Skin and allergy cases make up the vast majority of my consultations – and they're also what started my whole journey into canine nutrition. My spaniel Alfie spent years cycling through ear infections, itchy skin and vet visits before I understood what was actually driving it. It wasn't a skin problem. It was a gut problem that showed up on the skin.
 
The pathway is consistent across almost every chronic allergy dog I work with: 
Gut dysbiosis leads to leaky gut, which triggers immune overactivation, which drives systemic inflammation, which shows up as itching, hot spots, ear infections and skin flares. Suppress the itch with steroids or Apoquel and the dog gets temporary relief – but the gut remains broken and the cycle continues.
 
Cessorex works on the root of that cycle. It's a Dr. Steve Marsden herbal formula designed to rebalance the immune system, reduce gut-driven inflammation and restore healthy skin from the inside out. The ingredient list is a traditional Chinese herbal combination – bupleurum, scutellaria, rehmannia, ginseng and others – chosen for their combined effect on immune regulation, gut integrity and skin healing.
 
For dogs with chronic allergy cases I usually recommend pairing Cessorex with:
- Gut Restore and Gut Protect (to address the gut dysbiosis driving the immune response)
- Pure Colostrum (to support gut barrier function and calm immune overreaction)
- MicroMed Topical Spray (for acute skin flares while the internal work happens)
 
Results take time – this isn't a drug, it's a healing process. Most owners see meaningful improvement over 6–12 weeks when it's paired with a species-appropriate diet and reduced chemical load.
 
Best for dogs with:
Environmental allergies and atopy
Food-triggered skin reactions
Chronic ear infections
Hot spots and recurring skin flares
Itching that hasn't responded well to diet change alone
Dogs you're trying to reduce Apoquel or steroid reliance in
 
Always work with your vet for severe or rapidly worsening skin conditions.
 
Created by leading holistic veterinarian Dr. Steve Marsden (USA) and produced by Gold Standard Herbs, Cessorex is a powerful herbal formula designed to support a balanced immune system and restore skin health in dogs struggling with allergies and related conditions.
 
Allergies are one of the most common causes of chronic skin disease in dogs. What may start as occasional itching can quickly escalate into constant discomfort, redness, hair loss, ear infections, and hot spots. Conventional drugs often suppress these symptoms, but they don’t solve the root problem—and they can come with side effects or stop working over time.
 
Cessorex takes a different approach. Instead of simply masking the itch, it addresses the underlying causes:
 
Balances the immune system – calms overactive immune responses without weakening natural defences.
Reduces inflammation – allowing the body to heal naturally.
Supports gut health – strengthens the gut lining and promotes beneficial bacteria, reducing “leaky gut” and immune overreactions.
Improves skin & coat – reduces redness, itching, and odour while encouraging hair regrowth and healthier ears, eyes, and skin.
 
What pet parents notice
Many owners see early improvements within the first couple of weeks—less itching, fading redness, and a shinier coat. Over several months, as the immune system and gut fully rebalance, chronic issues such as ear infections, persistent hot spots, and year-round itch can gradually resolve.
 
Why it matters
Allergies can be cured, not just controlled, when the immune system is properly supported.
Dogs may become less reliant on medications over time.
Results are even stronger when paired with a real food diet rich in fresh meats and vegetables.
 
Ingredients:
Bupleurum chinense root
Scutellaria baicalensis root
Panax ginseng root
Rehmannia glutinosa root
Angelica sinensis root
Paeonia lactiflora root
Ligusticum sinense cv. chuanxiong rhizome
Zingiber officinale root
Pinellia ternata rhizome
Ziziphus jujuba fruit
Glycyrrhiza uralensis root
Natural flavouring
 
Dosage
Cessorex is an organically grown concentrated herbal extract in powdered form. Cessorex acts more quickly and completely if your pet is fed a real food meat- and vegetable-based diet.
 
To use, just fold the herbs into your pet's real food diet or shake them up with broth or water and pour them over top if using canned or kibble.
 
As a suggested starting dose, give twice daily as follows:
 
Up to 7 kg: ⅛ tsp
7 – 18 kg: ¼ tsp
18 – 32 kg: ½ tsp
32 – 50 kg: ¾ tsp
Over 50 kg: 1 tsp
 
If benefits are not seen, the dose can be safely doubled.
 
One bottle of Cessotrex lasts over a month for medium dogs (up to ~23 kg), and about two weeks for large dogs (around 45 kg).
 
The bottom line
Cessorex helps transform allergy-prone dogs by tackling the root cause—immune and gut imbalance—rather than just putting a band-aid on the symptoms. The result is calmer skin, fewer flare-ups, and a healthier, happier dog.