Dry Skin?

[Joanna and the Weez]

Well, yes, Weezy has dry skin, but I'm wondering if it's a problem. It's almost as if she's got dandruff. She's got lots of dry white flakes all over her back. Since she's had quite a few skin problems, this seems minor, but just thought I'd check in with those of you "in the know." Oh, by the way, I finally registered, so you'll be hearing from me now and then. It's great to join the group! http://dachsie.org/ubb/biggrin.gif

[Wienergal]

Hey, Joanna--nice to have you with us on an "official" basis! http://dachsie.org/ubb/biggrin.gif

Yes, it sounds as if Weezy has some dry skin for sure. There are many oral supplements meant to improve the skin; I've never had any luck with them because Peaches (who is also flaky) is also allergic, but I think some members have posted good results with some of those.

What I recommend is limiting bathing--just as is recommended for humans with dry skin. Instead of a bath, get yourself my favorite dog product: foam bath with tea tree oil. It comes out of the can like shaving cream, you rub it into the fur, towel the wiener down, and give the girl a good brushing. Clean fur, shiny coat, lovely smell [ http://dachsie.org/ubb/dizzy.gif], AND it doesn't dry the skin! All the pet stores carry these products; just make sure you get the kind with tea tree oil. Good luck!

[Penny's Aunt]

I wonder if Weezy's dry skin could be a dietary problem? What kind of food does she eat? You might try adding a little oil to her food: 1/4 tsp veg oil + 1/4 meat fat. don't overdo it: you don't want to upset her pancreas.

Otherwise, maybe gradually change the dog food?

[Krista]

When I got Rudy he had this problem too. You might want to have the vet check to make sure it isn't caused by mites.

This is what I did to remedy his problem and now his coat and skin are super healthy.
-Try gradually switching to a premium food with no corn in it. Many dogs are sensitive to corn and it can make them itchy.
-Add about a 1/2 teaspoon Olive oil to the pups food.
-Try to limit bathing to once every 6-8 weeks at the most and be sure to use a mild shampoo and rinse rinse rinse. I add a capful of Avon's Skin So Soft bath oil to a bucket of water for the final rinse for added moisture.

Hope this helps -Olive oil offers very good results quickly and most people have it anyway.

[Mandy]

Something that works for our guys (and they love) is to put some bacon drippings on their food. They love the taste and it really helps.

Another thing the boys like....put some peanut butter in a kong and let your pup go to town. The peanut oil helps with the dandruff and they have fun working to get the peanut butter out. Jakey and Henry love getting peanut butter filled kongs when we leave. Kongs are virtually indestructible and are much safer than many other toys.

[Pam C]

My guys get canned jack mackeral. They love it! (Not a lot just a TSB a day for the little ones)

[Mark]

Our 2 Minis get a TSP of Olive Oil per day on their food and never have flaky's or dry skin . . . they both had problems before.

Mark

[Boonech]

My Gretchen, too, had this dry skin problem for such a long time. I tried bathing less frequently, fatty acid supplements, expensive oatmeal shampoo and conditioners, dry skin herbal sprays, etc. - some of which helped a little.

But the thing that really did the trick was changing her food. I'd always fed her "premium" foods so I thought, but someone recommended trying Premium Edge made by Diamond. It has no "by-products" and less "fillers" than some of the others. Luckily I found it at a local pet store - But many of the pet stores I tried didn't carry Diamond. Diamond is not an advertised brand, but is a quality brand food and less expensive than the well-known brands.

Not only did the dry skin, flaking and itching go away, but her coat is now much shinier and growing longer (She's a longhair).

It has really made a big difference.

[Mrs.F]

Poor puppy Penny had dry flaky skin along with her frequent digestive upsets. The vet told me to investigate different foods and see if that helped (It did - she has a beautiful glossy coat since I switched her to California Natural (Innova brand). The other tip I got was to spray a little bit of Avon skin so soft (dry oil body mist) on her. I was a bit hesitant, but finally called up my local Avon lady and ordered a bottle. It does seem to help and she smells soooo good afterwards! http://dachsie.org/ubb/biggrin.gif I worry about her licking it off and so I only do her back and belly, but those were her worst spots anyway. She looks good now but is still prone to doggie dandruff so we still get the old skin so soft out every now and then.

[Krista]

I think the food is a major part of the cure too. I was feeding Eukanuba lamb and rice before, he was gainig the weight he needed but his coat and skin were still troubled. I switched to Flint River Ranch (no corn, no byproducts, no chemical preservatives, no digest, baked, human grade quality food)and now he is just as soft and shiny as he can be.

BTW -Mrs. F try adding a capful of Avon SSS to a bucket of water for the final rinse after a bath. It really helps conditon their skin and coat without being too greasy. I agree the smell is very nice.

[Mrs.F]

Dare I say it......Penny has NEVER had a bath! Her skin was so dry and flaky when she was little and the Ann Carey book on dachshunds (that was my Dr. Spock when I first brought Penny home) said it wasn't neccessary to bathe her, so here we are 15 months later and she's still never had a bath! (We're going for the Guiness Book of World Records http://dachsie.org/ubb/wink.gif )
Unfortunately sweet Maggie with her love of moose droppings is going for an entirely different record......