Merlin has very very dry skin (we thought the last round of lotins and pills fixed it) So if he gets any dirt or matted hair he gets these scabs on him I thought at first it =was allergys but alas no its I had been adding oil to his food and it was helping i thought . The scabs just weren't coming up to the top while I brushed him. Little stinker grew and didn't lose his winter coat last summer. it was so thick I had to shave him to get the lotion and shampoo(expensive from the vet) down to his skin. I feel horrible he is only cold outside and at night in bed . Piles all the couch pillows up and burrows up under them during the day. I've been looking at lots of sites but most want to sell me coats . I want to make one NOW I knit and sew if anyone has patterns PLease email me. Thanks Corinna Merlin thanks you too. He really likes my flannel sheets now.