Any ideas what I can do about my Austrailian Shepards dry skin?

Answer 1

Give your dog a salmon oil pill every day. Also, during the cooler months my dogs also get about 1 table spoon of canola oil on their food daily. You need to treat this problem from the inside, not by applying things to the outside of the dog.

However, if the coat is also dry you can buy a product for dogs called Linatone which is terrific for the coat. Also be careful not to bath more than once a month (especially in winter) and when you do use dog shampoo because it's much milder and use a conditioner (being careful to rinse thoroughly).

Answer 2

I had a similar problem with my Rottie. I tried several things. First, I read many places that Omega 3 fats would help. A good source of this is fish oil--it can be purchased most places (Targtet, CVS, etc.) It's good for them anyway, so you don't have to worry about ot harming them. You have to CAREFULLY add it to their diet, though. I learned this the hard way. Again, it didn't harm my dog, just my carpet. The oil has a tendancy to "clean out" their systems if you get my drift, so add just one pill in the morning for at least a week--you can also see if it's beginning to help or if you should increase the dosage.

I was able to solve the problem long term simply by switching foods. I thought I was doing well by feeding her Iams, but as soon as I switched her off, the dry skin stopped. I haven't had an issue with any other brand. I'm sure it's different from dog to dog, but you might try switching foods--it's worth a shot.

Also, try not to bathe her too often. It's tempting because their hair is so soft after a bath, but most dogs don't need to be bathed more than once a month, and more often than that can cause dry skin. Also, you can try an oatmeal based, canine shampoo--this is supposed to be the most gentile to their skin.

If none of this works, consult a vet. There are prescription shampoos available that can help, or medication. It could stem from any number of things, from allergy to diet imbalance.

Answer 3

I have an Aussie mix and he has dry skin too. I had to switch to a dry skin formula dog shampoo. Also avoid using water that is either too hot or too cold, cause this will cause the skin to dry out, and avoid using the blow dryer on a heated setting. You can use the cool air setting, but no heat. Only bathe your dog every 2-4 weeks, too frequent baths can cause dry skin. You might also want to look into a canine conditioner and if the dry skin is really bad, switch your dog over to a food that has a higher fat content. Your vet can help you decide if you need to change to a different food, and which one is best for your dog.

Answer 4

Try linetone mixed with his food, found in pet stores. It's a healthy supplement for good fur & skin tone. It's oily, so will help his skin. Wash with oatmeal shampoo. Feed him a little oatmeal when you make some. You can make a salve for your dogs "hot spots" extrememly dry area, with extra thick oatmeal. The watery oatmeal you can gently run into his skin. It won't hurt your dog to eat it also. Good luck.

Answer 5

using oatmeal shampoo is great but it shouldn't be used more than once or twice a week......it will make the skin dry out more.....if your Vet doesn't advise anything in peticular....try alternating with a good people shampoo that's made for dry hair......it will moisturize the skin, as well as the hair. Also most groomers sell shampoos great for dry skin

Answer 6

If your dogs skin smells yeasty take him to the vet. but if it is just dry skin, try oatmeal shampoo (you can find that at any pet store). i used oatmeal shampoo on a lot of animals with dry skin and it works. also, bathe your dog around every 2 weeks, over bathing can cause dry skin. i hope this helps and good luck

Answer 7

http://www.vetinfo.com/ditch.html