Extremely dry coat solutions?

[Toller_08]

Ripley's coat has gotten really dry over the last couple of weeks, and he seems pretty itchy too. I'm not sure why, and really need a solution. He's been on the same food for a while now (since May), and he recieves oil in his food (Nature's Logic Sardine oil) in both meals. Any ideas? I think a lot of it is the atmosphere -- it's really dry lately. He hardly gets bathed. I think I've bathed him twice since October, so it's definitely not bathing that's drying him out.

[dogsarebetter]

its actually a myth that bathing drys out a dogs skin and coat. if you are using a proper shampoo, and drying without heat you can bath as often as you want.

I would personally recommend giving a good bath with a conditioner. I like Espree luxury re-moisturizer. and Kenic Kayla emu oil shampoo (its ultra moisturizing) Espree also makes a hydrating mist that works great too!

[JennSLK]

Oatmeal shampoo. I used to bath Jazz 2 days before the show because she got really bad dandruff and I used human shampoo. Wet him down and them rub baby oil on him Towel dry

[Toller_08]

Thanks you guys!

I did end up giving him a bath shortly after I posted this thread, and he's not as itchy at the moment, but he is still very dry looking. Hopefully we'll get this under control soon -- the dandruff is insane.

Originally Posted by dogsarebetter

its actually a myth that bathing drys out a dogs skin and coat. if you are using a proper shampoo, and drying without heat you can bath as often as you want.

I know that, but a lot of people are still of the belief that bathing does dry them out, so I wanted to add that incase some people might've been quick to blame over-bathing.

[Izzy's Valkyrie]

Is he stressed? Izzy and my cat both stress shed and Izzy gets dandruff when she's freaked out. I'm just curious because on a high quality food with oil supplementing that seems odd!

Good luck

[Toller_08]

He doesn't appear stressed, and doesn't have a reason to be that I can think of. It's not like regular dandruff that I've dealt with before -- it's like actual dry skin flakes and doesn't just come and go. And it's in one general area only. It's really weird.

[Izzy's Valkyrie]

I wonder if there's a dog version of eczema?

[dogsarebetter]

I would honestly recommend a weekly bath in a shampoo like emu oil, or a tea tree oil based shampoo. see if that helps. and if it does gradually give baths less and less. do twice a month, then once a month.
Its recommend to give your dog a bath once a month, but i dont think there is anything wrong with going longer unless your dog has skin issues.

[Bailey08]

You could increase his fat a bit (you can add coconut oil, for example).

If he's getting enough fat, you could also try Biotin. Bailey's homeopathic vet told me to give him one of these daily (B is just under 40 lbs): Solgar, Biotin, 1000 mcg, 250 Veggie Caps - iHerb.com

But if it's in one location, I would probably run it by a vet.

[Vintage Boxers]

I use either Kolestrol treatments or my personal fav. VO5 Hot Oil Treatment

i also add Vit. E to my shampoos
I get dryer coats in winter, due to the lack of humidity but not really bad

Good Luck