I have found that sugar scrubs and yogurt soaks, either after shampooing or while shampoo is still on the dog, work fabulously to remove yeasty crusty skin and dander buildup as well. Hot Spots? Sure thing! Any type of skin condition that has a scabby scaly type of thing going on. This is a way to help it heal and remove the crust that prevents a good groom from being done, safely, without compromising the dogs skin health. I have also found that ears covered in grease, discharge or yeast on the EAR FLAP are greatly helped by using this technique to clean that area.
Sugar also has chemicals in it that help skin heal and act as moisturizers to help skin heal. I do not know exactly HOW th is works, I just know that we are having fantastic results.
I use Raw Sugar and Natural, non-flavored Yogurt with active cultures.
The raw sugar is not crystallized like white sugar is, so it gives more scrubbing ability before dissolving.
Here is a video clip of my using it on Lil Man, who did not really need it, but it gave me the chance to show you how to do it.
I start off with a regular bath, then if we are using a medicated shampoo we follow up with that. Then I apply the sugar and work it into the skin until dissolved. Then, over the sugar, I apply the plain yogurt and let it sit for a few minutes (no more than ten minutes, depending on the intensity of the condition). Rinse and dry the dog as usual.
You will find that the crusty skin is gone, and underneath it, there is fresh skin, ready to grow in. We use a flea comb to remove all traces of skin that are loose and stuck in the hair away from the skin, but be careful not to irritate the skin. That will only open you up to more problems in the long run.
Yeast is NOT KILLED 100% with this technique. It only treats the top layers of skin, removes the extra yeast and dead skin, allowing a fresh layer of skin to be exposed. To remove this problem completely, this can be done two times a week, and treat from INSIDE with low carb food and if needed anti-fungals from the vet.
I have found that on the very few cockers I groom that have this problem, this has removed the vast majority of their issues within two baths. Their skin tends to grow in clearer and with less problems. I think that sometimes the yeast on the surface feeds on itself and just multiplies. If you can remove it safely without hurting the skin, you can help it go away permanently.
Chris Sertzel has a different technique she uses and has documented on her blog at http://groomwise.typepad.com/smartstyling/2011/05/canine-soak-sugar-scrub-videos.html
I have never tried her way, but she says it works. We are in this to make dogs more comfortable after all, but not to diagnose. So treat topically to make the pet feel better.
You never know, it may make your work better as well without all the dander or scales in the hair.
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