Cracked Lips - Page 1

Can anyone suggest a treatment for a GSD whose lips at the edges get cracked, sore and sometimes bleed. I have tried so far, vaseline, Aloe Vera, and Calendula oil. These remedies seem to do the trick short term, but I am interested to sort this problem, with any suggestions. I know that it can be a sign of a vitamin deficiency in humans when the corners of the mouth crack - has this ever been mooted with the canine world? Thanks in advance. Mo - Mascani GSD`s

Collagen, that's all I can think of when it's do with lips. It may not help but your have the best looking dog in the ring. LC

Try Panalog ointment or Neosporin... seems to happen to older dogs ... maybe immune related?? Or like me, I need chapstick all the time

The first thing I would ask you is where you live? Low relative humidity does contribute to cracking and dry skin. The second thing I would ask you is what you feed? Most high quality kibble should have enough natural oil to help, but there might be reason for change. And finally, I would ask you when these cracks occur and is the dog involved in Schutzhund? A lot of factors could be involved. It is probably useless to try putting something on or near the lips or nose because the dog will simply lick it off. Sometimes a short course of antibiotics taken by mouth can help if there is a minor infection present and constant irritation. The problem you describe is likely not anything caused by immune problems, but it similar to us in that some of us have a tendency to get chapped or cracked lips and finger tips. In my part of the U.S. our relative humidity is very low most of the year. This means a constant battle trying to keep moisture in my skin. When I train dogs during the winter, it is not uncommon to see a few of them develop cracks at the corners of the mouth. Sleeves or toys made of jute do probably also contribute to this. Keep the dog well hydrated, supply the best food you can, perhaps consider humidifying where the dog lives inside *(but be careful because too much humidity is worse for a lot of reasons) and treat if necessary. Often if the dog is training, just stopping and doing something that does not involve sleeves or jute will help. Good luck.

Hi Penny, most likely as hodie says - weather conditions this year in UK - has been very dry and hotter than we are used to, but become the norm here now I think. One of my bitches gets a very cracked and dry nose. I have used oil in their food - a teaspoon of a good vegetable cooking oil does no harm, it is worth a try for a few weeks, even sardines provides omega oils for skin condition, tuna in oil - these add a bit of a treat once a week for the dogs. Another supplement which is good for skin condition and overall immume system health is Aloe Vera - I use tablets on one bitch who is always itchy in the spring and summer, I use it all the year round on her and she has improved. Is the dog chewing on wood or something that is causing the cracks, may be injuring its mouth, but most likely the vitamin thing. Cracked mouths especially at the sidesin humans is often a sign of vitamin deficiency and is similar to scruvvy - lack of minerals and vitamins in diet. Maybe a multivitamin course would help like Canovel Multivitamin Tabs. Worth giving these things a trial and perhaps eliminating some of the causes. Hope this helps. Best wishes

Yes, thanks all. Hodie, we are in UK, and have had a hot summer, but I am now thinking that the sleeve work may be contributing, as we have done none for a few days due to this looking sore, and it has healed really well. Am going to try all of the above things, and thanks to you all for taking time to answer and suggest things. Mo

A problem with cracked lips is that almost everything seems to stick to the lips--shavings, dog hair, etc. The one product that in variably works is the topical application of Happy Jack Pad Kote. Dogs do not ingest it or lick it off. It heals almost all skin lesions (including staph pyoderma, hot spots). It has a drying property but has enough oil in it to keep the skin supple. Pad Kote contains: cod liver oil, cade oil,balsam peru, turpentine, gentian violet, brilliant green, isopropyl alcohol. Drawback: until Pad Kote is allowed to dry, it will stain everything it touches PURPLE! It also makes the dog temporarily smell like "barbecued dog"!! Otherwise, it's a great product and I swear by it.

Hi Louise, I really dont mind him smelling of Barbeque Dog !! I also quite like the colour purpleWhere can I get some of this to try please? Regards Mo

Penny, one of our older bitches suffers from this from time to time and i always use demobion , its available from the vets,its a gel and its an antimicrobal and its brilliant.If you get it in a tube its a yellow colour where as if you go for the larger tub then its green.Its a little greasy but it really is magic stuff and very handy to have in for a variety of conditions. Hope i have been of some help

You have been a great help Buzz, thank you. My dog will have the biggest "mouth drawer" in the land the way I am going, but I shall try everything, I will then report back on the most efficient thing that worked for this dog... it may then go on to help others, seems its a common problem.. Many thanks Mo