how to fix dry itchy skin on dogs?

Question

My dog Meah has VERY dry itchy skin its horrible after we bathe her she has so much skin she looks white and she's black. I've givven her VERY good food Eagle pack holistix but it hasnt helped i've used many expensive shampoos including ones from the vet i'v used conditioner and everything. I've also been given her fatty acids for 3 months but thier not working they only made her fur quite shiny. I give her frontline and thought maybe she is allergic to it but im sure what to do anymore. I've tried everything I gave her a benedryll one night because she was soo itchy and everything and she never scratched while she had that so i just dont know! I reli wonna help her and am considering taking her to a vet nutritionist but thought i would try this first. PLEASE HELP!!

I've used oatmeal shampoo and her skin is still horrible is their beet pulp in purina one too because I i used that when i first got her at about 9 months and she didnt have skin problems when we first got her but then developed them.

I got my dog at a humane society and she has had every vaccination available to dogs and i've taken her to the vet but the vet doesnt know and she said she doesnt have any infection or mange. She is about 16 months old now.

Meah also scratches her ears like crazy and makes them bleed. I've tried cleaning them and everything she doesnt have ear mites and we dry her ears after each bath. I dont know if its just part of her skin problem but the wierd part is my dog doesnt have dry skin on her ears or bell or legs just her back and top of her tail.

Answer 1

This is an excellent supplement and sure to help> http://springtimeinc.com/product/88/2
If you read the 'letters', they are genuine.
Also, there is beet pulp in the Eagle Pack you are feeding. Many dogs (including my breed) can not tolerate beet pulp.
You might switch to a hypoallerginic formula, such as is made by Canidae, Solid Gold, Wellness, Innova, Wysong, etc. You will find a good one at your local pet supply shop. (not a chain store)

Answer 2

I can see that the colder months are here because everyone's pet has dry itchy skin. There are a few things that I would suggest and a few things that I would decline from suggesting.

Suggestions:
1. Make sure your dog doesn't have mites. You can't see them however the vet can tell you if he or she has mites by doing a test.
2. Only bathe your dog everything three weeks in an oatmeal shampoo that is made for dogs (not human shampoo). In the summer you can bathe every two weeks however because of the dry air in houses right now, I would suggest every three weeks.
3. Use lotion on your dog. Yep, sounds strange however is completely safe! Don't use a lotion though that has perfume has this can make your dog sick from licking it.


Negatives:
1. Never give your dog medicines like vitamins and etc from the store - they are a waste of your money.
2. Never use human medicine on your dog - even pills!
3. Never use human shampoo or conditioner on your dog as this will really kill the hair and skin of your dog - it is really bad for them.
4. Never stop using frontline or other meds from the vets. Most animals are not allergic. I only had one animal that was allergic to the medicine for ticks and fleas out of millions coming into the office.
5. Don't use adult benedryl, always use kids, and talk to your vet before you use it. If your dog is young, it shouldn't be allergies.
6. Don't give your dog olive oil on its food. Your pet will become addicted and it doesn't really help that much and isn't good.


Good Luck! I hope this helps you out!

Answer 3

Talk your options over with your veterinarian - they can also help rule out that there's an underlying cause, such as infection, for example. You may also want to have her tested for allergies - just like people, dogs can be allergic to foods, as well as environmental things (pollens, etc.). Make sure to rule out allergies as a cause.

Keep her on the food that she's already on, but you may want to change the supplements. Try a combination pill of Fish, Flax, and Borage oil - those often are better than just fatty acids or just fish oil. You can buy the "people" brand inexpensively at most grocery stores. Give two pills a day along with her regular food.

Ask your vet about continuing the Benedryl. It does work for a lot of dogs with seasonal allergies, dry winter skin, etc. How much you give depends largely on the size and weight of your dog, so your vet would be the best person to advise you on the dosage.

In addition, you can use a humidifier in your home, which often helps dogs whose dry skin is caused by the dry heat indoors in winter. And you should not bathe her more than once a month - frequent bathing also contributes to dry skin.

Lastly, consider getting a topical spray containing Neem oil and Aloe Vera to help with the itching. You can purchase plain neem oil at many health food stores, and simply apply it to the itchy spots. It doesn't smell great but definitely helps with the itching.

Answer 4

first of all: how old is your dog, when and where did you get your dog, and where is he the most pruritic (itchy)..then your ?'s could possibly be answered.

Ok then if mange has been successfully ruled out, then most likely your dog has allergies. Also explains itchy ears as well. You need to rule out flea allergy first (yes they can scratch behind their ears with this type pf allergy)-apply Revolution every 2 weeks for 3 applications (this will also rule out scabies). No improvement in itching then she needs to be on a hypoallergenic diet that is available through your vet only-i.e. IVD veggie diet. Try this strictly (nothing else given by mouth) for 6-8 weeks, no resolution of pruritus, then she is an atopic dog-environmental allergies. Intradermal skin testing is required and she will be placed on immunotherapy., Good luck. its a process of elimination so be sure to eliminate in that order. Also, go to your vet to make she you dont have to treat any concurrent skin infections. If abs are used, then a minimum of 3 weeks needs to be given to successfully resolve pyoderma.

I almost forgot: seborrhea or alopecia around the tail area is indicative of a flea allergy..i know , i know my dog doesnt have fleas..LOL...trust me
Vet derm Tech for 10 years

Answer 5

Have you tried Oatmeal Shampoo? It's supposed to be really good for skin allergies and dry skin. You can find it in your local pet store.

Answer 6

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After trying various medications prescribed by our doctor my son had eczema still.
This is when i decided to look for an alternative and bought tried eczema free forever methods.
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Check here to try it : http://Eczema.naturallysaver.com .
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Answer 7

Hi, you need to go to http://earthclinic.com and do some reading and quick!! Sounds like your pup needs relief fast. There are home remedies there that work on the first bath.My dog had some issues with scratching til she bled too and i tried all the dips, ointments and they dont even compare to the home remedy that I found here!!!! Dont delay it will only continue to bet worse.

Answer 8

I have had dogs in the past with the same problem..Its not easy to clear up,but it can be done.
here is what I did -
Gave a bath with oatmeal based shampoo
applied a dose of advantage
I bought a bottle of brewers yeast and garlic
fed the brewers yeast/garlic for 2 months

the brewers yeast and garlic can be gotten at Wal mart or pet store or you can order it online through drs foster and smith
the link is www.drsfostersmith.com

Answer 9

Sweetie it's time to take her to the vet. My suggestion would be Nutri-Cal vitamins. I've read all the feedback you've gotten and they are all good answers. Plus your spending $ just 'trying' things to ease Meah's discomfort. Take her to a vet as soon as possible OK? :) You'll definitely save time and money by taking her to an expert where she can be healthy again.

Answer 10

try a species appropriate diet of raw meaty bones and organs.

she'll turn around in no time. Even "good" processed dog food is crap.

If she's got an allergy to wheat or corn, you're screwed.