Really dry skin

[Discussing Labradoodles & Goldendoodles]

Hi everyone! Jace has been itching lately and Im certain it's not fleas, when he went to the groomers and they cut his hair too short I notice he has very dry skin! Any suggestions? We use oatmeal shampoo on him but obviously it's not enough!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Omega 3 fatty acids help a lot with dry skin. Some foods have a better Omega 3 content than others. The best source is from fish, and a lot of dog foods use flax seed or other plant sources, which does not have the same types of beneficial Omega 3s (you want DHA and EPA, which only come from fish.)You also want an Omega 6:3 ratio that is less than 6:1. The closer you can get to 2:1, the better. You can also supplement with fish oil, fish oil capsules, or evening primrose oil capsules. EPO capsules are from plants, and the fatty acid they contain is an Omega 6, but it's converted in the body to another substance, DGLA, which has an antiinflammatory effecta nd helps with dry skin and itching. We have tons of info in the Food Group about this.

Therapeutic shampoos really need to be left on the skin for about 10 minutes to have an effect. Using cream rinses and other finishing products can make itching and dry skin worse. And don't use a hot dryer. Use a cool setting, or let the dog air-dry.

And of course, a humidifier helps everypne's skin feel less dry and itchy in winter when the heat is on.

 

 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I would not use cream rinse if you can avoid it. But a humidifier on the furnace is a very good idea for all of the family members.

[Christine & Camus]

Everything Karen said and the humidifier really helps.  Camus is on Antigen shots for his allergies and was doing really well, but with the cold snap in San Diego (I know what we call a cold snap is pleasant weather to many others) and having the heat on he is itching like crazy, so I broke out the humidifier.

[Joani, Skadi & Elli]

My vet recommended Cod liver oil...you can order it online thru vitamin discount center for much cheaper than the Vet.  It's a very good brand, Nordic naturals.  Also, check out Dr. Karen Becker, a vet, online with loads of free info.  Remember too, rotate your dogs proteins so they do not develop a sensitivity to one type.  I have done mucho research on puppies since ours came to us with mega issues.  Allergies, diarrhea, licking, itching, anal issues...you name it, she put us thru it.  So I decided to educate myself, asking questions, reading articles and books and surfing the internet.  Do yourself a favor and become your puppies best advocate!  Good luck