HOW TO TREAT HOT SPOTS AND SKIN ISSUES IN THE AMERICAN BULLY, PIT BULL & RELATED BREEDS
A STEP BY STEP GUIDE TO QUICKLY TREAT SKIN INFECTIONS & GET YOUR DOG FEELING LIKE THEMSELVES AGAIN
BATHING YOUR AMERICAN BULLY, BULLDOG, AMERICAN PIT BULL TERRIER OR RELATED BREED WHILE TREATING COMMON SKIN ISSUES & EAR INFECTIONS IN ONE SHOT
Treat Hot Spots, Itchy, Irritated or Flaky Skin, Bacterial Skin Infections & Ear Infections all in one quick and easy process.
A STEP BY STEP GUIDE
TO QUICKLY TREAT BACTERIAL SKIN INFECTIONS, HOT SPOTS, ITCHY, IRRITATED OR FLAKY SKIN & EAR INFECTIONS BY FOLLOWING THE STEPS BELOW
Summer is the worst time of year for your dog’s skin. To make matters even worse, this is one of the worst allergy in nearly 20 years for dogs. Skin issues happen. Very few discuss them openly, but we all deal with them.
These quick and easy steps should get your American Bully, Bulldog, American Pit Bull Terrier or related breed back to themselves again in no time.
1. VISIT YOUR VET FOR A SKIN SCRAPE
Generally your vet will prescribe antibiotics to treat fungal and bacterial infections
Many dog breeds are likely to get skin infections, hot spots, red, itchy and irritated skin. Many of the bully breeds are especially susceptible to …
ANTIBIOTICS MAY NOT WORK
Many dogs, especially the bully breeds have developed resistance to methicillin. At the very same time, methicillin resistant bacteria has been increasingly found in recurring skin issues. Meaning, some bacterial skin infections may not respond to antibiotics.
2. WASH 3X WEEKLY USING A 4% CHLORHEXIDINE SHAMPOO
We use Curaseb. Lather up your bull and scrub into coat, especially affected areas. Let it marinate. This is the main mistake made when bathing with medicated shampoo, many use it and rinse it off within a couple minutes.
Let it soak into the skin and for the medication activate. Drink a beer, have a smoke, go yell at your neighbors kids.. do whatever you want, but let it sit and soak in for at least 10 minutes.
AFTER 10 MINUTES, RINSE OFF MEDICATED SHAMPOO
Rinse medication off of your American Bully, Pit Bull, Bulldog or related breed dog/puppy with water.
DRY OFF WITH TOWEL
No shit right? Unfortunately, this is the internet and people do dumb shit. We have to mention it. Be careful not to over dry.
We use Curaseb, but any 4% Chlorhexidine Shampoo will work. Malaseb is another brand many use but it only contains 2% Chlorhexidine, as do many of the alternative brands. Stick with a 4% for best results.
3. FOLLOW WASH WITH ANTISEPTIC & ANTI-FUNGAL MEDICATED SPRAY
After drying off your dog, follow with an antiseptic and anti-fungal medicated spray. PetMD on Amazon works really well. Spray problem areas. Be generous.
GET RID OF ANY AND ALL PARASITES
Your dog should already be on flea & tick prevention. If they are not, ask your vet about starting them on prevention. In addition to protection from fleas and ticks, recent studies have shown effectiveness with skin conditions as well.
We use PetMD you can get it on Amazon.
Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antispetic & Antifungal Spray also works well, as do many other brands as long as are both antispetic & antifungal.
4. ZYMOX EAR SOLUTION
Treat those stubborn ear infections with the enzymatic power of the Zymox Plus Advanced Formula 1% Hydrocortisone Otic Dog & Cat Ear Solution. Enzymes are naturally occurring proteins that are highly effective against bacterial, fungal and yeast ear infections, so it’s an excellent alternative to antibiotics.
It’s important to note that you DO NOT need to clean the dog’s ears before or during use. Also do not use if the eardrum has been ruptured or pregnant or lactating females.
Key Benefits
- Naturally occurring enzymes are highly effective against bacterial, fungal and yeast ear infections, plus the anti-inflammatory power of hydrocortisone.
- Proven antimicrobial LP3 Enzyme System inhibits, splits and destroys the offending organisms while leaving healthy cells alone.
- Four additional biofilm-reducing enzymes destroy the hard-to-penetrate biofilm slime layer that obscures the microbe.
- Ideal for cases of repeated infections or infections that won’t resolve, and bacteria will never develop a resistance to the enzymes.
- Great alternative to antibiotics and the non-toxic solution won’t irritate a pet’s sensitive or irritated skin and is great for dogs and cats.
5. START YOUR DOG ON NEXGARD OR BRAVECTO
Still not finding relief? Add Raw Unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar to your dogs water or mix 50/50 solution (that’s half water, half Apple Cider Vinegar) into a spray bottle and spray onto your dog.
6. APPLE CIDER VINEGAR
BENEFITS OF APPLE CIDER VINEGAR FOR DOGS
A NATURAL FLEA KILLER
Apple cider vinegar is a natural flea and tick repellent. At one point or another, you’ll likely have to deal with your dog getting fleas. The pests exist everywhere, even in climates you wouldn’t expect. Many pet parents don’t love the idea of a monthly chemically based prevention medicine, but obviously still want Fido to be flea and tick free. Here’s where ACV comes in.
Spraying your dog with a 50/50 solution of ACV and water before they go outside is an effective way to prevent fleas and ticks from making landfall on your dog’s fur.
Additionally, in many parts of the country, you may need extra protection during flea and tick season. ACV keeps the pH levels in the dog’s blood slightly acidic which fleas detest. Therefore, dog owners have found that adding 2 tablespoons of ACV to their pet’s food or water does the trick!
RELIEVING ITCHY SKIN WITH APPLE CIDER VINEGAR
If you have a dog who can’t seem to find relief from itchy skin, ACV may be able to help. Apple cider vinegar ACV can help soothe and relieve rashes caused by yeast. Furthermore, apple cider vinegar has the ability to prevent the spread of yeast and prevent yeast infections from developing.
We use Bragg’s Raw Unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar
7. SWITCH TO A LIMITED INGREDIENT, HIGH QUALITY DOG FOOD
If none of this works, your dog may have an allergy to something in his/her diet. Switch to a hypoallergenic, limited ingredient dog food. You can find a list of the top foods for dogs with food allergies, along with unbiased reviews and rankings of the best foods in every category on DogFoodAdvisor.com
You can also sign up for recall alerts. When their is a dog food recall you will receive an email. This is quick, easy and may prevent your dog from getting sick.
See: Suggested Hypoallergenic Dog Foods
8. FORTA FLORA PROBIOTIC
Common canine allergies that produce skin inflammation are typically flea, environmental (mold, pollen, grass) or food allergies. Telltale signs that a dog is suffering a skin allergy include:
- Constant scratching and biting at “hot spots” (sometimes accompanied by sneezing, coughing and runny nose)
- Sores, scabs and eczema-like skin irritation
- Widespread hair loss
- Chronic ear infections
- Gastrointestinal problems (diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, irritable bowel syndrome)
Providing extensive support to the optimal functioning of a dog’s digestive system are certain beneficial bacteria necessary for preventing “bad” bacteria from proliferating. When an imbalance of “good” and “bad” bacteria exists in the canine intestines and stomach, dogs suffer can suffer from a wide variety of illnesses, from chronic ear infections and accelerated tooth decay to irritable bowel syndrome and painful skin allergies.
Probiotics offer effective, gentle relief for dogs suffering skin allergies by restoring balance to bacteria levels in the GI tract which can directly and significantly improve immune system functioning. Containing none of the harsh, synthetic chemicals found in prescription medications, probiotics eliminate allergies by improving the health of the GI tract with the natural, fresh bacteria needed to maintain a dog’s overall good health and well-being.
Follow these Steps & Your Dog Should Be Back to Themselves Soon.. You both can smile big.
Keep treating the skin for a week after the skin has cleared up to prevent recurrence.
Be Sure to Subscribe to our Youtube Channel For More Tips & Helpful Advice.
Article by Venomline edited by BULLY KING Magazine
