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Carrie Fox
| | Posted on Monday, January 10, 2000 - 1:14 pm: | 
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I am looking for help with our ten year old cockapoo. He has very dry skin on his back and legs. He scratches and chews often and drives us nuts. We try not to bath him often but when we do we use medicated shampoo for dry skin and also a cream rinse. Any suggestions on how we can help him more? |
Thistle
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 11, 2000 - 7:05 am: |
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Is this dry skin condition a new thing or something that has been going on for a while? What kind of medicated shampoo are you using and are you sure you're rinsing all the soap out? Are you getting all the conditioner rinsed out?Have you changed his diet lately?
Dry skin and chewing can be caused by a myriad of problems. Generally, if you do not know exactly what is causing the dry skin, then I would not recommend a medicated shampoo. Medicated shampoos are designed to treat specific problems and some of them can actually dry the skin more. I would suggest a hypoallergenic shampoo such as Veterinarians Best or Pure Pearl to bathe him in and be sure to rinse, rinse, rinse, then when you think you have it all rinsed out, rinse again. You can feel through the coat,especially in the leg"pit" and belly areas...anything that feels slick still has soap in it. If you think that leaving cream rinse in the coat will help relieve dryness, you thought wrong. Unless the cream rinse specifically states that it is meant as a leave-in conditioner, it is not and will also irritate the skin if not thoroughly rinsed out.
A trip to the vet might also be in order...dry, itchy skin can indicate any number of health problems...anything from allergies to an auto-immune syndrome, and your vet can help you pinpoint the cause of the dryness.At the least, they can help to recommend a medicated shampoo which is target to your dog's specific problem.
Good luck and I hope your dog stops itching soon! |
LJM Doglady (spider-wk011.proxy.aol.com - 205.188.198.151)
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 11, 2000 - 4:46 pm: |
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If your dog chews and scratches continually, I would seriously look into his diet. If groomers could cure every skin problem with a medicated shampoo, we'd all be wealthy. I'm a big proponant of diet. What you put into the dog comes out. If you're feeding a lesser food or the same food for 10 years, I'd start with that first. Pay attention to the ingredients. By-products are not food! If the dog has seasonal allergies, then I feel bathing weekly with the mildest shampoo will take allergens off the coat and skin. Do not continue to bathe weekly when dog is doing better. Good Luck! |
kristen (spider-wg082.proxy.aol.com - 205.188.196.57)
| | Posted on Saturday, January 15, 2000 - 3:59 pm: |
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theres a product called micro-tek and it comes in a shampoo and a medicated spray i've seen it do miraculous things on dogs with skin problems.It never fails in my shop especially if the owners follow up at home with the spray .The company is called eqyss and the number is 1-800-619-0020 good luck hope you try it and it helps |
Bonnie (user-37kas6e.dialup.mindspring.com - 207.69.112.206)
| | Posted on Saturday, June 10, 2000 - 5:23 am: |
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My groomer just told me about that product. Do they have a website that we could go to? I bought the shampoo from her, but I need to get the spray. |
Cindy Smith
| | Posted on Saturday, June 10, 2000 - 3:07 pm: |
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Another question on dry skin! My standard poodle is 8 months old and has dandruff really badly. My vet ( a relative and very attentive) said to bathe him in Selsun Blue twice a week through the summer (it's really hot here) he has stopped itching/scratching, but still has dandruff, which is noticeable in his dark red coat! Any suggestions? |
dogsbytina (stjhts21d05.nbnet.nb.ca - 198.164.98.134)
| | Posted on Sunday, June 11, 2000 - 9:34 am: |
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It could be his diet. Does he get enough oil in his diet? Personally, I wouldn't recommend Selsun Blue, but that is up to you and the vet. I would use a medicated dog shampoo. I have had dogs coming to me for years and they always have flakes and I can only do so much. So, find out about your pet food. |
dogsbytina (stjhts21d05.nbnet.nb.ca - 198.164.98.134)
| | Posted on Sunday, June 11, 2000 - 9:35 am: |
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I would like to add, that not all of the dogs that come to me always have flakes, just a few. I think I made it sound that all my dogs have flakes!!! |
sydco (zzdslppp218.sttl.uswest.net - 63.226.194.218)
| | Posted on Sunday, June 11, 2000 - 10:20 am: |
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I used to groom a Standard that had very dry, flaky skin as a puppy too. A product called Derm-Caps prescribed by the veterinarian, with the addition of wheat germ oil, was a tremendous help in treating the skin by adding fatty acid supplements to the diet. |
Cindy Smith
| | Posted on Sunday, June 11, 2000 - 12:00 pm: |
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Thanks for the replys! My vet suggested we start allergy testing at LSU vet school (only 5 mins from home) but it's so expensive and half the time they can't pin point it anyway! My boxer went throught the whole nine yards of that and we found out he was allergic to~~get this~~grass! Great, he's a dog allergic to grass! So I rinse him down each night before bed! Only me! |
Rene'
| | Posted on Sunday, June 11, 2000 - 2:29 pm: |
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Cindy Smith, Not only you! I had a Dobe who was allergic to grass and have a JRT that is now! But, the more you can boost his immune system through good diet, the better your chances are of the reaction not being as bad. I read in an article that if your dog will have allergies it will normally show up around 6 mo. or so. Or, it starts a lot later in life after "things" have built up. And there is hope for you and your boxer. I would check with your vet about this, but when my guys have reactions ( they get very very red skin, normally on the belly kinda rashy) I give them people benydryl and that seems to help a lot. And as you are already doing, to rinse them off after any contact with the allergen. I also agree about adding fatty acids to your pups diet and switching to a food that has no preservatives or additives in it... Good luck. |
Russ
| | Posted on Sunday, June 11, 2000 - 4:22 pm: |
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I'm wondering which form of allergy testing your vet recommended at LSU vet school? If it is the testing where your dog is injected with a substance and then wait to see if there is, is not a reaction, you are in for a long, expensive haul. The better method, my opinion, is less $$ and faster. I put my Dobe Juno through this method three years ago. They first take a patch from inside thigh and that's checked for anything in the parasite dept. Blood taken also. These are sent to Spectrum Labs in Arizona. Results will come back in detailed explanation telling you what your dog is allergic to. There will be many allergies including flora/agriculture and his food intake. He will go on a maintenance injection that covers ALL his allergies and then he will have to be given a monthly shot. That's really the maintenance shot. Your vet will instruct you at giving shots. To me this is 100% effective. Your vet will tell you about the special food he must have, ordered through your vet and that comes from CA. Look into this method and then make your choice. Bye. |
Cindy Smith
| | Posted on Sunday, June 11, 2000 - 6:15 pm: |
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Russ, WOW! That makes a lot more sense than the old inject a little here and there method! (Which, btw, is what they wanted to do) I've printed your message, so I'll have it to reference. I'm going to ask my vet about it tomorrow. My boxer gets a red, splotchy belly and his feet drive him crazy! They are all red and puffy at night. Benadryl doesn't affect him much, but another over the counter antimhistamine works pretty well for a few hours. Bacchus (standard poodle) has an abundance of "matter" build up in his eyes and we can't get it to clear. (My husband is an ophthalmologist, for goodness sake!)
I apply meds every AM and PM and no improvement! Go figure! |
Rev
| | Posted on Sunday, June 11, 2000 - 6:44 pm: |
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Just for an interim long-shot that can't hurt (while you wait for allergy test results anyway), try wetting down the itching spots with vinegar. I don't know if this will work, depends on what's wrong I'm sure, but I got the tip here on the board and tried it with my old collie who was having serious foot-itching problems.. and it worked instantly for her! It made her last couple of months much more comfortable, poor girl. Another tip I got from here is to soak the (all-over itchy) dog in cool water; supposedly it gives some relief for a couple of days. Now when I get an itchy dog in for grooming I always do the last rinse in coolish water, and use just-barely-warm water for the rest of the bath. Also, if you're home-bathing, be ultra-ultra-careful to get every last iota of shampoo out of the coat. Shampoo left in will irritate the skin. |
k9hairfairy (ppp45-capac.klondyke.net - 208.245.179.204)
| | Posted on Monday, June 12, 2000 - 8:21 am: |
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Something else that works well for itching is Wham Spray by Nature's Specialties. I've tried it on several dogs that nothing seemed to help. All the owners came in the next day to purchase the product because it worked so well. These are all dogs on allergy injections, which btw, don't always render great results. The spray has tea tree oil in it which also heals the area. Also, make sure the vet isn't suggesting long term cortisone injections like prednisone. This just stops the itching without treating the problem. This is also suspected in the upswing of cushings disease, especially when started as a puppy. Also has many other side effects. |
Roni Dillon
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 19, 2000 - 4:31 am: |
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I have a 5 yr. old Mini Schnauzer. I have had 5 now over the last 30 yrs. of my life. The last one Luna that I have now is a rescue that I adopted June 28th, after 5 yrs. to get over the grief of losing my last little schnauzer. So now to my problem. Schnauzers are notorious for "schnauzer acne". All of my schnauzers got it eventually sometime in their life and esp.old age but this one is in terrible shape. I bought the newest skin shampoo my vet stocks now, though I always like Sulfa-oxy-dex and I don't know who carries it now. I have also given her fatty acid capsules, also baths, a good grooming, soft brushes and small comb scrapes like back combing with an itchy like scratch rub, up, down, side, side then hand smooth the area. I work up her back and down her belly and thighs, and while I am doing it I am usually spraying the natural oil conditioner unto the brush, and then rub it in after I comb. It softens and loosens and then also makes the crusties less likely to take good skin with them. Well 2 weeks later she is softer and slowly decrusting, but does anyone know how long it ususally takes to clear this up when it is full body involved, and to the point of crusty dog that is crunchy to pet and flaky on your clothes and furniture. Since I intend to have Luna for at least 6 yrs.(my last 2 schnauzers lived to 11 1/2 yrs) to maybe 10 or more yrs.,(my mom's mini lived for 14 1/2 yrs.) My last 2 schnauzers were well groomed, and medically supervised and tested for everything to find the cause of their skin affliction. Tosha got it about age 3, from my husband's beer, chips, football food parites on Monday nights and Gretchen about age 9 from kidney disease. Luna is is great health, was on a regular diet of Purina One Lamb and Rice, though I am trying to wean her to premium senior brand, but vet says that it is hereditary, and just bath her and groom her until it goes away. What do I do in the meantime of crusting, flaking, itching and oozing when these pimple-like suckers break open and itch and crust and hurt. There has to be an easier more enjoyable way to clear up her skin than daily or 3 x weekly 15 min. medicated baths. Soft brush and scrapy combings in the afternoon and before bed. It is like a 24 hour job that is making this new dog look at me like I am sadist and rather unpleasant to come lay down by or get petted without a major skin workout. I can pet something that feels like it has chicken-pox, I just had it on my 40th b.d. in September, and not want to pick at it if she had a least one clear spot on her body to pet, which she does not have even a two inch square spot without major pimples or crusties. There has gotta be a better way and hopefully someone out there has a simple, safe, sane treatment and with less animal discomfort than what I am doing. I spent $200 for blood, urine, and skin tests, to be told your dog has acne and go home a give her a bath. My vet is excellent for major surgeries and off hour calls of panic with a caring vet to come down to the office at 2 am because your dog is having too serious of a problem to go the all night emergency vet or wait until he opens for business at 8 am, I want and need my vet now and he shows up without any hint of annoyance. But hereditary and common acne or seborrhea, and live with it because of a breed choice is not fair for me or Luna. I could take her to a skin specialist, there is one online in LA, and I live in Sacramento, Ca. but since I was a waitress for most of my life, I learned it is not the book learning that teaches you things in life, but the frustration of having to find a way to overcome life's handouts and pass or fail "hands on" is always a winner in my book. I went for years to a dermatologist for a staph infection got from a burn on my hand at work and couldn't shake it for 3 yrs. and used massive topical skin meds and major antibotics that didn't help. I had a naturalist work with me as a waitress after she gave her 12 yr. old daughter the option of the real world or communal life, and she had to work to support them as she lived in a commune for the past 20+ yrs. and needed a job. I got her hired though she didn't believe in deoderant, and herbs and such don't kill that natural fragrance. She told me to visit a homeopathic doctor for a second opinion and optional treatment or enhancement of my doctor's treatment. The man said throw out your meds, ok, I will put them away for a month or two, and try charcoal poultrices, in wrapped boiled peach tree leaves, some natual tea, and aloe vera juice, drops, and lotion. I did relaxation therapy, and in one month I was completely cured. My dermatologist said "I told you the pills would work eventually, I let him believe it. 15 yrs. later no problems. There has to be a different way to do my dog too. My homeopathic doctor died of a heart attack at 45 running only for his good health to work one morning, and died. So, I asked my groomer what to do, and she said tell your problem on the groomer's web and see what they say as she was out of suggestions. So, here I am, and any help would be greatly appreciated and happily taken. My name is Roni Dillon, I live in Roseville, Ca, and my e-mail is www.ronidillon@webtv.net. Thank you |
Blondie
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 19, 2000 - 5:42 am: |
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Roni, since you've just about "run the gammot" with traditional veterinary care why don't you look into a CERTIFIED homeopathic/holistic vet. I'm in the process of moving so at the moment all my literature and resources are packed up. My girlfriend's GSD had a terrible episode of acne......she tried everything. She then went to a homoepathic vet. She changed her diet, started her on various vit/mineral supplements and treated her with a variety of homoepathic treatments including chinese herbals....her acne has dissappeared!!!!!! I think she also did accupunture. Her other GSD has bloated/torsed, been operated on, all by the tender age of two, she continued to bloat (my girlfriend is a stay at home mom, and fortunetly was always there when Cheyanne would start to bloat, so she was able to stave it off with Mylanta type products. She brought Cheyanne to the same vet who has put her on a homeopathic regime and Cheyanne has not so much as burped since (about a yr. now). You might want to try Willard Water (gel form). It's acatalyzed product that just about performs miracles. My male Akita just suffered a horrific hot spot in the middle of his forehead (partly my fault, I was administering Vit. E gel to small wart on his forehead..I was oozing way too much on and it was seeping down on his foerhead, keeping the area way too moist). I shaved the area and applied the Willard Water gel...It was completely dried up OVERNIGHT!!!!!! I'm not exagerating!!!! I don't have the contact phone number available but it's manufactured by Flying V Corp. Bellefourche, SD 57717...Distributed By, Rio Grande Marketing Fargo, ND 58102. It might be worth a try!!!! But the most important thing to do is work from the inside out.....get him on as natural and chemical-free diet as possible to optimize his immune system. I think a homeopathic vet is the best resource. I've found that many allopathic (traditional) vet's aren't the best source for nutritional advice....that's why so many of them still sell (BHT/BHA) laden Science Diet!!!!! Good Luck!!!! Let us know how things go!!!! |
Kvp (bis92.buckeyeweb.com - 205.183.16.162)
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 19, 2000 - 6:26 pm: |
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I have seen this in alot of my clients schnauzers too. The most recent shampoo prescribed was chlorhexiderm and pyoben ,I believe. They also are prone to yeast infections on thier skin. |
Thistle
| | Posted on Thursday, July 20, 2000 - 5:53 pm: |
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Roni, I know of some homeopathic vets in the San Frncisco Bay area, if you would like their phone #, send me an e-mail. I think this may be your best bet for finding relief for Luna.
In the meantime,a few suggestions to try...first, I would definately get her on a better diet...Nutro Natural choice is good, as is Royal Canins Natural blend, or you could even try Sojourners Farms(at sojos.com). Along with that, keep giving additional fatty acid supplements.
When you groom her, make sure you do not use any blade closer than a #7 on her back and switch to a hypo-allergenic shampoo. Personally, I have yet to see any medicated shampoo help a skin problem, and in my own opinion, they just seem to exacerbate the problem. You might even try talking to your homeopathic doctor and see if they have any suggestions, or if they know of any local homeopathic vets in your area...I will ask my vet if she know any in the Sac. area.
I know how you feel, I spent 14 1/2 years with a min. schnauzer who was allergic to practically everything. |
MARGARET DARLING (spider-tp082.proxy.aol.com - 152.163.204.212)
| | Posted on Saturday, January 27, 2001 - 2:22 pm: |
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AFTER A DAY AT THE GROOMERS MY POODLES SKIN IS VERY FLAKY THE GROOMER WHO IS ALSO THE BREEDER NOW TELLS ME THAT MY POODLES MOTHER HAS A "BAD SKIN CONDITION" SHE HAS TRIED SEVERAL SHAMPOOS ON MY POODLE SOME LEAVE HER FLAKIER THAN OTHERS I GOT SOME GOOD TIPS FROM YOUR SITE IN REGUARDS TO CHANGING HER DIET AND ADDING SOME OILS DOES ANYONE HAVE ANY IDEAS ON WHAT KIND OF SHAMPOO OR CONDITIONERS WE CAN TRY THE PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE GETTING WORSE |
Thedotteddog (209-142-19-14.stk.inreach.net - 209.142.19.14)
| | Posted on Saturday, January 27, 2001 - 4:48 pm: |
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I wonder if the Listerine treatment mentioned on here would help.I tried it on my boston terror ,oops I mean terrier, and It has helped a lot. I'm sure you'll get lots more suggestions before long. |
Rev (spider-tl084.proxy.aol.com - 152.163.207.214)
| | Posted on Saturday, January 27, 2001 - 6:03 pm: |
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My first thought is to have her thoroughly vet-checked.. worms (especially tapeworm), thyroid, Cushing's, and other things can cause this sort of skin problem, as can allergies, and are often not diagnosed until the symptoms become more severe. The next thought would be diet, adjusting protein/fat ratios, adding Omega oils, etc. Skin and coat health come from inside, and all shampoos can sometimes do is alleviate some of the distress. |
MsCaledonia (host-209-214-3-130.mia.bellsouth.net - 209.214.3.130)
| | Posted on Sunday, January 28, 2001 - 8:33 am: |
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I have noticed quite often that new clients coming in with schnauzers having this problem seems to stem from shaving them AGAINST the grain.I don't know how this evolved as they are not even supposed to be cut on their back,however I know that the traditional way of grooming them is not really practiced.Does anyone have any ideas when schnauzers started having this really close cut?I refuse to use anything closer than a 7f on them.I turn the blade against on the head only.I had a schnauzer for 13 years and have never had a problem with schnauzer bumps.I have used Mr groom shampoos on my dogs for many years(available at NESerum)they are EXCELENT and I would higly recomend them.We use the protein shampoo on most dogs and cats but they have specialized shampoos for diferent aplications.My dog Oliver (a poodle)had wonderful coat till he died at 19,and never had any skin problems. |
Jane (regncache2.sasknet.sk.ca - 142.165.70.20)
| | Posted on Sunday, March 11, 2001 - 3:23 pm: |
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If a dog has itchy skin and some red patches on it,should you use an oatmeal shampoo or a medicated. The vet said it must be allergies.I get confused as to when to use oatmeal,medicated or hypo.Are there any rules to follow? Help! |
Rev (spider-tk034.proxy.aol.com - 152.163.206.189)
| | Posted on Sunday, March 11, 2001 - 3:46 pm: |
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You need to get a better diagnosis--"must be allergies" is not very helpful. Did the vet test for bacterial infection? staph? ringworm? has the dog had a full Michigan panel thyroid test? If it's allergies, ask for some tests to determine the nature of the allergy so you can get a clue how to deal with it. Hypo-allergenic shampoos are made for dogs with shampoo allergies, and sometimes avoid any reactions that are caused by other shampoos. But they won't help other kinds of allergies, beyond perhaps washing off airborn allergens. |
Ange (203.173.164.63)
| | Posted on Thursday, April 18, 2002 - 2:45 pm: |
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What sort of oil should be added ( and how much) to a dogs diet to improve coat?
My sister (Who is a natropath and pharmacist) has sugested fish oil such as cod liver oil (for the omega 3 fatty acids).
Any comments/suggestions greatly appriciated.
Thanks,
Ange. |
Rev (152.163.213.203)
| | Posted on Thursday, April 18, 2002 - 5:42 pm: |
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I've heard recently that the best oil is "whole fish oil" from northern waters, supposed to be better than the cod liver oil. I haven't been able to find any labeled like that though. I just give my collie a couple of capsules a day of "fish oil from northern waters" to control his itching. The stuff isn't toxic so you should be able to experiment with it. Your sister should be able to advise. |
Clover (65.94.25.16)
| | Posted on Thursday, April 18, 2002 - 7:32 pm: |
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The only problem with cod liver oil is no omega-6's... your best choice is a blend such as Udo's Choice (made for people, great for dogs, found in health food stores) or Dream Coat made by Halo (for dogs and cats). Both of these have balanced 3's & 6's for optimal results.
One teaspoon a day for small dogs (i.e. Shih Tzu), 2 teaspoons/day for medium sized, and 1 tablespoon/day for large (i.e. German Shepherd). You can just add it on top of their food. |
Cappy (152.163.206.184)
| | Posted on Thursday, April 18, 2002 - 8:45 pm: |
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Jane,
Some dogs are allergic to Oatmeal. Medicated shampoos can also cause a problem... have ran into a few dogs that are allergic to sulfar and like ingredients.
I love the Oatmella shampoo that we use. 98% of the dogs have no problem with this shampoo and it has cleared some skin problems up. If the skin is extremely red and inflammed from allergies is best to use a hypo-allergenic shampoo on them. I don't use medicated shampoos unless it's one that the vet prescribed and they brought it in with them. It's too costly to get into carring a bunch of medicated shampoo. What works on one pet with allergies, will totally irritate the fire out of another one. Of course the only way you know is to use it... there goes the catch 22.
Dogs with mild allergies I will use our Oatmella on them and then tell the owner when they picked them up what I used on them and that it is very conditioning and helps clear up skin problems, but on 2% of our clients it either does nothing for them or it irritates their skin. I NEED to know if they itch afterwards. If their pet happens to be one of the 2%, they are then bathed in hypo-allergenic shampoo. If that doesn't help or the skin get worse, they need to get a shampoo from the vet.
Oh, and one other thing. Just cause it says Oatmeal shampoo doesn't mean it's good. Several of the Oatmeal shampoos on the market dry the pet's skin and hair out. Sometimes you don't notice on the first bath with certain brands, but with repeated use it will causes dryness. |
mmonroe (Unregistered Guest)
Registered Member
Posted From: 129.44.226.171
| | Posted on Saturday, March 13, 2004 - 2:01 pm: |
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Rev,
I asked you before about grooming my rotties nails and you were a great help. Well, here I am again. When I adopted her in August from a kennel (she was in there for 9 months after living in Japan) her coat was great. Recently she started to shed a ton. I read that she may be going into heat again. I brush her everyday but it doesnt help at all! I also noticed that she is itching and scratching a lot and seems to have dandruff now. The vet suggested benedryl, but to me that doesnt solve the problem, only lessons the itching a little. I havent bathed her since the summer since I do her grooming I was waiting for the warmer weather. How often do Rotties need a bath? Anything I can add to her food? The only thing I know that is different is that in the kennel she did not get people food. Of course I give her some here and there. She has a developed bad breath which I am told is a result of the people food she is eating. I would appreciate any help. Shes my baby and I love her to death. Also any good books you can recommmend on grooming Rotties? Most books I find dont go into a lot of detail. We will be waiting for any advice you can offer. Thank you in advance.
mmonroe |
rev
Moderator
Username: rev
Post Number: 8021
Registered: 1-1999
Posted From: 152.163.253.98
| | Posted on Saturday, March 13, 2004 - 5:06 pm: | |
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