Itchy skin

[Denaluvscorgis]

Hi everyone,

My dogs have had really dry skin lately. I have heard on here to give them flaxseed oil. How much do I give to them, and how often?

Thanks,
Dena

 

[Saje]

Probably about a tablespoon a day.

Remember that flaxseed oil goes rancid very quickly and is toxic if heated.

I don't buy the oil. I have groun flaxseeds which I feed. Not so much to the dogs. Occassionally. But they are mostly for the rabbits and me. I think I should give them to a dog. If you buy the seeds get them ground already or grind them yourselves in a coffee grinder or something similar.

 

[joce]

We gave a teaspoon a day. we always kept it in the fridge, I never heard it was toxic if warm(my mom drinks it with her coffee, maybe that sher problem). We have some of the seed now but I haven't tried it yet.

 

[Saje]

You just can't use it for cooking Joce. I've never heard of anyone using it in coffee. I don't know if that's hot enough.

This is a good link about different oils but you have to read quite a ways down to get to the heating part. http://www.fuelforlife.ca/modules/sections/index.php?op=viewarticle&artid=18

The seeds go rancid quickly too if you buy them ground. So it's good you keep it in the fridge and better if you grind them yourselves if they are whole. They are nutty flavoured.

 

[Denaluvscorgis]

Thanks for your help!!

Dena

 

[Saje]

Flaxseed is wonderful for skin and hair because of the omega fats. Fish is also good but I worry about the metals in the water and contaminated fish. I wouldn't feed it as a main source of those fats personally. Although, some do and are fine.

 

[Denaluvscorgis]

What would you suggest for dry skin?

 

[Saje]

I think you're doing the right thing. I am a fan of flaxseed. I just think people need to know that it goes rancid quickly, that it shouldn't be heated, that small amounts eaten everyday have better results than once or twice a week and that oour digestive system can't really digest the seeds whole.

Whew.

I would also suggest grooming with a brush that helps to spread his natural oils, and bathing very infrequently. What kinds of food are you feeding? That may have somethign to do with it.

 

[Sunnypup]

My last pup had a problem with dry skin because of allergies and my vet suggested a diet of rice, chicken and veggie oil and using a moisturizing shampoo with oatmeal. I know it was for a different reason then what you are experiencing but maybe this will help too?

 

[Denaluvscorgis]

I have to do something, because Chloe wants me to scratch her all of the time. I was drinking my coffee this morning, watching the news before I left for work, and she was barking & barking at me, demanding that I scratch her some more. LOL She is such a character. I'm going to give her a nice bath and pampering this weekend. I will purchase some flaxseed oil as well.

Thanks for all of your help!!

Dena