surchinmy
Ultra ALPHA
Oct 7, 2003, 6:59 PM
Post #211 of 341
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Had a think on this ...
All dogs get dandruff (flaking skin) from time to time ... flaking skin by itself can be a minor irritation and nothing more ... so perhaps don't get too worried ...
Went through the list of products that you are feeding Sparkle ... I think you may have been a little heavy on the supplements ... would suggest you cut back ... too much of anything can be as bad as not enough.
Meals: Stick to your normal kibble (I checked, BtoB seems okay ... the only element of some concern is the corn ... which can be an allegen for some dogs - if you are concerned switch to another bran without corn, a brand that uses - say- rice ... such as CCavier (check with boon on this)
Suggestion: If you say Sparkle is a picky eater ... make meat stew (chicken or beef or lamb, carrots, potatoes, pumkin etc) enough for the week (remove the bones, pack separately and freeze). Defrost the night before and you can add the stew to Sparkle's kibble everyday. That should encourage Sparkle to eat.
If you do this remember to reduce the kibble.
Supplements: Use the Keep*rs Mix ... follow instructions. Add some probiotic element ...
You can also alternate the following: cod liver oil, brewer's yeast, vitagen/yoghurt, 1/2 an egg (par-boiled). Alternate and sequence these elements - don't feed all on the same day.
The only addition I can think of that might do some good is flaxseed or safflower oil.
Jan A. Hall, D.V.M., a veterinary dermatologist and referral specialist in Ville St. Laurent in Montreal explains ... "Giving your pet fish-oil supplements will help improve the metabolism of fats in skin tissue, Try mixing 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of fish oil into your pet's food every day. Using the same amount of safflower oil can also help.
Continue to give your usual fruits etc ... and that should take care of the diet ...
Shampoo ... A good shampoo can help with dandruff ... have already suggested a brand ... Use warm or cold water - not hot water (hot water dries the skin). Remember to rinse well. Don't blow dry too long or too hot (dries skin). Towel dry well ... and just use blow dryer for a short time ... and sun-dry Sparkle (avoid noon-day sun) to remove balance moisture ...
Add oatmeal to the bath. The same colloidal oatmeal (Aveeno) that people use for dry skin can also help relieve flaking in pets. Dr. Cruz says "Aveeno is marvelous for pets with dandruff because it moisturizes dry skin," she says. It does take a little extra elbow grease to work it into a lather, though".
Solutions ... Think its time to get rid of your first batch of lemon lotion ... Make a fresh batch using Dr. Pitcairn's method (soaking lemons over night) ... and add a litte Apple Cider Vinegar (if you wish) ... use the solution on the affected areas - including parts with flaking skin ...
If the skin is still dry - apply a perfume-free moisturiser in the morning ... and the lemon solution in the evening ... and see if that helps.
M. Lynne Kesel, D.V.M., assistant professor of elective surgery in the Department of Clinical Sciences, Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, says: "To get moisture down really deep, you can rub your pet's coat with the same moisturizing lotion or cream you use on your hands".
Remember to work both solution & moisturiser well onto Sparkle's skin. Start with once a day ... monitor ... and then once every other day should be okay.
On a slightly more serious note, given Sparkle history ... flaky skin (dandruff, soborrhea) can be indication of returning infection (bacterial or parasitic) ... check this site:
http://www.vetcentric.com/...e.cfm?ARTICLEID=1048
So ... do all the above, and observe Sparkle over the next couple of weeks or so ... and see if there is any improvement ... if not then please please find a good vet who understands how to treat skin condition in dogs ...
Dr. Hall says " ... While dandruff is usually nothing more than flaky skin, in some cases it can indicate serious problems like, parasites or skin infections. Warning signs to watch for, besides the flakes, include scabs, crusting or iching ... Problems with the skin can be an indication of internal disease ... After a month or so, if there is no improvement, you should take your pet to the vet. See a vet right away if the symptoms suddenly get worse".
Cheers 
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really? Gina also does that... and she taught me that wor....
But anyway, will keep that in mind. 
Btw, I was also toying with the idea of switching to another brand of kibbles with lower protein....which *might* be the cause of his doggie dandruff...what say u?? 
