black crusties around lips

Since early this summer my Westie has had black crusties around her lips - we tried steroid cream but she was too sensitive to it and that made her really sick, she has been on 3 courses of antibiotics and now on a hypoallergetic diet for a month and nothing seems to get rid of it.  I put vasoline on every day to try and soften and scrape the crusties off.  It doesn't seem to bother her except if I try and touch her mouth.  My vets are at their wits end as to what this might be.  Any suggestions on what I could do?

[Dr. Carol Osborne, DVM]

The black crusts around your dogs lips are quite common especially in Westies. Westies are classic for skin allergies as many dogs of this breed have a genetic lack of internal immunity leading to a a condition called Canine Atopy.

Be sure your dogs food and water bowls are ceramic, stainless steel or glass. Try to avoid plastic and rubber feeding dishes and toys as both cause allergic reactions. Whatever your dogs mouth is coming into contact with is likely the culprit.

Ask your vet to run a thyroid blood panel as hypo or low thyroid levels lend themselves to allergies as well. A skin biopsy if needed will reveal underlying issues.

Try Vitamin E oil. Apply 1-2 times daily to black scabby lip lesions. This will help to heal and loosen them up so they fall off leaving healthy skin.

An organic or home made diet and a balanced, natural patented dog vitamin supplement geared to boost internal immunity would also be valid considerations. Should you want to follow up on this with me, that would be fine.

Best Wishes,
Dr Carol Osborne, DVM