Dogs--dry skin

[Vega]

Hey all, this isn't anything major, but something that's been on my mind. My one dog has pretty dry skin (lots of dander). I recall years and years ago with my old dog, my dad used to put oil on the dry food to help the skin and coat condition. I can't remember if it worked or not though.

Has anyone else heard of this? Is there a specific oil that helps more than another? Is there a supplement I could give them?

I brush about once a week (try to at least) with a shedding tool...can't really call it a brush. I'd like to be able to get them a high quality dog food, but that's not feesable at the moment. They are being switched from Pedigree to Purina Senior.

Just wondered if there was anything I could do to make them more comfy...figure if my skin feels dry, theirs might too.

[Lola Plus 10]

i cant remember what kind of oil but i beleive its just fish oil, our dogs get a squirt of Salmon iol in their food at breakfast.

It not just brushing, it also has alot to do with the kind of dog food you feed your dog. When our dogs were on Nutro, they had HORRIABLE dry skin.

My Mother personally Works for Petcurean and i know alot of other people who work for that company and it is one of the best dog foods you can get out there. Im not of a fan of big name brands like pedigree or purino or iams or those other once and honestly they just arnt good dog food.

If you want i can get my Call up my mother and get her to list off the Do's and Dont's of Dog food and she should be able to help you with any doggy problems you have :D

[red192]

I put a table spoon of olive oil on my Dachshund's food every three to four days. Also, Brewer's yeast is good for coats...had a pit bull I gave it too, and helped wonders,,,u can buy some type of cod oil from the vet's office but it was a little more expensive t han I was able to pay for.

[Vega]

Thanks guys, I'll try those. Unfortunately I can't afford the better (more expensive) brands at the moment. A few years ago my husky/shepherd mix had a rather large bald spot on her back. THe vet said she was pulling her fur out--either due to stress (just got my ekkie that year) or due to a skin irritation from dry skin. I started spraying her with George's aloe and it did help, but I can't afford it at the moment.

[Lola Plus 10]

aww :P i wish i could send you vouchers for the food but unfortunatley my mothers not high enough on the job scale for that company to give them out. But just try Fish oils for the skin for now :) you can get it in bottles and just put a little on their food in the morning, or in pill form. I can still try my best to help you find a good cheap food with the right %'s of everything for you and your dog :) i need to learn how to do all this anywayse by the time the pet store im working at opens.

[Vega]

Hey Lola, any info is always welcomed! Even if I can't afford it now, never know what the future may bring. I'll probibly get the pill forms--it'll be easier to keep track of how much they're each getting.

[homebird]

Oil in the diet should help some - good oils like fish, olive, grapeseed or any non-hydrogenated oils. The odd raw egg helps as well but many are worried about raw eggs - just not too often i"d say IMO. I agree about the dry food - maybe just change the brand - some are not good for every dog.

My Doberman had dry skin too. I ended up bathing her ears & back [using wet to damp cloths in a closed bathroom] once a week with a dander shampoo & before i shampooed sometimes I would rub oils into her coat/skin - but then Dobermans have very short hairs. Although she hated baths she liked the mini ones & the relief. Along with the dry skin you may see tiny pimples or sore spots, so go gently. Pull the fur back & check.

I'd get another brush that will not scrape the skin but does brush it. I'd also up the brushing - maybe every day to every other day - especially the problem areas. Beware that if there is a lot of dander the skin will be tender & brush gently & not too long. In a while you will be able to brush longer - the brushing will stimulate the skin & get the oils going. I have a combo-brush for the Border Collie - metal side for his feathers [you know the long hairs!] & a rubber nub side for the face & belly or any area that's delicate or the fur is short. He loves it because he's not afraid of getting hurt [not like his old curry-comb] - looks like a gardening tool [rake] & I got it at a grocery store pet section.

Let us know how he does,
Jac

[Vega]

Hey Jac, I'm running into that with my 11 year old shepherd/collie mix. While brushing her Sat. I hit a bump on her back. I thought it was an age spot (my old dog got those) but then I inspected further. It was a rather large scab. I ended up cutting the fur around it and saw that the wound hasn't healed and was pretty open. I've been cleaning it with peroxide and neosporin to help the healing. I've also noticed small bald patches on the other one, again, on her back.

[homebird]

Maybe the Vet should be consulted - too many bald spots can be Mange {sp]. Many years ago, when I first moved away from home i had a kitten who i fed only dry food 'cuz they recommended it - never had done that before. The brand I used gave the kitten what looked like mange - lots of his hair fell out. My dad who is a Vet said change the diet. The kitty was Ok afterwards.

[The Outlaw]

I addition to what others have tried, you may find that feeding her lamb and rice based diets are a better option. Since lambs are slaughtered very early, they are less exposed to additives and toxins. Many dogs cannot tolerate chicken and chicken by products (feathers, beaks, legs) normally incorporated in MOST commercial diets and corn is also another common allergen. Try changing the diet to something along the lines of Purina One Lamb and Rice. My Old English Sheepdogs did wonderfully on it.