Dogs with Dry Skin; What you Can Do

DOGS WITH DRY SKIN; WHAT YOU CAN DO

Dry skin is common, especially when the weather gets cold and we have to turn the heat up indoors. Dry skin is flaky and often has white scales that resemble dandruff. Diets deficient in essential omega-3 fatty acids and zinc can lead to dry skin, as can bathing your dog with the wrong shampoo or using water that is too hot. Allergies, parasitic skin problems like mange, and bacterial skin infections can lead to dry skin, as can certain hormonal disorders like Thyroid Disease.

WHAT YOU CAN DO
* Regular bathing using hypoallergenic shampoos that contain oatmeal or benzyl peroxide provide relief. A vinegar-water rinse used after bathing is soothing and helps resolve flaky skin. To prepare the rinse: add four tablespoons of white vinegar to one gallon of water. Massage this through the fur, then rinse again with plain water and air dry. Cooler, rather than warmer water for your rinses is less irritating to the skin.

* Leave-on moisturizers (one tablespoon per gallon of water) with aloe vera and alpha keri are helpful in many cases.

* Add essential omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, zinc, and Vitamins A, C. and E to the diet. Fish oil and flaxseed oil are good sources of omega-3 fatty acids.

* Use a humidifier or place a pan of water by your radiator to increase moisture in your home during the winter.

* Grooming helps prevent mats and tangles. It also removes loose hair. Grooming on a regular basis is the single best way to maintain the overall health of the skin and haircoat.

COMPLEMENTARY TREATMENTS

HERBAL REMEDIES
Blot areas with a fresh, organic lemon juice solution. You can also add goldenseal tea to the diet daily.

HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES
Sulphur 6x is helpful for dry, itchy skin. Give one pellet once daily for 14 days; withhold food 10 minutes before and after treatment.
NOTE: Dosages of Vitamins and Fatty Acids in Complementary Box are accurate and useful
* Zinc Dosage
(NOTE: All dosages are given daily by mouth.)
* Zinc Methionine 2 milligrams per pound of body weight.
* Zinc Sulfate – 5 milligrams per pound of body weight.
* Zinc Gluconate – 2.5 milligrams per pound of body weight.
* Omega 3 Fatty Acid Dosage
* Fish Oil and Flaxseed Oil – 50 milligrams per pound of body weight.
* Vitamins
* Vitamin E – 10 IU per pound of body weight. Up to 800 IU daily for large dogs.
* Vitamin C powder– 25 milligrams per pound of body weight per day. From 250 milligrams to 1000 milligrams depending on size of the dog given daily.
(NOTE: Take the total daily dose of Vitamin C and give one third of the dose three times daily or every 8 hours for best results.)