My Pit/Blue Heeler, Nyla, has had a skin infection for almost 4 months. It is on her neck, vulva, stomach, inner leg, armpits, and under her eyes. She came back from a 2 week stay with a dog sitter with a very bad flea infestation. It took 2 months to cure. Right after that she started to lick and bite to the point of blood. Only when she licks I can see puss blisters. I believe the infection started from her backside, seeing how she jumps up as if something is biting her.
I took her to the vet ($300), they gave her antibacterial shampoo and spray, steroids, and antibiotics. For a week her skin started clearing up and fur started to grow, but after that the progression stopped. The medicine never stopped the itching so I bought a funnel for her. Then someone told me about apple cider, vinegar, peroxide, and water mix. I put it on her and I started to see mild visible red spots. The next day I tried again and one minute later for the first time I felt hot spots and her ears were hot. I don't know if it was the mix, or the infection itself fighting against the mix. I'm scared to keep using the mix. I'm at my wits end seeing her suffer. I need help please! Thanks in advance.
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*Have you returned to your vet for a recheck and other possible treatment - important to do so?
*Your dog may be allergic to something in her environment-smoke, cleaning chemicals, detergent, soap, scent sprays, etc., could be many things you may not think are a problem.
I'd try putting her on a food that is grain free. Many dogs are allergic and get secondary skin infections from the allergies. Also treat the sores at the same time. It worked for my aunt's dog.
I can certainly understand your frustration with this. Since the Vet regimen worked, it may be that your just need to continue longer. Your Vet may be willing to just refill the prescription without another (expensive) visit. I would certainly give that a try. Otherwise you probably need to go back. Skin infections can take a while to clear up....like several weeks. I would give up on the vinegar mix. It would not be strong enough to affect a skin infection, and could be very irritating. The bacteria that cause skin infections need specific antibiotics to cure them.
It could be that because it took awhile to get rid of the fleas, you didn't have enough time to clear the infection. If you are not able to clear her infection consider the possibility of a food allergy. I had a terrier who chewed every hair off his body (and caused lots of skin infections in the process) until I got him on a hypoallergenic diet. It took many tries until I found one that worked. He then lived to be 17 years old and never chewed again. Don't give up and good luck to you.
I soak my dog in a room temperature oatmeal bath and then on the hot spots and sores, I apply an ointment called NEOSPORIN (for humans) it's an antibiotic combination to prevent infects. Do not let the dog lick. You can put on a bell or do like I do, after applying the ointment I give my dog a full body massage. It relaxes the dog and also helps with the itch. Good luck!
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