Clients often follow up with Dr Carol after she has treated or recommended treatment for their pets. One such client writes:
Dr Carol – My baby girl [a Westie] has developed black crusts around her lips that I cannot seem to remove. Our local veterinarian has tried steroids and antibiotics, but the condition appears to be worsening. What can I do? What causes this?
Black crusts around the lips are actually quite common in some dog breeds, including Westies. Westies often have various skin allergies as many dogs of this breed have a genetic lack of internal immunity. This lack of immunity can lead to the development of a condition known as canine atopy.
To remove the black crusts, try applying Vitamin E oil to the affected areas. Applying the vitamin E oil two to three times daily will help soften the crusty areas. Do not attempt to pull these crusts off your dog, but instead let them heal and fall off naturally.
Be certain that you are only feeding your dog using ceramic, glass, or stainless steel water and food bowls. Seek out pet toys that are made from natural materials. Try to avoid rubber and plastic items that your dog may come into contact with, as both are potential allergens. Chances are, your dog’s mouth is coming into contact with something that she is allergic to causing the lesions that eventually result in the black crusts.
On a final note, due to the Westie’s compromised immunity, a well balanced diet and natural supplement should be considered.
My mix Chihuahua licks on blankets and sometimes chews on edges. Why ?
this is usually related to a fiber deficiency-consider a course of probiotics
What supplement is best to use for my 10 year Wheaten terrier to cure the hard crusty stuff on his lips. He is allergic to multiple foods but we seem to have that under control, he’s also allergic to outside, grass, trees, pollen, mold and has to take claritin and ketoclor baths 1 2 times a week to keep the skin plaques at a minimum. Can’t afford any outrageous prices
The Disorder is called CUPS
Thank you for this excellent information. Very helpful!
Hello sir
My self suman I have a dog his age is 11 years old. He is not eating his food properly and his mouth is so much watering and forming plz tell me wt I can do for him…
Suman, You should take your dog to the vet for these symptoms.
Thank you for the info concerning black “crustys” on dog lips! I will try the vitamin E oil, how long do I wait to see if this works?? He is an American Bulldog who is Almost 2.
I would try for a few weeks. Always consult your veterinarian with any questions. Thank you!
What advice were given. I’m having the same problem
It may be CUPS-Chronic Ulcerative Peridontal Disease-its an autoimmune disorder
-dental hygiene is imperative, clip excess lip fur, clean lip margins with betadine, rinse well, pat dry
consider a 50/50 solution of myrth and goldenseal; to swab gums daily
Dr Carol
Hi Barb
It may be CUPS-Chronic Ulcerative Peridontal Disease-its an autoimmune disorder
-dental hygiene is imperative, clip excess lip fur, clean lip margins with betadine, rinse well, pat dry
consider a 50/50 solution of myrth and goldenseal; to swab gums daily
Dr Carol
What advice were given. I’m having the same problem
My black pan has black sticky funk towards the back of his mouth which gets all over everything. I wipe it clean daily with medicated soap, but is like it to go away. What is this, and what can i do naturally to cure this?