One of our dogs suffers from red yeasty skin and use malaseb to keep it under control? I have heard good reports of neem shampoo has any one used it and what are your thoughts or suggestions for another alternative?

Hi Lacey,

I have used Neem oil in the past not the shampoo, found it very sticky and smelly and didnt get particularly good results. I am now using a shampoo called 'Seleen shampoo' its similar to Malaseb but not as expensive and you dont need to get it from a vets you can order it online which is great. You have to bath your dog in a mild shampoo first then mix some of the seleen shampoo with a small amount of water, leave for approx 5 mins longer if possible then rinse off. I have found it to be really good and have seen results since using it you can buy it online from http://www.hyperdrug.co.uk

have you tried quistel , its very good for dogs with itchy /skin problems

Is Malaseb not working?  Have you spoken to your vet about the underlying cause?

I thought this was an interesting article.  The use of baking soda is an idea I've not heard before...

I have a boy that gets itchy skin as an allergic reaction and we've had very good results washing him in a dilute solution of Hibiscrub.  I also use Dermacton cream too which soothes irritated skin and also moisturises to counteract the drying effect of Hibiscrub.  However, I'd recommend establishing the cause before experimenting too much.

Dogs a babe. Thanks for your response. Malaseb works and yes have spoken to our vet numerous times regarding the condition. Unfortunately many BH's suffer, am aware that diet can also be a contributing factor but at last have found a food that they both thrive on and I'm loath to change. This must sound penny pinching but for two large dogs it is expensive (last two bottles around £38. and they don't last long) and I was hoping that having heard good reports of neem and the suggestions made from earlier posters there might be something someone could advise that I could use inbetween malaseb. I do not like having to bathing as requently as I do and try to delay by rubing down with diluted Hibiscrub but if I leave for too long it is unfair on the dog. Yes, now you mention baking soda, I'm sure I've heard it mentioned before. Lacy

Hi Lacy, a couple of hints if Malaseb is the preferred option:

See whether you can get a repeat prescription from the vet and buy Malaseb online.  Most online prices seem to be about £12.50 and if you can get a prescription for larger quantities or repeat numbers it should save you money long term, even after paying for the prescription.  Alternatively explain to the vet you can get it much cheaper online and see if they are willing to provide you with extra discount for bulk purchases.

Apply the Malaseb with a sponge - it makes it go much further

Alternate Malaseb washes with Hibiscrub washes - it should help.  A small squeeze of Hibiscrub in half a bucket of water applied with a sponge.  There's no need to leave it on but do dry the dog carefully with a towel afterward paying particular attention to creases and folds of skin.  The Hibiscrub will keep the areas clean and prevent any secondary infection caused by nibbling and scratching.  I haven't used Neem so can't comment but Hibiscrub works exceptionally well for mine.  I use Dermacton too which may be worth a look for your two.

Dogs a Babe. Thanks, have thought on buying online, vet charges about £18.00 for a script but will ask if he can write one for larger quantities. Iritiates me that you can't get it in larger bottles, as in the USA. Don't use a sponge but dilute some in a squirty bottle, wet the dog and then apply, find it easier and less waste. Will follow up on Dermacton have been using Sudocream. Lacy

I have a bitch that suffers from a very itchy face. She scratches so much that she is pulling fur from her face. I have tried all sorts and last week took her to the Vets who took a swab. The results have come back with 'excessive yeast overgrowth'. She has been being bathed with Malaseb, no success, and this week was given a hydrocortisone spray to help with the itching. That just makes her go ballistic. Dermacton cream has the same effect. To cut a long story short I had an itch on my foot and so got some Daktarin cream. Something in the back of my head remembered wet eczema being discussed on the forum and Daktarin cream was recommended (can't find the thread now). I used the cream on her face on Friday night and she has not scratched once since. Can't believe the difference. She didn't mind me putting it on (everything else I tried had her running around the house demented) and since then absolutely not one scratch. Don't know if this helps anyone.

If you're still using malaseb, then you must put 'dermadine shampoo' into google and follow the link to [url=]www.dogforlife.co.uk[/url]. It'll save you a lot of money.

Endocle, Will do and many thanks Lacy

Try using a neem pet shampoo - and in between times use colloidal silver which is brilliant for dogs and people alike (and it does stop itching).

Hi just read your post and just wondered where on you dogs face it gets the yeast overgrowth my westie has a lip fold problem and he gets yeast and bacteria overgrowth around his mouth and on the chin area and i have been using malaseb from the vets and also some steroid cream that they suggested but it doesn't do much at all really, could you use daktarin on the lip area as i just wondered if it would harm them if they swallowed any?

Hamish. Sorry I am aware of your poor westie, but haven't read back through all of your posts, have you tried Sudocrem. I do use it between baths if areas of yeast flare up, it smothers it and have never had any problem with the dogs licking it.

Yeah i have tried sudocrem and it stopped him for a while but his mouth smells very fishy/damp and i think its the yeast come back the vet says to bath him twice per week in malaseb but that doesn't seem to do much good i just wondered if the daktarin would be safe to use round the lip area?

Daktarin do an orange flavoured gel for oral thrush. I don't know if it's dog proof though.