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scratching goldens

2K views 11 replies 10 participants last post by  gdgli 
#1 ·
Does anyone have a preference of a supplement or something they add to their pups food for itchy skin? No , my dogs don't have flaky skin, just scratching alot, due to the colder climate. First it was the ears, being reddish, and treated that. Now I hear during the night them scratchy . They are on Purina Pro Plan salmon sensitive skin and stomach. They have been for over a year. They get gr.beans, sometimes cooked eggs in their food, plus a Vit.E . And I've tried Brewers yeast and garlic. Just wondering if something works best for your pups that I'm not aware of yet?
 
#2 ·
I had a vet once tell me to use fish oil for dry, itchy skin. He had me buy the people kind. Poke a hole in the end and squeeze it on her food. It did help, fishy breath and all.
 
#5 ·
That I couldn't tell you. It was a plastic type capsule that I was using. It wasn't too difficult to do. I did stab my fingers a few times. I used a sewing pin. This was a long time ago so there may be a dog version now.



She didn't seem to notice a difference and ate the food.
 
#8 ·
The food your feeding should have the correct ratio of Omega 6 to 3 (roughly a 5:1 really of 6 to 3) but your dog may need a higher level of both. Just adding an Omega 3 will help but to much throws off the resort and to much Omega 3 to 6 can lead to over oily skin. So adding something like the Grizzly Salmon Oil is a great idea as I believe that has both Omega 3s and 6s so your ratio won't be thrown off really.
 
#9 ·
First and simplest question I have to ask is are they on flea/tick prevention?

Then when were they bathed last + beddings washed?

I would problem-solve simple allergens or allergy causing issues (fleas, laundry detergent, shampoos, water quality, etc). As well, furnaces running nonstop may dry skin out...

My dogs DO NOT get any supplements other than joint supplements. There are no red ears, red patches of skin, itching or scratching. Coats are full and shiny and skin is healthy. No itching. <= And I've got to say it's pretty cold here (been in the teens and 20's earlier this week, warmed up to 30's today). Our furnace has been running nonstop this week thanks to family members who die a million deaths if it's cooler than 69 degrees in the house... I've caught them turning the heat up to 70 which kills me. LOL.

My point is if your dogs are itching or scratching - I'd check off the probable causes first before adding supplements which may not do any good.

Very typical causes would be fleas. I would check around the ears, necks, armpits, and bellies. You might not find flea dirt - but look for irritated skin. Especially since it's more than one dog itching.

IF there are bald spots - follow up with the vet.
 
#11 ·
As a professional groomer I deal with itchy dogs a lot this time of year. I always ask the owner if they are bathing the dog at home between grooms. Often that is the problem-they are either using a low quality shampoo or are not getting the shampoo thoroughly rinsed. Other times the dogs have allergies of some sort causing the itching. So barring any medical reasons for the itching, I have a shampoo recommendation for you. :) I use exclusively Trophy Line Mane-ly Long Hair products on all my clients. I buy it off their website as it is not commonly available in stores. I used it on my own dog first to try it out (because I had originally purchased it to try on my horse who has extremely dry, brittle hair and it improved her hair amazingly so I wanted to see what it would do for my dog). I loved the results on my dog so starting using it on client dogs and loved it on all of them. Now its all I use. They have a shampoo, conditioner, and a leave-in polisher/detangler-I use all three on all dogs. Start with the shampoo and then make sure it get thoroughly rinsed out, then the conditioner and rinse (though you don't need to be as thorough with that), then towel dry as much as possible, then rub the detangler through the coat, then blow dry and groom as usual. I find that this product helps restore moisture to a dry coat, builds a stronger healthier coat, keeps dogs cleaner longer, and makes burrs and other stuff fall out with basically no effort. Also, like Megora, I do not use any sort of skin/coat supplements on my dog-never saw a need to.
 
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#12 ·
Fortunately I have not experienced this problem too much. One time after bringing my dog to the AMC in NYC, the dog was treated for fleas/mange. Also treated the house. Condition cleared up. Another time I had a dog that I treated for staph infection of the skin. It cleared up.
I don't feed supplements. I do not bathe the dogs too often. I will brush them which I think helps. I am capable of occasionally giving the dog a little left over olive oil that was used for dipping bread. Everything in moderation.
 
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