I have a Bullmastiff, that has a problem with his skin (allergies) has anyone heard of this?

He breaks out on his chest and his eye lids fold inward which irritate his eyes, which then get all crusty and a white or light green film is over his eye and he can't see. The Vet said because he is a large breed that happens sometimes with there eyes and they need surgery to be corrected. As far as the skin he just tells me to use a medicated shampoo and conditioner, but to wash him every couple months. Now I not a Vet but it seems to me that a dog should be wash atleast every two weeks. They get dirt just like we do, so does anyone have any suggestions, PLEASE let me know.

I have a Bullmastiff, that has a problem with his skin (allergies) has anyone heard of this?
I have three dobermans and two Bischons. Believe me it doesn't matter what size they are, they can still have allergies. One Dob and both Bischons went through something similar. Luckily I had this all figured out on the first one the next two weren't so bad. First, change their water and food bowls to stainless steel. Some dogs are allergic to the plastic. Second, it's very common for dogs to have animal by-product allergies. Read the labels before purchasing your food. We found that Nurto Lamb and Rice works really well and the dogs have wonderful coats and a lot less waist to clean up because their bodies digest most of the food unlike corn.... Be careful when offering treats as well. Again, read the label and know what your feeding your dog (avoid beef, chicken, etc. stick to the lamb for a while and give it time to see if it works). It may take a few weeks to notice a huge difference after the changes, but they do work. If you don't want to spend the time going to a pet or feed store for the Nutro (which I swear by) you could try Purina One lamb and rice which is the best feed I have found in the grocery store. Good luck with your dog! Please keep us informed as to how he is doing.
Reply:try wellness simple five dog food for the skin. that's what we use for our bullmastiff since he has skin problems. the vet can give you $10 shampoo called pyoben that will help too - its not sold over the counter Report It

Reply:Try a different vet for a different opinion. Also, you don't want to wash your dog too often because it will irritate their skin more. Generally, people wash their dog once every month or two. As far as allergies, there are a lot of treatment options. For example, you dog can get allergy shots a couple times a year and then he'll feel much better. Bring it up with a vet.


Take care
Reply:Many times skin problems are food related. Our pets need quality pet food. Read the ingredients list and learn what the stuff on there is and what it does (or does not do) to/for our pets. A quick pet food 101. If the pet food contains corn/corn products or by products it is a poor quality food. Do not pay attention to advertising, they all say there food is great. Corn is a filler that can trigger skin problems. (allergies, skin problems, itching and excessive shedding) By products is anything from an animal not fit for human consumption, including cancerous tissue. Quality foods have meat as the first ingredient. California Natural, Solid Gold, Innova and Merrick are a few of the best brands available. If you want to learn more check out: http://www.sagekeep.com/petfood.htm www.api4animals.org/facts?p=359%26amp; more=1 http://animalark.eapps.com/animal/PetFoo...
Reply:ask your vet about food not to feed your dog.
Reply:yes i have read about this , i own st bernards and it is something you have to watch out for, the eyelids turn in and irritate the eye. its called ENTROPION, the ve should be giving you soothing and eye ointments, but most cases do need the operation which will prevent further damage to the cornea. for the skin on his body try putting a cup full of vinegar in he bath water (nothing else) dont use any shampoo. vinegar is good for getting rid of allergy redness, ive tried this myself and it does work. if you dont use the vinegar (which i recommend) then buy some coal tar shampoo from your local petstore. entropion is hereditary so do not breed him or the poor puppies will end up with it. the sooner he gets the op the better because is eyes will become ulcerated and it can cause blindness. poor big pet.xx
Reply:Go to peteducation.com and do a search for dog allergies. My Husky also suffers from skin and paw itching allergies. That website gave me the information I needed to understand what causes her to react what questions to ask my vet. Now when my dog is miserable, I give her half of a children's Benadryl. Please do not give your bullmastiff any medication, without first checking with a vet. Also, I would suggest finding a different vet. Your vet should explain not only the symptoms to you, but what you can do for you pet that will make him or her feel better. A dog suffering from allergies is just as miserable as a person with the same. You should find a vet that is willing to take the time to explain everything, and suggest treatments that will help. Someone that cares just as much for you pet's comfort and happiness as you do.
Reply:I had a dog with skin allergies- My vet recommended


BENEDRYL which worked great ! we also gave him vitamins and had to change his diet-omitting milk products of any kind (even as an ingredient in dog food)and several other things which I forgot. Certain types of baths are very soothing and healing!!! Try a healthfood store for bath stuff and info on common ingredients that worsen allergies. VERY SIMILAR TO HUMANS. More common in fair skinned dogs.Those eyes are probably very painfull so you need to put some drops in, whether its just a lubricant or better off- an opthalmic solution to heal the conjuctivitis and relieve pain.There are dog foods for allergies but you may have to pay $$.- WORTH IT!


I got an ionizer air filter and kept him from laying in the grass and he did real well. Lived to 18 yrs.GOOD LUCK!
Reply:The eye condition needs to be fixed with surgery. Get it done or the dog will be blind and you will end up having to remove both the eyes due to chronic infection.


As for the allergies do not bathe him every two weeks that is way to often to bathe a dog and could make the allergies worse.


Dogs have a oil that is screted by thier skin and every time you bath it off their body produces more to compensate for what you washed off.


I only bath my short haired breeds about every three months they do not stink. You can get some wipes to use on them for the wrinkles on the dog to keep them clean. You need to be using the gentlest shampoo for dogs you can get one for allergies and sensitive skin. Bathing to often leads to dry flakey itchy skin.


Bullmastiffs are well know it have skin and allergy problems you need to be feeding a very high quality diet with no corn or wheat or soy in it and maybe a lamb and rice type of food. You may have to try a few and see how he does or have him allergy tested to see what triggers his allergies.

yew