Dry Skin

[ssiiiss]

Hi Everyone!
I have a question for you on dry skin in dogs. I have an English Springer Spaniel that has a BEAUTIFUL coat, but he often has outbreaks of very dry skin. Last Spring, we even had to take him to the vet for a cortizone shot. It was getting pretty bad. So far, I just see flaking, but hope it doesn't break out as bad. Does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks so much, have a great day!
~ssiiiss

[KYS]

A little vegetable oil added to his food,
or a little bit of fat.
You can also by over the counter doggie
vitamin oil such as miracle coat, lanatone etc. from the Pet shop
or dog catalogs. A good brushings (with the right
type of brush)will also help stimulate
the skin.

[Cincy'sMom]

We give our dogs 3V vitamins Capsules (fish oil) everyday. These have helped with allergies,and give them a shiny coat.

[Giselle]

Cod Liver Oil capsules (commonly referred to as "fish" oils since cod liver oil seems to be prevalent) are VERY high in Vitamin A. An overdose of vitamin A is toxic and can lead to organ dysfunctions. Personally, I only use Cod Liver Oil capsules if the dandruff/dry skin is absolutely unbearable, and even then, I use it sparingly.

My first suggestion is to not bathe frequently unless your shampoo is very mild and gentle and it HAS to contain conditioner (don't worry, most pet-specific shampoos are 2-1's). Otherwise, you're doing more harm than good by drying out the skin and coat further. Also, grooming is essential. I recommend you buy a Zoom Groom or some type of hound glove and rub your dog in a circular motion. This will release all the loose hair and dead skin cells while also stimulating the skin's natural oils.

You mentioned that your dog developed dry skin during Spring, or this time of year. My guess is that if his coat is glossy and shiny, it's not a nutritional deficiency or anything. I think it's an allergy to something in the enviornment. Hope this helps.

[bckrazy]

I know that Solid Gold sells a really, really good supplement that contains flax seed and seameal, I've heard its great for skin problems. . . Link!

Good luck! I hope your ESS boy feels better. . and, as Giselle said, it probably is related to allergies or shedding if it is bad in the Spring.

[ssiiiss]

Thanks all for your wonderful suggestions! yes, his coat is absolutely beautiful, but in the spring he loses that shine and starts losing a ton of hair. In the winter he has flakes, but nothing as bad as Spring. He has his yearly checkup with the vet on Thursday so I will see about getting him tested for allergies. Thanks again everyone!

[dragondawg]

thyroid test performed. It's possible the thyroid level is on the low side which would explain the flakey skin.

If allergy as in a lot of scratching then 1-2 mg/lb of Benedryl at the peak of the allergy season will help.

Probably is best to avoid any supplements that contain Vitamins if they are to be administered in large dosages. There are more than enough straight fish oil supplements that will help due to their containing Omega-3 fatty acids. Also a single dose daily of Vitamin-E 400 IU (succinate salt or dry form) will help the skin repair itself.

[sammy101]

You got some great suggestions
i would recommend putting a raw egg in his food once a week.its really good for their skin and fur.