My silky terrier has a greasy, stinky coat -- baths don't seem to help. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

After you put your dog through the battery of tests at the vet, and you deduce that the problem is not a parasite, investigate the food you feed, and consider giving your dog plain yogurt. Simple. Older dogs become greasier, but your dog might need more good bacteria in the intestines.

My dog is recovering from a yeast infection which made her stinky. I changed her diet, fed her yogurt, and added acidophiles to her food twice daily. We were bathing her every four days for a while. My dog now smells sweet longer between baths, so we wash her less frequently.

Answer 2

could be diet but it's probably genetics too. I'm a groomer and I've noticed many Silky terriers and Yorkies have a tendency to have a greasy coat. I found that the baking soda shampoo we have in the shop really helps get the grease out and leaves the coat soft and silky. http://www.petedge.com/sdx/109848.jsp

Answer 3

That's probably seborrhea. It's a skin disease, which has multiple possible underlying causes....usually allergies. Using regular or OTC 'medicated' shampoos are a waste of time. Please don't waste your money on them. Baths WILL help, but only if you use the right shampoos, and in the right way. They are prescription products. Your dog might also need other medications (injectable from your DVM, then oral at home) to help control it. There is no "cure"....but it can be controlled so that your dog is not so miserable, and you don't have to deal with the awful odor.

Please make an appointment ASAP so you can get started. You'll be amazed at the difference that appropriate treatment can make. :-)

Answer 4

Diet is so important in coat health, so look at the ingredients in his dog food- the first ingredieint should be meat, it shouldn't have by products, and rice based diets are better than corn based diets for skin and coat health. He shouldn't be used as your garbage disposal-- if you want to give him people food, give him high quality cooked meats, vegetables and grains.

If he is older, he might have low thyroid function that could be helped by supplementation-- ask your vet to do a simple, inexpensive blood test. If he is young, it could be a type of mange, even if he isn't itchy. Your vet can do a skin scraping to find out.

Answer 5

are u feeding ur terrier human food?? well i have an aussie terrier (looks like the silky terrier), and he's had that problem too. I don't feed him as much human food. I started feeding him "Royal Canin" indoor formula and bathe him like twice a month w/ "BioGroom Oatmeal Shampoo". his coat seems better now.

Answer 6

If regular ''good or better coat'' food isnt' doing the trick, try the supplement, SUPER 14.... i use it for my horses and cat... it is amazing... (dont worry, its marketed to dogs as well).

Also, if you're giving him baths more than 1 time a week, cut back on that. That may be ur main issue rite there. You can also try a Deep Cleansing shampoo, but make sure you condition the coat afterwards (and wash it out) to keep the skin (or scalp) from drying out.

Answer 7

Sounds like a food issue. Some dogs have a problem breaking down some proteins..... check with your vet about a quality diet.

Answer 8

He needs a higher quality dog food. It will make a world of difference!

Answer 9

often its food related or genetics...
avoid wheat, corn, soy, beef, pork and meat meal (mystery meat)

bathe in oatmeal shampoo

see a vet for help

did you get the dog from a pet store?? if so then that is your problem - poor genetics

Answer 10

It has to be the diet....take the dog to the vet...for a check-up
because that's not normal....