dandruff

[RiverKayleesMuM]

I meant to ask earlier but it slipped my mind. I know it is common for short hair dogs to get dandruff and expecially danes but it is pretty bad with Josie. She gets it when she is nervous of course but she also gets it really bad when we walk. It has gotten to be a hassle becuase when she gets dandruff it messes her coat up. Also my rat terrier kaylee and my aussie puppy have started to get it. River gets it sometimes when she play and Kaylee gets in when we walk her. Is there anything we can do?

[koni]

I never knew dandruff was a common thing, I thought there was something wrong with Koni, like dry skin. Have you looked if the petsore may carry something for it?

[Dax]

Actually Prodog makes moisturing oatmeal based shampoos and rinses. Dry skin is quite common - and adding oil to the diet does help.

[koni]

Dax - I just saw that! looks like a great product. If dandruf is not a serious issue, do you reccomend still changin shampoos or incluind oil to the diet?

[Dax]

Sure, dandruff is itchy plus aggrevates allergies so if you can reduce it - there's no reason not to try.

[RiverKayleesMuM]

what would you reccomend when you say oils? We only bathe our dogs in oatmeal shampoo.

[Dax]

The oils I've heard great things about are Flax,Olive and fish oils. There are also commerical preparations available from the pet stores now. You don't need to add much.

[BabyElephant]

Flax, olive and fish oils are also good for humans with Rheumatoid Arthritis - LOL (Sorry to go off-topic!)

[lulul44]

Linatone .. i think it is called ... is great. It contains lanolin (an oil from sheeps wool), certain fatty acids that are surposed to promote healthy skin and coat... among other things. I have been using it for my dog for years and she always looks so healthy and shiney ... she used to get dandruff alot: because of the cold weather i think (??) This seems to have helped ..... oatmeal shampoo is good too ... anything cheap or not good quality can dry out skin 'like crazy!!'

[eXile]

As for labs, oils like you mentioned really help the skin. I saw a lab at the park with VERY soft skin. Never felt so soft. I asked what he does he said he puts some vegtable oil in his food. It isnt a new invention but it really works. Ive been doing it for about a week and im already seeing results. Use to be rough and dry. Kaylees Mum, you should try using the vegtable oil too. You dont even have to put alot. Maybe a half of a tsp and just mix it around the food.