Expert: Silva Mirovics - 11/12/2008

Question
My 5 month old puppy (lab/setter) has demodex -- at this time just around her eyes and muzzle -- a little on the inside of her front leg.  Our vet is doing a wait and see as most cases correct themselves as the puppy's immune system matures. She has had roundworm, whipworm, giardia (not a good start and not a good place I got her from), conjunctivitis and kennel cough.  Other than that, she's fine!  What can I do to help boost her immune system -- also any recommendations on solutions to rub around her eyes?  Tea tree oil solution maybe?  Please advise -- many thanks.

Answer
HI Cathy
She sure has had a rough start to life.  It is so important that you get her immune system in good working order now, otherwise you will have a life-time of problems for the girl.
Firstly - I would NOT recommend tea tree for the eye area as it could sting and cause blurred vision.  The best things are some sea-salt crystals added to a little luke warm water (to help dissolve them.  Soak a cotton pad in the solution and gently wipe over eyes.  You can also use undiluted Colloidal Silver as this also works well.  Otherwise, there are many herbal eye washes available online for animals (Greenpet, Robert McDowell).
I would strongly suggest a homeopathic/herbal approach to her worming and to her vaccinations.  If you contact Holistic Animal Medicines (www.holisticanimalmedicines.com) they can help you get sorted.  Worm, flee and vaccination products add major toxins to the dog's body, making it even harder for their immune systems to work.  Greenpet have a great product called Fleeze which is added to daily meals, is 100% natural and keeps flees away.
Also, her diet may need looking at.  Commercial dog foods are no good and are probably adding to skin problems.  All natural, raw or slightly cooked is always best.  Add to that some veggies, a little bit of fruit, and a raw bone twice per week (raw lamb neck or raw marrow bone cut lengthwise).  Look for raw meats, or a ready made mix such as B.A.R.F. (google BARF USA - if that is where you live).
I would also suggest contacting Robert McDowell (www.herbal-treatments.com) for a herbal formula that would help boost your pup's immunity.
I hope this is helpful and please do not hesitate to get in touch again.
Kind regards
Silva.
www.roxysworld.com.au