I have a shitzu with a skin problem?

Our dog is a Shitzu and he seems to have a skin problem, I am looking to see if anyone knows of a natural remedy to help. We have done the whole vet thing numerous times but it still doesn't work except to take my $$$$. The problem is that he chews his hind end and back, then it leaves these nasty scabs, that turn from red to brown to the nasty green which i know is infection. I have done everything the vet has said but it still hasn't helped, anyone have any ideas?

I have a shitzu with a skin problem?
1) A healthy diet is the best thing you can do for your dog's skin. A raw diet is best, homecooked is next best, and good premium foods such as Wellness Core and Innova are third best.





2) Add essential fatty acids to their diet. Fatty acids are essential for healthy skin growth. Fish oil capsules in their food every day will help their skin, and will also help with any itching and discomfort.





3) Calendula cream or gel is a really good topical remedy. You can get it at any natural pharmacy.


http://en.allexperts.com/q/Dogs-701/SHIT...
Reply:I would take him to another vet. There has to be something that the vet can do.
Reply:sounds like flea bite dermatitis,,, all it takes is one flea and your dog will scratch like crazy if he is allergic. is he on monthly flea protection?





what kind of food are you feeding him?





Have you called your reputable breeder? they would be more knowledgeable about your pup (if reputable) than your vet..





call your breeder and give us more details








(ok , iams is junky,, he could be allergic to it,, corn etc. and he may be genetically predisposed to have health issues since he was not reputably bred,, i would definitely try the diet change ....
Reply:Could be a food allergy, try feeding a new type of food, one without the "normal" ingredients like corn, wheat, chicken etc. Find a lamb and rice formulation, duck and potato... just something that he hasn't already tried. Try a diet trial for 4-6 weeks (nothing but this one type of food, no treats, no table scraps). You may get lucky and eliminate the thing that he's allergic to. If his allergy is enviromental (dust, pollen, etc) it will be more difficult for you to eliminate the problem. Vacuum the house often, launder his bed weekly and dust. Allergies are very, very frustrating for veterinarians because without an expensive allergy panel test, it's almost impossible to know what the allergen is. The other thing that can cause dogs to chew is fleas. Some dogs are allergic to flea bites so that one flea can cause all that chewing and itching. Use a good flea preventative every month (even through the winter) like Frontline or Advantix. Don't give up on your vet, they are trying thier hardest to solve your dog's problem and give him a better quality of life.


Per previous answers:


- Raw diets are dangerous for the same reasons they are dangerous to humans... e.coli, salmonella, if you think you have problems now try adding malnutrition to your dog's already serious condition.


-Breeders rarely know more than veterinarians and their recommendations are often ridiculous if not downright dangerous. Vets require 8 years of higher education. Becoming a breeder requires two dogs, a male and a female.
Reply:Many times, skin problems are a mixed bag and require a mix of treatments. Speak frankly with your vet, explain the lack of solution to the problem, ask what you can expect as far as treatment goes, and how long to continue the treatment. It may be something you are unable to cure, but need to treat constantly. And yes, responsible pet ownership can be expensive. Point out your financial concerns to your vet. Try to work out a payment plan if necessary.
Reply:Iams is not a good food what so ever. I would definitely switch. You are not helping your dog with that food at all. Second your dog, even on flea treatment, is probably still getting fleas and they are irritating his skin. Does you dog spend any time outside? Some dogs have problems with dirt.





I would change the food and give him weekly flea baths and make sure your house is clean where he lays.
Reply:I guess it depends on what the vet recommended %26amp; what is causing him to chew his hind end and back.


I see lots of dogs in rescue who have food allergies, or environmental allergies, or even seasonal allergies. I'd start with her food, and see if that is a factor.


Choose a high quality food with a few basic ingredients and see if that helps.
Reply:i go through this every summer and fall in the warm moist months with my husky bear. his skin,feet,and legs get raw and hot from allergies. weeds, pollen grass exc are the problem for him. i give him benadryl starting in may then he goes on predisone for most of the warm mths to keep him itch free.like ur dog he is flea free but he is a big guy weighing 100 lbs.wash the sore spots with warm epsom salted water,a soak in the back end would be better or where the sores are,try to get the scabs of and apply dog medicated oatmeal conditioner and let it soak into the area.when bear gets crusts around his face and eyes i have been using dry skin lotion and after i clean him off i rub it in. it has been very good in clearing up the scabs.u can start making ur own food for him. i cook up hamb,chicken rice and veggies at times when his skin is bad and he loves the people food.my dogs allergies are weather related so u will have to guess what is causing the problem.a lot of people do not like giving their pets steriods me either, but for bears sake it is the only thing that calms his skin down and after a few days i wean him off until the next bought.it is for his comfort to make him feel better that i give him the meds.try this and u can also get gold bond anti itch powder and lotion too. i have tried many things and have spent a fortune, but the benadryl,epsom salts,cleaning off the scabs and rubbing him down a couble times a day will help.good luck
Reply:What did the vet say it was? Keep going with anti biotics to curb the infection, but i would also visit a stockfeeders. They usually have ointments for horses and dogs, for open sores, that taste yucky, are anti bacterial, and wont hurt the dog if it does lick or chew it. And change vets, if the one you are currently seeing is unsatisfactory, try another. I had to do that when my dog had mange but wasnt responding to treatment, i thought something else was wrong, but trying to get the vet i was seeing to find out if i was right, well, it was like pulling teeth, they generally dont like to be contradicted. It took 5 different vets, and i was right, it wasnt just mange, it was a virulent staph infection. Change vets, and demand answers.
Reply:ive had the same problem but more around the ears %26amp; oatmeal soap seem to help mine .and make sure he is always kept dry after bath or being out side he could have what they call rain rot .hope this might be helpful