skin problems in mini longhaired dachsie

[knitnut]

My 1 year old mini longhaired dachsie seems to have a problem with her skin. She scratches and chews her hair off on her belly/sides. I have had her to the vet who did skin scrapings, etc. and she has no mites, fleas or mange. He said he could do other extensive tests incase it is hormonal (thyroid) but I am reluctant to put her through all that. Does anyone else have this problem with their dachsie -- or heard of it? Any help/suggestions would be helpful. I have been putting coat oil on her food in case she has dry itchy skin but it doesn't seem to be helping. Could this possibly be a nervous condition?? I look forward to any and all suggestions.

[dutchman]

Aggie (my mini longhair) had some major skin problems that cleared up after she was started on some vitamins (E?) dermcaps and I changes her food to AVO-Derm. I not sure which one was the solution. She been taking the vitamins for about six weeks with little if any improvement but the vet said it could take eight weeks to se results or the food. Things started to clear up after about two to three weeks on the new food. I was always going to try to wean her off the vitamins to see what would happen but never got there before her back gave out. If she hadn't improved the next step would have been test for thyroid.

Tom

[Becky's Mom]

Becky Ann developed a little problem with her skin too and the vet changed her shampoo to one without a soap base. We have had no problems since then.

[Krista]

It might be some kind of allergy -either contact with something or something in the food.

Many dogs are allergic to corn and soy products in kibbles. I would suggest trying Avo Derm if you can get it in your area of the country. It has a lot of skin soothing ingredients in it. My Rudy itched a lot until I switched him to a corn free food. I can't find avo derm here. I order Flint River Ranch which is another good food for Rudy. He has itched much less and his hair has grown in healthy and shiny.

I know others dogs have allergies on the bb so maybe someone else will have more to say about this topic.

Hope she feels better soon.

[Meeka]

Kojak is a mini b/t dapple smoothie and he breaks out from the grass. His chest and stomach get red and bumpy and he scratches as soon as he gets in the grass especially if its wet. http://dachsie.org/ubb/smilies/blushie.gif

[dutchman]

I found one of Aggie's old vitamin bottles. They were "3V Caps". You can only get these from a vet or vet supply store the general pet stores don't carry this brand.

Tom

[knitnut]

I would like to try the food you mentioned but can you tell me who makes it?? Also, does anyone know if it is available in Canada. The breeder had her on an holistic/organic food but it doesn't seem to be working.

[dutchman]

Check out www.avoderm.com (http://www.avoderm.com) it's made by Breeder's Choice.

Tom

[Krista]

there is a good thread with lots of food info mentioned and websites for many premium brands -Flint River Ranch and Avo Derm included. Go to Feeding and then change the view to last 60 days or search for "do you know whats in your pups food" for more info.

I Know you can order FRR like I do and I'm pretty sure you can order Avo Derm too if it isn't available in your area. FRR includes shipping in thier price, don't know about Avo Derm.