The Three-Ingredient Salve That Helped My Itchy Dog

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If you’ve ever had an itchy dog, you know how heartbreaking it can be to watch them suffer when nothing seems to provide relief.

Many years ago, I had a rescue dog named Max. Around age 12, he developed severe skin issues that my veterinarian and I couldn’t get under control. We tried medicated baths, prescription medications, creams, and countless other remedies, but nothing seemed to help.

It became so bad that Max had licked the hair completely off parts of his belly and legs. I remember sitting on the floor crying, wondering how much longer he could continue living with that level of discomfort.

Determined to find something that might help, I spent hours researching and came across a product called Pierce’s All-Purpose Nu-Stock. I wasn’t expecting much, but at that point I felt like I had nothing to lose.

To my surprise, the results were almost immediate. Shortly after I applied it, Max seemed calmer. Within a day, the redness had started to fade, and he wasn’t obsessively licking anymore. Over the next several weeks, hair began growing back in areas where I honestly thought it was gone for good.

Max lived to nearly 15 years old and enjoyed several more happy years.

Since then, I’ve kept a tube of Nu-Stock in the house at all times. Whether one of my dogs develops an itchy patch, a minor cut, a cracked nail, or another skin irritation, it’s one of the first products I reach for.

Why I Still Keep Nu-Stock in My Pet First-Aid Cabinet

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One of the things I appreciate most about Nu-Stock is how simple the formula is. The ointment contains just three ingredients:

Sulfur (73%)
Mineral Oil (25%)
Pine Oil (2%)

According to the manufacturer, the steroid-free formula is designed for use on dogs, cats, horses, and livestock. It is commonly used for hot spots, mange, ringworm, cuts, abrasions, and other skin irritations.

A little goes a long way. Even in a multi-dog household, a single tube lasts quite a while.

That said, there is one downside.

The sulfur smell is strong. If you’ve ever walked along the shoreline at low tide, you’ll have a pretty good idea of what Nu-Stock smells like. Thankfully, the odor fades over time, and for me, it’s a small tradeoff considering how well the product has worked.

Another thing to know is that the ingredients can separate inside the tube. Before using it, I always knead and massage the tube thoroughly to blend the sulfur, pine oil, and mineral oil together. It can be a little messy, but I’ve found it’s worth the extra effort.

A Few Things Pet Parents Should Know

Nu-Stock has been around for more than 45 years and has developed a loyal following among pet parents, horse owners, and farmers.

As with any topical product, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s directions. Because of its bitter taste, most pets won’t lick the ointment, but a cone or other protective measures may be helpful if your dog is determined to bother the area.

The manufacturer also notes that pets under 12 weeks of age should receive only small amounts and that frequent or prolonged use may cause allergic reactions in some animals.

As always, if your dog has a serious skin condition, open wound, or symptoms that aren’t improving, it’s best to consult your veterinarian.

Every dog is different, and what worked for Max may not work for every pet. But I think of him every time I reach for that tube, and I’m grateful I found something that gave him relief when nothing else could. More than a decade later, Nu-Stock still has a permanent spot in my pet first-aid cabinet whenever one of my dogs develops an itchy spot or skin irritation.