Ever since the snow has come and the weather has dipped below 50 my dogs have been itching like crazy... but I know they dont have fleas. I have looked them over from head to toe with a fine tooth comb and all I can find is a bit of normal dog dandruff. Could they have cold weather/dry skin itch? Ive seen dog washes with oatmeal for this use... anyone have any ideas/experience with this? They are both over 90 pounds so its not an easy task getting routine baths!!
2006-12-02 09:23:50 · 9 answers · asked by Kristin B 4 in Pets ➔ Dogs
I am a vet tech and we see this all the time in all breeds. The heat in the house takes the moisture out of the dogs skin the same way it does with ours. Some tips:
1.Don't over bathe the dogs- once every 2-4 weeks is sufficient. When you do bathe them use an oatmeal based shampoo and then follow with a doggy cream rinse.
2. Give the dogs a fatty acid supplement for their skin. You can get these from your vet or at a petsmart or petco. They replenish the lost oils in the dogs skin- but don't worry this doesn't make them greasy or oily. They are also good for their other body systems and are like a doggy vitamin. Dermatologists highly rec. them for all allergy dogs and dogs with dry skin. This will take a couple of weeks to make a difference- but it really helps and it will make their coats really shiny too.
2006-12-02 09:58:22 · answer #1 · answered by vettech 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, and I know this can drive you crazy thinking what is wrong? Do they have fleas? Give them bacon and eggs, Bacon all the grease any bacon will do. Not only will they like this for a treat this will give them more oil in there coats and minimize the itching. I have 4 100 lb dogs and they all sleep with me and if they all start itching this makes for not much sleep!!I am also told flax seed oil in there dog food is supposed to help. Oatmeal bath may help some but is not really that effective and the bath will just take more oil out of there coat. Also good dog food is important science diet, natural choice, iams. hope your dogs stop itching soon!!
2006-12-02 10:12:14 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Certainly the dryer air can cause irritation to the skin... however, bathing is not the answer (aren't you relieved?!). Even the gentlest and most natural shampoo you can find will dry out the skin even more.
Think of it - if you get itchy do you take a shower? Nope... moisturizers! YES!
Dogs have natural moisturizing skin so tip #1 is that you brush your dog. A good brushing will feel great and stimulate the natural oils in his skin/hair follicles.
Tip #2 is that you add some oil to his diet. Not too much (or it will get messy on the other end, if you know what I mean). The best is some sort of oil that adds Omega 3 an 6 to his system. These are usually fish oils. A pretty easy way to add fish oil to a dog's system is to feed him sardines. They're cheap and dogs usually love them. Again, don't overdo it or it'll get messy!
Both of these suggestions are proven in our home and your dogs will love you for it! And, their "itchies" will decrease pretty soon.
2006-12-02 09:38:48 · answer #3 · answered by BelindaLoo 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Winter causes dry skin just like you or I...the oatmeal shampoos help but if a heavy coated animal can take hrs to dry and will cause chills. Lots of grooming to spread the natural oils in the coat and through the skin. I am a huge groomer. Proper diet w/a good quality kibble. Some add veggie oil to food or other supplements for skin and coat. You can also add babby oil to the shampoos while bathing which adds additional moisturizing. I know people who show will do this.
2006-12-02 09:33:34 · answer #4 · answered by Ivory_Flame 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dry skin usually causes itching in winter. Running a humidifier will generally ease the problem. To many baths will only dry the skin more. There are sprays at your local pet store for dry skin.
2006-12-02 09:27:42 · answer #5 · answered by Jaded 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The key here is keeping the skin moisturized. What is happening is the skin gets dry in the colder climate. Cold tends to dry out skin. The best thing to do is use a heavy conditioner - rub it into the skin and let it set a bit before you rinse it out. And yes my dogs weigh over 125 pounds each so I understand your problem. But if you bath your dogs regularly and make it fun - not stressful for them - they will get to where they enjoy the process. Hey it is a free long petting for them!
2006-12-02 09:30:14 · answer #6 · answered by topdogtrainernm 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My parents rottie has been licking like nuts since its turned colder. Turns out he has a food allergy, my vet said for some reason a lot of owners notice this in the winter. He also said because the dogs spend more time in the house in the winter, you see other allergies you didnt notice before (because you spend more time inside and the house is closed up) I hope you find something that works for your rottie :)
2016-03-15 04:37:46 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
try a food change to nutro's lamb and rice . it has linatone in it for skin and coat. made my dogs stop the itch and stop off season shedding.:) great stuff !
2006-12-02 09:37:15 · answer #8 · answered by sillygoose 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
depends on how much fur they have. If they have a shorter coat than it is possible.
2006-12-02 09:55:39 · answer #9 · answered by CuriousJ 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no
2006-12-02 09:30:11 · answer #10 · answered by ELMO 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋