WHAT TO DO IF YOUR DOG HAS DRY SKIN

Regular bathing using hypoallergenic shampoos that contain oatmeal or benzyl peroxide provide relief. A vinegar-water rinse used after bathing is soothing and helps resolve flaky skin. To prepare the rinse: add four tablespoons of white vinegar to one gallon of water. Massage this through the fur, and then rinse again with plain water and air dry. Cooler, rather than warmer water for your rinses is less irritating to the skin.

Leave-on moisturizers (one tablespoon per gallon of water) with aloe vera and alpha keri are helpful in many cases.

Add essential omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, zinc, and Vitamins A, C. and E to the diet. Fish oil and flaxseed oil are good sources of omega-3 fatty acids.

Use a humidifier or place a pan of water by your radiator to increase moisture in your home during the winter.

Grooming helps prevent mats and tangles. It also removes loose hair. Grooming on a regular basis is the single best way to maintain the overall health of the skin and hair coat.

COMPLEMENTARY TREATMENTS

HERBAL REMEDIES

Blot areas with a fresh, organic lemon juice solution. You can also add goldenseal tea to the diet daily.

HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES

Sulphur 6x is helpful for dry, itchy skin. Give one pellet once daily for 14 days; withhold food 10 minutes before and after treatment.

Zinc Dosage

All dosages are given daily by mouth.
Zinc Methionine 2 milligrams per pound of body weight.

• Zinc Sulfate – 5 milligrams per pound of body weight.
• Zinc Gluconate – 2.5 milligrams per pound of body weight.
• Omega 3 Fatty Acid Dosage
• Fish Oil and Flaxseed Oil - 50 milligrams per pound of body weight.

Vitamins

• Vitamin E – 10 IU per pound of body weight. Up to 800 IU daily for large dogs.
• Vitamin C powder– 25 milligrams per pound of body weight per day. From 250 milligrams to 1000 milligrams depending on size of the dog given daily.

TIP: Take the total daily dose of Vitamin C and give one third of the dose three times daily or every 8 hours for best results