Flowers of Sulphur and Dogs
Flowers of sulphur is a fine, yellow form of elemental sulphur. Although sulphur has been used historically for skin conditions and parasite control, loose sulphur powder should not be used as a homemade treatment on a dog.
Do Not Use Homemade Sulphur Mixtures
Do not mix flowers of sulphur with talcum powder and rub it into a dog's coat. Fine powders can irritate the eyes, skin and airways and may be inhaled or swallowed during grooming.
Homemade ointments made by adding sulphur to coconut oil, petroleum jelly or another oil do not provide a reliable or controlled concentration. They may irritate the skin, delay diagnosis or be harmful if licked.
Flowers of sulphur should not be given by mouth unless a veterinary surgeon has prescribed a properly formulated product and supplied exact instructions.
Flowers of Sulphur Is Not the Same as Lime Sulphur
Elemental sulphur powder and veterinary lime-sulphur preparations are different products. Lime sulphur contains calcium polysulphides and is supplied as a specially formulated liquid that must be diluted and used according to veterinary instructions.
A veterinary surgeon may recommend a correctly prepared lime-sulphur treatment for certain mite or fungal infections. This does not mean that loose flowers of sulphur is a safe substitute.
Mange Must Be Properly Diagnosed
Sarcoptic mange is caused by Sarcoptes scabiei mites and usually causes intense itching, hair loss, redness and crusting. It is contagious to other dogs and can cause a temporary itchy rash in people.
Demodectic mange is caused by Demodex mites. It behaves differently and is not usually contagious. Localised and generalised disease may require different management.
The two conditions cannot be reliably distinguished by appearance alone. Skin scrapes, hair samples or other tests may be needed. Modern prescription treatments are available, and the best choice depends on the type of mite, the dog's age, health, breed and medication history.
Other Conditions Can Look Similar
Itching, redness, scaling and hair loss can also be caused by fleas, bacterial or yeast infections, ringworm, allergies, hormonal disease and other skin disorders.
Ringworm is a fungal infection rather than a worm. It can spread between animals and people, so prompt veterinary diagnosis and appropriate hygiene are important.
Applying powder or ointment before examination can change the appearance of the skin and make useful samples more difficult to collect.
When to Contact Your Vet
Arrange veterinary advice if your dog has:
- Persistent or severe itching
- Hair loss, crusts, sores or broken skin
- An unpleasant smell, discharge or signs of infection
- A rash that is spreading
- Skin disease affecting other pets or people in the household
- Lethargy, loss of appetite or other signs of illness
Seek urgent advice if sulphur powder has entered the eyes, has been inhaled in a significant amount or if the dog develops breathing difficulty, marked irritation, vomiting, weakness or collapse.
If Your Vet Prescribes Lime Sulphur
- Use only the product and dilution your vet recommends.
- Wear protective gloves and work in a well-ventilated area.
- Avoid the dog's eyes, mouth and other sensitive areas.
- Prevent the dog from licking the wet treatment.
- Follow instructions about rinsing, drying and repeat treatments.
- Treat in-contact animals only when advised.
- Keep the product away from children and store it securely.
Lime sulphur has a strong odour and may stain pale coats, clothing, jewellery and some surfaces. Follow the product information supplied with the treatment.
