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Oline Cogdill writes
Skin conditions are the most common ailment for dogs in South Florida. My sweet shih tzu Dash (a rescue) constantly scratches. For the past year, his skin has looked the best it ever has thanks to pills and omega fish oil capsule.Does anyone have any suggestions on how they've dealt with skin problems?
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Comments (8)
What pills is he taking? My dogs has allergies and skin issues and nothing really works. I have spent thousands with doggy dermatologists and allergists.
Posted by sue | April 2, 2008 2:20 PM
Posted on April 2, 2008 14:20
my lab-mix, Potter, has horrible skin problems. He would scratch himself bald and bloody with outbreaks. For awhile, I thought it was mange, but I finally discovered that most of his are caused by allergies -- especially to insect bites. And, we live in South Florida, where the insects NEVER DIE.
So, I manage his skin condition (per the vet's orders) with very diligent flea control (Frontline once a month month and a cheapy treatment in between Frontline treatments), regular grooming, skin and coat formulated food, and daily doses of a skin supplement (Dermcare) and Benadryl. Since starting this whole rigamarole, he very rarely has a breakout. If an itchy spot arises, I treat it immediately with hydrocortisone spray or cream, which he usually tries to lick off, so I keep a close eye on it.
Yes, this is a lot of daily maintenance, but it's much easier to prevent his allergic reactions than trying to get him not to scratch after he has one. He looks better than he ever has, and the skin and coat food has made his coat really handsome too.
Posted by rebekah | April 2, 2008 3:20 PM
Posted on April 2, 2008 15:20
I have a sharpie who also has had skin issues and ear infections. I have done research and found out that wheat which is in alot of dog foods causes many allergies. I switched to nutro and have seen less shedding. I will not know about the ears untill his lat infection is gone.
Posted by anthony | April 2, 2008 3:33 PM
Posted on April 2, 2008 15:33
Sue-
When investigating Potter's skin, my vet said that some dogs with really bad mystery skin lack an certain antibody that makes them prone to infection. fortunately the allergy stuff solved the problem.
But, the antibody is called IgA, and there is a medicine to treat it. Your dermatologist may have tested for this already, but if not, it may be worth a shot. I think the testing is pricey, but as a last resort, it may be the answer. Here's some more info on IgA: http://www.upei.ca/cidd/Diseases/immune%20disorders/selective%20IgA%20deficiency.htm
Posted by rebekah | April 2, 2008 3:44 PM
Posted on April 2, 2008 15:44
Sue
Oline gives her dog Dash, ketoconazole.
Posted by angie Brennan | April 2, 2008 4:27 PM
Posted on April 2, 2008 16:27
Skin problems or no, Dash is a handsome guy.
Posted by Cyndi | April 2, 2008 5:22 PM
Posted on April 2, 2008 17:22
I also want to mention that I have a terrific vet and a terrific groomer. Keeping little Dash's hair trimmed short helps with the skin, too.
Posted by Oline | April 3, 2008 10:28 AM
Posted on April 3, 2008 10:28
Thanks for the tips. I am calling the expensive allergy vet right now!!!
Posted by sue | April 3, 2008 4:36 PM
Posted on April 3, 2008 16:36