Fish Oil to decrease itching...

[Laura and Angus]

So Angus has really been itching a lot - this seems to have increased as the weather has gotten colder. I'm wondering if this might be related to his skin getting dry. My boyfriend's sister lives in Montana and she shared that she gives all her dogs salmon oil to help with dry skin and itching. In looking back at past discussions it seems like a lot of people use fish oil to help with their dog's skin and other various issues. Should we try out the salmon oil specifically or do people use something more generic? 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

The omegas need to get into the body to have an effect. Rubbing on the skin won't do it. 

[Laura and Angus]

Thanks for sharing this! I'm going to talk with our vet tomorrow since we already had an appointment for shots! Keep me posted on how this goes! Reading about the primrose oil and benefits for skin, I may try to do that along with fish oil. I know that standard poodles are prone to skin allergies also - we had a standard poodle and needed to use baby shampoo with him since it was the most gentle thing :)

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Vets are generally not well versed in Omega fatty acids.

JD's dermatologist recommended the EPO and the fish oil, and both have worked well for many dogs here. 

Use human softgels. Nature Made Omega 3 minis and good; and/or 500 mg EPO softgels.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Jacqueline, don't open or puncture the capsules, give them as pills. They need to get to the small intestine intact for the best effects. 

Some dogs will just eat the capsule if you put it in the food bowl, especially if the food is wet. 

[Laura and Angus]

Karen: This is definitely really helpful information!! I think we will pick these up tomorrow to help with the itching. Poor guy is itching constantly! He doesn't seem upset by it, but I don't want it to continue to the point where he is risking infections. 

Thanks again!

[Shari Becker]

We have tossed them into food bowls, but sometimes i just dip the pill in a little peanut butter, and she swallows it whole.

Karen, can you give both fish oil and primrose together? Is there any benefit to both? So far primrose doesn't seem to be helping, but it's only been about a week ...

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

You can give them both. It typically takes about 2 weeks to start to see an effect.

Also, for all those whose dogs have recently begun itching, change your furnace filter!!! 

[Marilyn and Sherlock]

Found this last week....

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Unfortunately, science doesn't support the claims in this ad.