Dry Skin

[Mel Well]

My Goldendoodle is a year and a half, and this NH winter has left her with some dry skin! I'm noticing that her coat isn't as soft as usual, and she's been itching more than normal. She even has a scab on her nose from where she scratched too much :(  (I am treating the scab with neosporin and Vitamin E to keep it from getting an infection).

My groomer gave me some home remedies to try- hard boiled egg once a week, and adding flaxseed oil to her food every day. I've been doing this but was wondering if anyone had any other remedies that have worked for you? I've heard about a cortisone spray, is this a good idea? I also read a doodle kisses entry from 3 years ago where someone recommended using Head&Shoulders shampoo, but I didn't think human shampoo's were good for Goldendoodle skin. Any other ideas? Please share! Thanks so much!

Mel and Penny

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

A good dog food should have all the ingredients included to ensure the skin and coat are in good condition.  I do add EPO capsules to my guys food but it's probably not necessary. Both have super skin and no dryness and both are fed on Acana.  I would take this to the food group for more input. If you are feeding one of the recommended foods listed already then there may be something else going on that needs some Veterinary investigation.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Omega 3 fatty acids can help with dry skin, but flaxseed oil is not a good choice for dogs. It does not contain the kinds of Omega 3s that dogs can best utilize or that help with canine skin issues. Wild salmon oil, either in a pump form or in a capsule, is a much better choice. Evening primrose oil capsules have also been shown to help with dry skin.

There's nothing wrong with giving your dog eggs, but they won't do much for dry skin. Check the fatty acid content and the Omega 6:3 ratio on your dog's food, also. You want a ratio of less than 5:1, and preferably, with fish oil as the source of the Omega 3s, not flax. Orijen is a great food for dogs with dry skin, because of the Omega 3 fatty acid content and the 2 to 1 Omega 6:3 ratio. 

Do not use Head & Shoulders on a dog, or any human shampoo. Douxo Calming Shampoo has been very helpful for my guy, and was recommended by his dermatologist. You must leave the lather on for at least ten minutes before rinsing, and do not use a hot dryer. Oatmeal shampoos formulated for dogs with allergies can be helpful, too. 

Cortisone sprays can help with itching, but I wouldn't use them on the face. If your dog is scratching to the point of infecting herself, she really should see a vet. 

We have lots and lots of info about itching and dry skin in the Health & Medical group.  

[Marnie, Stanlee's Mom]

I give my dogs fish oil suppliments daily in addition to the fish-based, grain free dogfood I have them on.  It works for us.

[Mel Well]

Thanks for your feedback everyone! She eats the Spring Naturals, grain free chicken and I've checked the Omega 6/3 ratio which seems ok. I might switch to try a fish oil instead of flaxseed and see if there is any improvement there!  I will also get some Douxo or oatmeal shampoo, thanks Karen for the suggestion! 

I'm sure that is just based on this NH weather, my skin is crazy dry as well. We've almost made it to spring, (minus the foot of snow we got last night)

I do appreciate your suggestions and will check the other groups for more :) Thanks!

Mel

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

The Omega 6:3 ratio on the food is exactly 5:1, which is acceptable, but there is no fish or fish oil in the food, no source of EPA or DHA in the food at all, and those are the Omega 3 fatty acids which help with dry inflamed skin and itching. So I would definitely add fish oil supplements to her diet. 

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

We live in Az. And it is dry all year round. I give both my doodles 2 EPO and a Fish oil every morning. The addition of the fish oil about a month or so ago plus frequent baths with TropiClean oatmeal shampoo has greatly minimized Bella's itching this winter. She still acts like she has fleas at times, but not nearly as often through out the day as she used to. By frequent baths I mean, I try to give her one every two weeks or when she starts itching more noticeably, and no she doesn't have fleas. Lol

[Lynette Main]

Try oatmeal shampoo for dogs. I do not use human shampoo on my Doodles.I used to give my old dog Vit. E capsule every day. that kept his skin nice and never itched. He lived to be 17 years.I also gave him a little bacon grease on his food once in a while.I know  BAD...

[Joan and Sophie]

Try an oatmeal bath, I had the same problem with my Labradoodle and we tried everything, drove us nuts so the groomer recommended oatmeal shampoo now she is itch free!  she gets it done once a month.