Skin Issues (Rashes, Scratching & Foxtails)
Because Greyhounds have thin skin and little fur to cover it, a small itch can quickly turn into a major wound. It’s important to act immediately. Here are some things that may cause itching, but if you can’t quickly determine the cause, see your veterinarian right away.
• Fleas or ticks – Fleas and ticks can be brought into your yard by stray cats, birds, mice, squirrels, etc. Most dog owners take advantage of one of the many flea and tick treatments now available.
• Due to the sensitivity of Greyhounds to toxins, NEVER USE A FLEA COLLAR.
• Use flea shampoos only if they are marked, “Safe for Puppies.”
• Frontline, Advantage, Program, or Revolution are all generally safe for Greyhounds.
Click here for a comparison of the various products
Remember that you must also treat the environment: Wash the dog beds and thoroughly vacuum the carpet. Then continue to vacuum the carpet and all dog sleeping areas every day for about three weeks to get rid of all of the unhatched flea eggs.
• Dry skin – Medicated shampoos and conditioners on the coat and fish oil in the food can help improve dry skin. Daily brushing with a hound glove can also help disburse the oils. Read the article below for more ideas.
• Shampoo – If your dog begins to scratch shortly after having a bath, he may be reacting to the shampoo or he may not have been rinsed thoroughly. It is sometimes difficult to rinse all of the shampoo from the armpits, between the toes, etc. Try rinsing the dog again.
• Food allergy – These are sometimes difficult to narrow down. Work with your vet if you suspect a food allergy. Sometimes changing to a single-protein food, a no-grain food, or a new protein-based food will help.
• Environmental allergy – Seasonal pollens, fertilizers on lawns, and household cleaning chemicals are just a few of the triggers of environmental allergies. Again, work with your vet, and watch your dog closely to try to determine the onset of the allergy.
• Foxtails – In some local areas we seem to have an over abundance of a weed known as foxtail. These weeds can pose serious danger to your pets and frequent grooming is the only simple solution to the problem. Foxtails shed burrs which can work their way through your pet’s coat and into the skin. The area between the toes is particularly susceptible. They can also enter through the nose, eyes, ears, and mouth. After walks and during grooming sessions, check your dog thoroughly for foxtails.
Once a foxtail has penetrated the tissue, it can migrate to cause infection and may have to be surgically removed. Vigorous head shaking and ear scratching may indicate foxtails in the ears. Sneezing fits and occasional blood discharge from nostrils may be symptoms of foxtails in the nose. Should you notice any of these symptoms, see your veterinarian immediately.
Sometimes skin problems are more serious. Below is a great article by a foster family that has helped several foster dogs with serious skin issues:
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Fostering Greyhounds has provided us with endless joys and a few challenges. Some of our retired racers come to us with a history of itchy skin, drippy noses, balding areas and scaly patches. They oftentimes will have runny stools as an added challenge. We have made a concerted effort of “trial & error” in an attempt to provide the affected greys with additional relief.
We have found a lot of research online regarding the causes (that are known) of various skin problems and the common medical treatments. We have also found there are many questions left unanswered and the solutions that are found do not provide the level of relief we are looking for. We became convinced something more was needed.
We began to look beyond medical measures and started researching holistic or homeopathic treatments. The treatments we found can be used safely in addition to the medical treatments a Veterinarian may prescribe. We started adding supplements and herbs to the food at each meal. Here is what we have found:
Vitamin C
Dogs produce their own Vitamin C.
Under “normal” conditions a dog’s body will produce the amount of Vitamin C that is needed. However, under stressful situations the dog’s body may require more Vitamin C than what can be produced. This Vitamin is important because it helps to keep tissue healthy, protects against joint deterioration, protects against bladder infections and it works with Vitamin E to provide antioxidant protection. There is no concern for toxicity.
DOSAGE: Do not give more than 3000mg per day in a 70 to 80 pound dog. Higher doses may cause diarrhea & flatulence. We give a daily dose of 2000mg to symptomatic fosters either by mixing it into the food or dropping it down the back of the throat. Healthy dogs may also benefit from a daily dose of Vitamin C.
Fish Oil
Fatty acids are commonly used to improve coat quality and shine. It is also an anti-inflammatory agent that may be worth trying if the dog has autoimmune issues or arthritis. Sources can be cooked salmon, sardines or purchased in a tablet form. Other non-animal sources include ground flax seed, flax oil, or hemp oil.
DOSAGE: 1000mg of fish oil or 1 tablespoon flaxseed or 2 sardines per day added to the food provides extra protection and helps to strengthen the body’s ability to heal itself.
GLA (gammalinolenic acid)
GLA is a fatty acid that is an effective anti-inflammatory. It helps to produce healthy skin, hair, and nails. It is good for skin conditions, hair loss, arthritis, and autoimmune disorders. It takes six to eight weeks to see any changes. Sources include Evening Primrose Oil, Black Currant Oil, and Borage oil. A single adult serving is beneficial for a medium to large size dog.
DOSAGE: 500mg of GLA at each feeding.
Over the counter products that include both the omega-3 & omega-6 fatty acids are: Omega Pet, Derm Caps, and EFA-Z Plus.
Biotin
Biotin is one of the B-Vitamins. It can give relief to dogs with dry itchy skin, seborrhea and allergic skin conditions. It is also needed for growth, digestion, and muscle function. There is no known toxic effects. A common source is Brewers Yeast. It can be mixed into the food at meal times. DOSE: about 1 tablespoon.
Raw Garlic, Dry Mustard & Ground Ginger
Raw Garlic provides anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, and anti-fungal action.
Dry Mustard supports digestion and bowel function
Ground Ginger is also an anti-inflammatory.
I found a recipe that combines the three spices into a paste that can be given at each meal time;
1 tsp. dry ground ginger
2 cloves of raw garlic-mashed
½ tsp. dry mustard
Small amount of water (to make a paste)
Enough peanut butter to mask the flavors. (This will be one serving)
I mix this ahead of time and store it in the fridge. At meal times I mix the paste into the dry kibble. The less finicky dogs will take it from your fingers as a treat!
Antihistamines (drippy noses, watery eyes, skin reactions……..)
Antihistamines can be used safely in dogs. The most common problem is that antihistamines are given in too small of a dosage to treat the dog’s symptoms. Some of the safe forms of antihistamines that can be used for dogs are; Taoist, Benadryl, Chlortrimeton, Atarax, Seldane, Chlorpheniramine Maleate. You will need to check with your Veterinarian to make sure of the dosage and safety of adding the drug to the dog’s medical treatment plan.
Fiber such as phylum husk can be added at meal times to help provide bulk for the dogs with loose stool issues. We have used a scant amount at each meal up to a full tablespoon at each meal. You will need to add moisture to the dry food when you add the fiber.
Medicated Shampoo & Cold Bond Powder
A dog who is suffering with chronic itchy skin can get some relief with the use of a medicated shampoo. The store bought variety or the prescription variety will provide limited relief and help with the healing process. The treatment requires several baths a week while the dog is symptomatic.
Gold Bond Medicated Powder is found in the stores. It can be used between the bathing times. It can be spread over the entire body of the dog as many times as you are willing to do it. Dogs don’t like the taste of the powder so they are reluctant to chew on themselves.
Our quest to find ways that will help our retired greyhounds to be comfortable, healthy, and happy is never ending...
