My dog has a really bad rash.

[Paddington]

Well my dog Paddington is about 3 human years old now and he has a rash that has been getting progressively worse for some time now. His skin has gotten discolored and the rash flakes pretty badly, the smell is awful to boot, he spends a lot of time licking it which makes him slimy most of the time. He doesn't seem unhappy, he's just very clearly diseased. He's had a history of busting into places he doesn't belong and eating some pretty terrible things, a lot of over the counter medicine and soap for some reason. I'd say its a miracle he's still alive with some of the things he's done. My family really loves him but he's getting hard to live with because of his destructive tendencies and the smell and flakes that seem to get everywhere and be on everything. He's seen the Veterinarian who is pretty much stumped at how he's still alive and says the condition may be due to his dangerous eating habits. We really don't know what's wrong with the poor little guy, and suggestions would be really appreciated.

[PawsitivePet]

The rash with discoloring, flaking and smell sounds as though it may be a fungal or yeast problem.

First, you'll want to make sure you are feeding a good quality diet high in meat protein and low in carbohydrates. With that, I would also add a good probiotic supplement and give olive leaf extract for about a month.

To care for the skin directly, rinses with a solution of 50% white vinegar and 50% water a couple of times a week should help. In between rinses, a Malaseb spray on the affected area may be beneficial.

[Paddington]

Thanks for the advice, is there a food you would recommend? We've been feeding him lamb and rice food for a while but it was expensive and didn't seem to help. We'll see what happens though.

[PawsitivePet]

What breed of dog is Paddington?

[Paddington]

He's a mix of Corgi, Bernese Mountain Dog, and I'm not quite sure what else.

[tomcat1765]

Helllo...I am really sorry to hear about your poor pup! Sounds like you have had quite a time with him.

Skin problems can be very frustrating because there are so many possible causes and also simply because the skin and haircoat is something we see and interact with on a daily basis. Therefore, any abnormality, fatty tumor, mass, or oily skin quite literally jumps out at us!

Many pets have inherited skin disorders such as seborrhea or allergies. These skin problems are very difficult for owners because they cannot be cured, only managed.

If your veterinarian is stumped, you may want to consider seeking out a veterinary dermatologist and have your veterinarian refer you.

As far as diets, a high quality food like Hill's, Eukanuba, Nutro, or any brand made with high quality meats, grains and animal fats should be helpful, but it is going to take 8-10 weeks minimum before improvements are noted. You can also try a food trial by asking your veterinarian for a "novel" protein diet like Hill's z/d or d/d. Again, these foods need to be feed for 2-3 months before you can say they aren't working. Also, during any food trial, NO TREATS!!

You also mentioned destructive behavior...have you discussed this with your veterinarian as well? You may also want to consider talking to a veterinary behaviorist.

Good luck! I hope you get some answers soon.

[PawsitivePet]

I would recommend feeding something like Nature's Variety Instinct.

Certainly do your best to keep Paddington from consuming things that may be problematic for him.

If symptoms don't subside, trying an antihistamine may be an option.

[defg806]

The most unusual person I ever dated was a cop. She was a police woman. First night in bed she goes, 'Do you have any protection?' I said, 'You.' .................................................. .................................................. ........................................warhammer gold warhammer power leveling warhammergold119 http://www.warhammergold119.com

[defg806]

Q: What did the prostitute say when asked if she'd ever been picked up by "the fuzz" before?A: "No, but I've been swung by the tits."............................................ .................................................. ...............................................warhammer gold cheap warhammer gold warhammergold119 http://www.warhammergold119.com

[petman]

I recommend give him good fresh healthy diet. bath your dog with good antiseptic soap. rashes are the common thing in dogs that they can licking alot.