Dry flaky skin

[Lennor Magill]

Recently Rex is suffering from very flaky skin. He's always suffered from excessive shedding. Lately though, i've noticed an abundance of dandruff when brushing. I use FURminator deshedding ultra premium shampoo .
Both dogs have the same diet and use the same product and have soft shiny coats. He doesn't seem to be itchy as he doesn't scratch a lot.
I wonder if i could use something like an oillatum type non soap shampoo instead of what i'm using on him. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated

 

[Kara 1]

Have you tried adding coconut oil to his food ...my black lurcher had flaky skin and this cured him in a week

 

[Ari_RR]

We used to give Ari coconut oil, he loved it.

But I also wonder if (no matter how high end products) shampooing the dog actually contributes to the problem rather than helping cure. It changes the balance of oils and good bacteria on the skin, doesn't it?

I try to use shampoo only if absolutely necessary... so far with Miles only twice. 1st time my dear wife caught me in the moment of weakness and I didn't object strongly enough. 2nd time was a legit case - he was really dirty after running around a lake after rain.

How often do you shampoo them? Maybe try stopping for a little while, see what happens?

 

[JudyN]

Unless you know it's absolutely needed, I would try not using shampoo on him for a few weeks. My lad has never had a bath and doesn't smell or have a manky coat. Mind you, he doesn't roll in stinky stuff either. Adding an oily supplement might also help - though I wouldn't rule out a visit to the vet in case a skin scrape might show some sort of parasite.

 

[Lennor Magill]

Thanks. I will try it. How much do i give him an how often. I've also started Brewers Yeast and hav seen no results so will stop and try coconut oil.
Please let me know how much and what brand .

We used to give Ari coconut oil, he loved it.

But I also wonder if (no matter how high end products) shampooing the dog actually contributes to the problem rather than helping cure. It changes the balance of oils and good bacteria on the skin, doesn't it?

I try to use shampoo only if absolutely necessary... so far with Miles only twice. 1st time my dear wife caught me in the moment of weakness and I didn't object strongly enough. 2nd time was a legit case - he was really dirty after running around a lake after rain.

How often do you shampoo them? Maybe try stopping for a little while, see what happens?

We used to give Ari coconut oil, he loved it.

But I also wonder if (no matter how high end products) shampooing the dog actually contributes to the problem rather than helping cure. It changes the balance of oils and good bacteria on the skin, doesn't it?

I try to use shampoo only if absolutely necessary... so far with Miles only twice. 1st time my dear wife caught me in the moment of weakness and I didn't object strongly enough. 2nd time was a legit case - he was really dirty after running around a lake after rain.

How often do you shampoo them? Maybe try stopping for a little while, see what happens?

Once every 3-6 months or when they need it. Greys don't smell much so they can go a long time between showers.
We took them to the Dogs Trust show on the 2nd so gave them a bath the night before. That was 6months after their last shower.
Come to think of it it could be the shampoo as it's been really bad this past week.
Thanks.
Two heads really better than one , but never on the same shoulders

 

[JoanneF]

Have you tried adding coconut oil to his food ...my black lurcher had flaky skin and this cured him in a week

That's what I was going to suggest too. You can also rub a little into dry areas too. I also agree with the other comments. I saw coconut oil for sale in Sainsbury's recently in the foreign food section at a far cheaper price than the brand that is in the oils section.

 

[Lennor Magill]

Unless you know it's absolutely needed, I would try not using shampoo on him for a few weeks. My lad has never had a bath and doesn't smell or have a manky coat. Mind you, he doesn't roll in stinky stuff either. Adding an oily supplement might also help - though I wouldn't rule out a visit to the vet in case a skin scrape might show some sort of parasite.

Thanks for your response. They don't have many baths as they don't smell. Rex doesn't roll in muck but Morgan loves to rub his head in fox stinky so on occasion has a head wash.
Will get some coconut oil from Sainsbury

 

[Kara 1]

I give half a spoon to a 25kg lurcher ..

 

[Lennor Magill]

I give half a spoon to a 25kg lurcher ..

Rex is 34kg large show stock greyhound so maybe 3/4 of a spoon.Thanks so much. Will get some in the morning and start straight away

 

[Buddy1]

Do you use a FURminator to brush him? I use the FURminator on our dog occasionally and I’ve noticed he has dandruff whenever I use it (but not when I use a regular dog brush).

Our dog also has coconut oil in his diet (just a cheap one from the supermarket), although it isn’t actually for his coat: I use it to make his ‘golden paste’. To be honest the golden paste is just the desperation of a Flatcoat owner, so the coconut oil is probably doing more for his coat than anything else!

 

[excuseme]

We never use shampoo on any of our lot. No matter how dirty or muddy they may be they only have warm water showers. (luckily none of our lot look for fox shit to roll in, it may be different if they did ) They are showered in the bath until there is no more dirt to come out of their coats. In the winter this can be up to 3 times a week, their coats remain shiny with no scurf or dust, and they do not smell! ( I don't think we always notice our own household and doggy smells though )

What type of diet are they on?

.

 

[Mad Murphy]

Lidl also sell bio coconut oil. (often cheaper than other places)

Im not a fan of bathing dogs unless absolutely necessary, Murphy digs a lot if he can and he does have allegies to grass clippings that make him itch so we just rinse him off with warm water after our country walks.

 

[Lennor Magill]

UPDATE on Rex dry skin.
It's a little more than a month since I started Rex on coconut oil in his diet . His skin is much better and the shedding is greatly reduced. I am so happy i could hug you all for your sterling advice.
Thanks again. View attachment 111978391
Rex looking wonderfully flake free

 

[Kara 1]

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