Our dog has dry skin - any advice?

[dawn]

Originally Posted by CalvertNewbie

Our black lab has a patch of dry skin on his side and his fur is very thin there. Otherwise, his coat is really thick, shiny and soft. Does anyone know what could be causing this? We've tried conditioning shampoo but it didn't help. He isn't scratching at it so it doesn't seem to bother him at all.

I'm wondering if we should make an appointment with the vet now. His last visit was in October. TIA.

I have a black lab also, and usually his coat is pretty full and for the most part shinny, (depends if he makes it to the creek) and about five years ago, (he is almost 11 now) he started to get a little bald in certain areas, the vet said they thought he was allergic to flea salvia he didnt have any fleas on him, but played with my neighbors dog and at that time she must have had some (I gave her front line same time as I gave it to my dog after that). They gave him I think was a steroid pill called Prednisone and an antibiotic called Cephleixn and within days his hair started coming back and he was looking like new!

Good Luck

[CalvertNewbie]

Originally Posted by Cowgirl

Sleeping in a barn? Where in the world did you board him?

It does sound kind of strange, doesn't it? It was on a farm. The barn had dog houses inside it and the weather was warm. The horses were obviously in a separate area. It was so funny watching my dog see them for the first time, he had never seen anything so big! A friend of ours always uses this place for doggie daycare and when she goes out of town. I took him there for a trial to see if it would work out. He loved it and was great with the other dogs. The staff is great. Our dog is really energetic (still a puppy) and they wore him out!

[CalvertNewbie]

Originally Posted by dawn

I have a black lab also, and usually his coat is pretty full and for the most part shinny, (depends if he makes it to the creek) and about five years ago, (he is almost 11 now) he started to get a little bald in certain areas, the vet said they thought he was allergic to flea salvia he didnt have any fleas on him, but played with my neighbors dog and at that time she must have had some (I gave her front line same time as I gave it to my dog after that). They gave him I think was a steroid pill called Prednisone and an antibiotic called Cephleixn and within days his hair started coming back and he was looking like new!

Good Luck

The timing would make sense - there were about 5 other dogs there with him. The owner of the farm has 3 and there were 2 others. I just made an appt with the vet for tomorrow.

[cattitude (Premo)]

Originally Posted by CalvertNewbie

The timing would make sense - there were about 5 other dogs there with him. The owner of the farm has 3 and there were 2 others. I just made an appt with the vet for tomorrow.

I'd be very careful...

Unnecessary steroids (prednisone) and antibiotics can cause more harm than good.

[dawn]

Originally Posted by cattitude

I'd be very careful...

Unnecessary steroids (prednisone) and antibiotics can cause more harm than good.

Very true, they did strictly regulate the steroids, they said that it was bad for his I think liver.

[cattitude (Premo)]

Originally Posted by dawn

Very true, they did strictly regulate the steroids, they said that it was bad for his I think liver.

It messes with their immune system, which can cause more skin problems, etc.

If he's not itching it, I wouldn't worry about it. Give it a few weeks. If it looks raw put some Gold Bond medicated power on it..that is GREAT for hot spots. Dogs can get hot spots this time of year when trying to shed out their coats. It's good to brush them to remove excess hair.

[DAMCAM]

Originally Posted by cattitude

Dogs should NOT eat raw eggs.

Make sure you are feeding a quality dog food and give them a fish oil capsule daily.

And may I ask why you feel dogs should not eat raw eggs?

[CalvertNewbie]

Originally Posted by cattitude

I'd be very careful...

Unnecessary steroids (prednisone) and antibiotics can cause more harm than good.

Thanks for the info. I'll definately express my concern to the vet. The last thing I'd want is to give Jake any issues that he doesn't have now. I'm also gonna pick up the fish oil caps for him. I now remember my Dad giving them to our old dog when I was a kid.

[cattitude (Premo)]

Originally Posted by DAMCAM

And may I ask why you feel dogs should not eat raw eggs?

Well, raw eggs can contain salmonella for one thing. Also, there's an enzyme in raw eggs, avidin. It intereferes with dogs' absorption of biotin which can lead to problems with the skin and coat.

[CalvertNewbie]

Originally Posted by cattitude

It messes with their immune system, which can cause more skin problems, etc.

If he's not itching it, I wouldn't worry about it. Give it a few weeks. If it looks raw put some Gold Bond medicated power on it..that is GREAT for hot spots. Dogs can get hot spots this time of year when trying to shed out their coats. It's good to brush them to remove excess hair.

Yeah, we brush him pretty frequently. He's not scratching at it at all so it just looks dry and a little scaley. I haven't had a dog in many years so I don't remember hot spots at this time of year. He is starting to shed more (love having to vacuum 3 times a week because his black fur is everywhere!)