Dandruff?

[LeeAnn Mink]

We're thinking our pup may have dandruff. She's black, accordingly, and the breeder we got her from said she bathed her every other day. Having a labradoodle before her we know that they are very prone to dry skin issues. My husband and I both looked at each other, nervously, because we know that's a no-no with doodles. We had to make a vet visit due to Lola the first's skin issues. Come to find out we were over-bathing. Anyone think this may be the case with our new Lola? Has anyone else experienced this and if so, what did you find that helped?

* we now only bathe her if absolutely necessary!

[Amy, Cubbie & Ollie]

I bath my doods every 2 weeks sometimes if I'm feeling lazy I'll do it every 3 or 4.  Ollie gets very itchy if I go too long between baths so I keep Cubbie on the same rotation.  Cubbie is our black doodle and I found that with the right shampoo, I don't have any dandruff showing up in his black coat.  I always use a shampoo with oatmeal or aloe and follow with a rinse out conditioner (unless the shampoo already had conditioner in it).  We also give each dog an Evening Primrose pill every night.

What type of food is Lola on?

[LeeAnn Mink]

Well it's good to know for starters that I'm not just crazy! LOL

MY husband found a "recipe" online for homemade doodle shampoo so we use that and oatmeal conditioner so we're on the right track there.

We have her eating Iam's Smart Puppy Proactive Health.

[Amy, Cubbie & Ollie]

If I remember correctly, you haven't had her all that long, right?  Be sure to check out the Food Group and the Recommended List of foods.  The food you are feeding Lola isn't the greatest (corn is the second ingredient and the food is probably made in china).  Improving the quality of her food might make a huge difference for her skin too.  There are a TON of discussions about quality food in the Food Group so be sure to take a look.

Do you have a link to that shampoo recipe?  I would like to take a look at it.

[charlotte bednarsh]

Paz is a black doodle, and I have to bathe him every week because he is a therapy dog, and must be bathed at least 24 hrs before he works.  I use the shampoo recommended by Doodle Country Store, and have never had a problem with frequent bathing.  I would suggest calling the gentleman at Doodle Country Store, and he is really honest and helpful regarding his products.