe the area.

Would change his food - depending what he is on.. and make sure he has some natural yogurt and poss some manuka honey to help gut recover from anti-bi's etc.
 
What are you feeding him? Our lab has terrible problems - he's now fed Nature's Choice with a little bit of yogurt and plain mixer and also some Hi-Life mince. Since he's been on this he hasn't had any problems at all
smile.gif
 
I'm going to suggest the same as the others - look at his food and see if this could be a issue.

Is he actively scratching/knawing at the allergy?
Have you had him allergy tested (he will have to have come off all medication for this)?
 
You can also give aloe vera juice - it is fantastic for soothing and calming immune system/allergic responses! Just pour over biscuits - get it from health food store, don't need huge amounts but daily is essential. When I have used it I fed it in every meal (twice a day) and it also works wonders for dogs who suffer from excess wind!!
 
I feed my dog food from the Natural Dog Food Company.
She is very sensitive and it's the only thing that doesn't upset her gut - and she nevers farts, something i really appreciate when i go round to my brothers and get suffocated by his pup.
They're a really nice couple, and have some very good testamonials on their website for dogs with allergys - their food is totally Hypo-allergenic, natural and is recognised by the Holistic society.
 
We feed our itcy labradors Pascoes Country Complete (the purple bag). It's proved to be as good as the hypoallergenic diets - and better than some !
 
Thanks for all replies.

Gabriel is fed on James Wellbeloved Dried Foods, and these are supposed to be hypo allergenic foods, from what you are all saying I should look at changing this?

Thanks
 
I would say definately diet related, if you swap feeds it will probably improve for about 3-4 months before it reappears. If you are brave enough I would go onto raw diet and it will stop altogether with no need for drugs or remedies. If not then look at preparing and lightly cooking your own diet.

I have had a couple of dogs from resuce now with similar problems, well they did until several weeks of raw, never looked back.
 
JWB were taken over by Pedigree a few years ago I believe. They use oats as their carb source, which can be a gluten problem for some dogs. Burns have a good range, their RRP at the monent is £40 for 15kg, JWB is I think £44 for 15kg. We sell mainly Oscars for dogs with allergy problems, which is £33 for 15kg of a maize based food, no wheat/oats etc.
 
I'd stick to the JWB and add the aloe vera juice (holland and barrett do a good one for less than £5 a big bottle) my JRT has a serious skin condition and goes to the RVC every week and this has been the only thing in summer to relieve and improve her skin,she'd had all sorts of pills,lotions and potions in the past.

Have you tried the steroid spray?
 
Hi,

Someone else had said to me about going on raw food, she follows the BARF diet - was thinking of perhaps buying the raw meat from PetSmart and giving him that, and then I need to get natural biscuit from somewhere.

Thanks for all replies, have bough Aloe Vera Juice and currently putting that in his feed.
 
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