Brittany/Lab cross has bad rash

[greenhunsaker32]

I have a 1.5 year old brittany/lad cross. He has developed a bad rash on his stomach and has spread to one armpit. I have not changed anything in his lifestyle to cause this. I feed him Iams dog food. He is mostly outside. I need help with Brittany allergies. Vet put him on antibiotics 7 days - no change. Could he be allergic to the glue in the wood of his doghouse? He has chewed it up a little. Thanks for your help.

[Luba]

Is this dog being kept outdoors?
If so , WHY?

[greenhunsaker32]

Thanks for replying. Hope I do this right. He is kept outside in a cement enclosure with a insulated wooden doghouse. He is inside probably 40% of the time. He was on bare wood in the summer and I have wood chips in there now. I've heard Brits have skin allergies. I need some info on that.

[Luba]

It could be a number of things from allergy to anxiety, food/diet change, weather change, mange, flea/tic infestation.

A vet could tell u better but if you wanted to post a pic here maybe someone can see if it looks familiar to them.

Sorry but I'm not a fan of dogs being outdoor most of the time, may I ask why it is that you rather keep yours outside? Fresh air, play and fun explorations are one thing but why do you need to have this kennel outside for poochie? Does it not whine or want to come inside to keep company? Dogs are pack animals and the weather can be hard on them. This may be contributing to the skin condition.


Wood chips of what type do you know? Were they made from pressure treated wood? What does the dog sleep on? The same chips?

[Carina]

It's not just Brittanys, skin problems are very common in dogs. Diet can play an important role, Iams is crap. Try something like Canidae.

It sounds like it could be a staph infection; these can be stubborn and difficult to treat.

Try the following - this works like magic on many skin problems:
Make a solution of tea tree oil and witch hazel. Tea tree oil is available at health food stores; it's a bit pricey but you won't need much. You want 10-20% TT oil to witch hazel. Apply this liberally several times a day.

I adopted a shelter Rottie with a raging staph infection. We tried everything from "wait and see" to diet change to antibiotics to colloidal silver cream. The antibiotics cleared it up only as long as the meds were being given, then it came right back. Someone with a great deal of experience in alternative remedies suggested this mixture and it made her staph infection just disappear. It still comes back in a very minor way occasionally, but the TT oil clears it up overnight. Her rash was like your dog's, groin & up to her armpits.

Even if it's not staph, this surely will not hurt anything and will cost you under $10.

[greenhunsaker32]

Thanks a lot for the 2 replies I have gotten. Howie is mostly outside because my husband is not fond of dogs. I also struggle with dog hair on stuff. He's a great dog and I love him a lot. I will try the remedy from the health store. I don't know how to post a picture of the rash - that was a good idea. I do have a digital camera though. He has had the rash for about 2 months now. I've tried foot fungus spray, sinus pills for allergies, baths and keeping him out of his doghouse. The rash appears to get better; it looks like it is drying up and turning a dark brown instead of a fiery, hivey rash. Then it will come back. Now I've tried so many different things I don't know which is working. I do like Iams dog food as he only poops twice a day and it is firm to pick up. Any other ideas?

[wAggie]

It makes me VERY SAD to read about dogs living outdoors.

I don't care HOW MUCH dog hair I have on me.

I consider them more of a medal, lol... that way ppl know I'm a dog lover. hehehe


but there's certainly other means of reducing unwanted dog hair in the house, IE sweeping, vaccuuming, putting blankets on sofas when not in "use"...


as for the dog's skin problems, it could be a countless number of things. many diseases survive our cold weather and live in the soil... your dog could be catching any number of illnesses esp. bc he's outside "40% of the time."

Come ON, be honest here. you're saying he's outside less than half the day yet he SLEEPS outside.... so i'm getting the 60% of the time he's INSIDE during the day??

[greenhunsaker32]

I'm sorry that you are offended that my dog is outside. My dog gets much better care than other dogs I know. I am currently trying to buy my mom and dad's neighbor's dog because they NEVER let it out or EVER play with it. Their kids are terrified of it. Just so you know Howie is laying beside me on his blanket as I write. I would like to hear from a Britt owner to see if they have more skin problems than most dogs.

[wAggie]

This rationalization still sounds pretty fubar to me.

Is there someone at home with this dog at all times?

[Carina]

Originally posted by wAggie
This rationalization still sounds pretty fubar to me.

LOL, were you in the military? Yes I know what that stands for.

This really does sound like staph, with the red rash turning a bit brown & scabby & going through that cycle. Are some of the rashes in little rings, almost like ringworm? That's also an indication of staph.

Definitely give the TT oil a try.

[greenhunsaker32]

Tomorrow I will try and get to the health food store and fix up the remedy. Sure hope it works. Today rash doesn't look angry red. Just a dull brown. He does scratch it some though. I'm still trying to buy my mom and dad's neighbor's dog "Rocky". I've offered $150 for him. Come to find out the guy paid $450 for him. He's an AKC Springer Spaniel. He says he'll think about it and call me by Tuesday. Hope it works out. He's a beautiful dog. Less than a year old, black and white, wonderful disposition. Thanks again for the remedy idea.

I'm not sure what your first comment meant about being in the military. Can you explain that?

[LavenderRott]

My SO doesn't especially like dogs either yet my dogs are in the house 98% of the time. Seems he likes me more then he dislikes my dogs.

I am not sure the military question was directed to you, greenhansacker. Fubar is a military acronim.

Since the dog is left outside most of the time, it could be any number of things. Another trip to the vet is probably warranted. Maybe a different vet.

We won't go into my views on dogs being kept outside. Suffice it to say, my neighbors were not happy when they came home from work to find their dog gone and a lovely red tag on their door.

[Luba]

LavenderRott I can tell u r a friend of Carina's
I LIKE U

So if I may ask, why do you have a dog if your husband is not fond of them? (sorry I has to ask)

You can also try aloe vera gel, either straight from a plant, just break open a leaf or from a health food store it is really really cheap. Lily of the Desert is what it's called.

I don't think u should get another dog if you are already having trouble with your husband wanting this one inside. AND two dogs make more poop and hair. If this is something u dont' want then, perhaps u can find the other dog a more suitable home.

[greenhunsaker32]

Didn't make it to the store today for health food store but I will tomorrow. Today I worked around the house. Tomorrow is my daughter's and I day. We are going out to eat and a movie, plus running around. Fortunately my factory where I work shuts down during Christmas and New Year's. I normally work 3 10 hour days, sometimes 4.

It doesn't look like getting the neighbor's dog is going to work out. It is probably for the best, but I had my heart set on him. Maybe something will change.

Howie and I went for a walk today. It was cold and windy, but refreshing. He is scratching a little but not bad. Rash is still a dull brown. Under his arm is a little more red.

Hope to hear a reply tonight as I will be busy tomorrow. Thanks for visiting.

[wAggie]

[Luba]

I suppose he should go to a vet soon if its not getting better.

What is his bedding made of? What does he sleep on?
Is the shelter insulated and is there a door on it?

[LavenderRott]

Glad your house is clean. Too bad your dog still has a rash.

My house is trashed but Missy got her rabies shot today.

I guess it's all in the priorities.

[greenhunsaker32]

I can see that this is not the chat room for me. I believe people are more important than pets or things. You don't know me so don't judge me. Maybe you people should get a life. How much time and money have you given to the thousands of babies being aborted every year? How many kids have you showed love to in the last week? Or were you giving your dog a bath?

I do appreciate the ideas for my dogs rash. I'll try them.

Have a great day with your dogs. I'm enjoying my time with my daughter today.

[LavenderRott]

In my home, kids come before pets and pets come before housework. Somehow, I manage to spend time with both my kids and my pets. Huh.

And you know, this is the second time this week I have been accused of judging people. I can only comment on what you write and how you present yourself.

I have spent most of the week with my own kids so I guess the answer to that question is 3.

Hope your dogs rash gets better.

[Luba]

YIKES

YIKES again!! I think we've been really nice trying to help yu out with your situation offering suggestions but at the same time trying to find out a little more.

Why is it that you can't spend time with your dog and your daughter together. Your dog should be part of your family, no? Why are you so upset because we feel that way? It's just natural.

Well, to answer your question

:I mentor (3) kids who come from an abusive home situation. All of them young and very needy. I tutor them, teach them, show them love and companionship. We read together, play together, I bath them and clean the lice from their hair because their mother doesn't and Children's Aid could care less. I give them education because they rarely get to school. AND on top of that I have time to spend volunteering at a local shelter walking dogs.

AND I manage to run my own full time business and help my father out part time with his store.

AND I managed to MAKE almost all of my Christmas presents this year, have a huge Christmas party at my home.

My house is pretty clean I think and I just recently adopted out a lovely dog named Honey that I rescued and fostered from the shelter I volunteer at.

You directed a great deal of the blame on your husband for not wanting the dog inside. Do you think perhaps you feel the same way as well?
...." Howie is mostly outside because my husband is not fond of dogs. I also struggle with dog hair on stuff."


Please answer me this, why do you have a dog if it's not welcome as part of the family? I am not asking that in a sarcastic way I am asking it in a realistic way so don't take offence to it please.

If your dog is alone outside a great deal of time, your husband isn't fond of it, you don't have much time for it then why do you have this dog? Were you brought up with the belief that animals (dogs) should be kept outdoors? That could be a big part of it, if this is the case.


Just curious, hope you can help me out on that one. Look forward to your response.

(still didn't answer my question about what the dog sleeps on, as this could be part of the problem)

Your dog could also be suffereing from separation anxiety from being left alone outside. Anxiety can produce rashes because stress triggers attacks on the immune system and the least needy parts of ours and dogs bodies are hair/fur and skin. So that could be a possibility.Thanks a lot for the 2 replies I have gotten. Howie is mostly outside because my husband is not fond of dogs. I also struggle with dog hair on stuff.

[cmt489]

Okay, it is not too often that I post a reply on this board but sometimes I feel that I have to share my agreement openly as opposed to silently nodding my head at the computer screen.

Greenhunsaker32, while I agree with you that people must come before all else, you appear to put pets on the same level as THINGS!! They are not things!! In fact, I get offended that pets are listed as merchandise in many classifieds! They are members of your family. Granted, if they pose a health or safety risk to your children that cannot be resolved, obviously, your children come first. None the less, they are not toys that are put aside when the novelty wears thin! Or, for that matter, put outside because their mess causes an inconvenience.

I was raised with animals and come from a household that some might categorize as obsessively clean. Our dogs and cats always lived in the house (I would have moved my horses in if I could have found a way - but they are in a barn that is nicer than some homes with rubber mats, electric waterers, heat, etc - but I digress). To this day my parents have three dogs (two akitas and an australian heeler) and two cats living in the house with them and these animals RUN the house!

My husband and I live in a condo and my husband is not a huge dog fan. He loves cats and had no problem with my cat (a hair producer unto herself!). I could not live without a dog. My husband, understanding how important it was to me, finally agreed to having a dog (obviously, since we live in a condo, outdoor living for a dog was not even an option but it would not have been discussed in any event). After researching breeders, I finally found the breeder that was right for me, gave my deposit and waited for my puppy to be bred and then born. I warned my husband that, with a puppy, things would get dirty (really that was more my concern than his) and that things would get ruined.

Even though my husband is not a dog fan, Oliver, our shiba inu puppy, sleeps on his bed in our room. He will sleep nowhere else. Our house is his house.

I too am a clean freak. I seem to spend a lot of time vacuuming, dusting and wiping the pet hair (not to mention tidying whatever Oliver has left behind in his playtime since toys are soooo fun to scatter!) Lint rollers have become accessories in every room of our house. This is part of the price of animal ownership!

In short, animals should only be acquired by people who are certain that they can take proper care of them. This means looking after both their PHYSICAL and MENTAL health. By leaving a dog outside at night, its mental health is being neglected. My friends and family all know that if they want to see me in my off time they have to include Oliver in whatever we do. In fact, Oliver often accompanies me to clothing stores, the nail salon, work after 5:30, you name it.

Oh, and by the way, with respect to what I do to help people: I volunteer every week at a city operated community drop in centre for street kids and adults and those that live in single occupancy hotel rooms; I am on the board of directors at that drop in centre; and I act as a volunteer providing pro-bono legal services for those that cannot afford to hire a lawyer privately. I also regularly donate to several charities which include the Salvation Army and women's shelters. Is that enough for you or would you like me to do more???

[greenhunsaker32]

This is Greenhunsaker32's daughter. I just got on the computer and read what has been going on between you and my mom. i would just like you all to know that our dog is anything but abused. My mom loves her dog and would love to have him in the house but her relationship with my dad means more to her than having her own way. Marraige is based on compromise, I'm only 16 and even I understand that. Howie is walked everyday and spends quite a little bit of time in the house when I'm home in the evenings. He loves his bed outside and stays warm by a heat lamp in his dog house. Animals aren't people, God didn't create them to be treated as though they were. We love Howie and treat him as though we do.

[Luba]

You are 16 and have much to learn.

I admire you for 'sticking' up for your mother but you must also have your own thoughts on things.

When was this dog brought into the relationship before or after the wedding of your parents? Knowing beforehand that papa would not want the dog indoor well, would just suffice to say that getting a dog would not be proper.

Your dog 'needs' to be around people, dogs are pack animals and need their pack to feel safe, secure and protected.

Open your mind a little and learn from this experience so that it may not be repeated. Your dog may 'love' his bed outdoor but give him the option and I bet he'd rather be indoors curled up on your bed with you or on the sofa in the family room.

Pets are not people but people have domesticated them. What you are doing is trying to 'undomesticate' a dog which for hundreds of years his genetics have not been.

The heat lamp is dangerous, can start a fire and could be the cause of the dogs rash. It could be a 'burn' from the dog trying to keep warm near it.

SMH

[greenhunsaker32]

Hi! I had a great time with my daughter today! Also, got the meds at the health food store. It smells great! Howie loved it! My husband had the idea of putting it in a spray bottle instead of using cotton balls. We'll try that tomorrow.

I'll let you know how the rash looks after a few treatments.

Hope you all have a Happy New Year!

Appreciate all your comments. They are very interesting. My whole family is now involved with our visiting! It makes good dinner time conversations.

[wAggie]

FUDGE!

If I were EVER to meet this lady, I'd send the dogs AND my bf after her with a *edit post* while I rescue this poor and helpless soul.




SERIOUSLY NOW, How can someone like you, greenhunsaker32, have so little compassion towards animals??!

Like Luba asks, I'm also curious to know if this dog came before or after the marriage... it makes a HUGE difference when understanding one's PRINCIPLES in life.


shesh, and for the record, I work in a special daycare that is situated in a shelter for abused women and children. These kids require EXTRA SPECIAL love and attention!!

[LavenderRott]

Our children are what we teach them.

My 5 year old son knows that dogs do not live outside. He learned that from his mom.

There is nothing in my life that I value more then the love of my children and my fiance. We compromise on a daily basis. However, in the early days of our relationship, he learned how far I was willing to compromise on my animals. He told me to get rid of my rottweiler or he was packing his bags. I told him I would help him pack.

I stilll have both.

I did however, promise not to get another until this one has passed.

While I am not happy that your dog lives outside, it is your dog. You provide food, water, and shelter, which is what the law requires.

The part that gets me is that instead of making a trip to the store that would have taken, lets say an hour, you cleaned your house. With no regard to the health and well being of your dog.

I said it before and I will say it again, it is all a matter of priorities.

[Luba]

I've stopped laughing now!

Why was I laughing? I think you know, don't you?!?!

[greenhunsaker32]

Hello ladies. I've put the meds from the health food store on Howie two times now and I have to say his stomach looks MUCH better. His underarm hasn't shown much improvement, but overall I'm happy with the results.

I should have started from the very beginning to explain Howie's condition. You are right when you say you can only judge what I have to say by what I do say. I've left out a lot of details that would have cleared some things up.

I don't mean to make people mad (and obviousley I have). The one lady had to have her reply edited!

I will agree it all comes down to priorities, ie. having a dog in the house or not. And for our family we have decided that this arrangement works best for us.

Possibly tomorrow if you want I can give you more background of our family and Howie. I thought it would bore you. I only tried to give you the basic facts of his condition.

Thanks for listening and have a good evening.

[Lucky Rescue]

My goodness, this is some thread! Greenhunsaker, you ask:

Maybe you people should get a life. How much time and money have you given to the thousands of babies being aborted every year?

Is this a board for aborted babies, or pets? And what on earth does that have to do with how you treat your dog? I also am kind of puzzled about what good money would do aborted babies, but as I said , this is not the place for that discussion.

You say your value your marriage above a dog, and that your husband doesn't like dogs. My husband didn't care for any animals in the house at all - but he cared enough for ME to go along with it. Doesn't yours?

There's a question I've wanted to ask for years - maybe you can answer it:

Why would someone who doesn't want a dog around and can't even stand dog hair get a dog?

Dogs are not like garden tools that can be put on a shelf when you don't want to bother with them. Dogs are pack animals, and being put in solitary confinement is just as distressing to them as it is to us.

I'm glad your house is tidy while your dog sits alone outside.

[Luba]

Dear Green.....etc

I am very happy to hear that your doggie is doing much better, that is fantastic news.

None of us on here will be able to change your mind, so I'm not gonna even get into that. You are who you are and we are who we are.

However, the question my friend LR asked about why would you get a dog if you don't like dog hair is really a very good realistic question.

I asked your daughter, with no reply so maybe you can perhaps explain to me whether you were married first or got your dog first?

This may help to clarify and clear things up a little with our understanding of your situation. I completely understand if you do not want to share that information however, and respect your right to your privacy.

I thought you and others may enjoy this next bit of information:

http://www.drdog.com/philosophy.htm

The more a dog is outdoors, the less behavioral control you have. It's easier to solve four or five indoor problems than just one outdoors. The reason is simple: The more you control the stimuli that reach the dog, the more you control its responses

When a dog is alone indoors you're still 30% there because your scent and things it associates with you constantly remind it of you and your training. When it's out, it's alone whether you're home or not. Do you expect it to keep YOU in mind while the entire world teases, distracts and stimulates it?

The media are full of stories about family dogs saving everyone during a fire. How many people, including children, would be dead today if those dogs were kept out?

An outdoor dog has an address, not a home. Does your dog get so much mail that it needs its own address? A real value dogs offer is as companion animals. Do you live out in your yard?

http://www.huntersheart.com/brittany_faqs.html

But Brittanys never have a heavy enough coat to live outside in the winter (in Canada and similar northern locations). They must live indoors in the winter. Dogs left outside overnight may get frostbite.