WANTED: one healthy Collie!

[mustang_sally]

Ok so the story on Sally is she was purchased by me for $40 bucks from some BYB. I know, I know tisk tisk but I just couldn't pass. Well for that I also get some lovely prizes. Horrible coat, flea and tick infestation, zero doggie manners. I have my hands full but I love her no less. I have had her in to the vets office and done all the basics...nail trim, vaccines, blood work ect.. Now I am working on her diet. I currently have her on Merrick Wilderness Blend and was wondering what you Collie Mom's and Dad's use to bring back a healthy coat? She is 7 months and weighed in at 30 lbs. She has some thinning on her hind quarters and her skin is very dry and almost scaly. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

 

[MyHorseMyRules]

Well, I think one thing that might help with the coat and skin is a hot oil treatment. My last dog, Shep, had very dry skin and was forever itchy and losing hair until I started doing hot oil treatments once or twice a month. After a few treatments, his coat and skin looked great.

 

[Romy]

Some of the skin issues could be her chewing if she has a really bad flea infestation. Most of it is probably nutritional, and you should see some good improvement with the better food.

There are products out there to add to their food that are supposed to help their coats. Hair of the Dog, Showstopper, and Inflight are a few that I can think of. I know the Showstopper is supposed to help with fleas too, but in her case you're probably better off just putting a dose of Frontline or something on her.

Edit: We need pictures! Collies are too adorable to not have pictures!

 

[mustang_sally]

I know. I lost the charger to my digital so as soon as I get another one I will dump a ton. Thanks for the suggestions guys! What about egg and yogurt?

 

[DogstarAcademy]

Food will help, and you might consider a fatty oil supplement (salmon oil or something similar) of some sort, too. 30 pounds, wow, she's tiny!

Kaylee had a bit of sunburn on her butt when she came home and I used Cowboy Magic spray (it's a silicone-based horse product) on her coat- it's supposed to work wonders on dried out coat. If her skin's okay (A good flea/tick product is a must) but her coat just needs to catch up, I'd consider checking it out- it'll also make her easier to comb. Combing stimulates the skin, so that can help too.

 

[mustang_sally]

Food will help, and you might consider a fatty oil supplement (salmon oil or something similar) of some sort, too. 30 pounds, wow, she's tiny!

Kaylee had a bit of sunburn on her butt when she came home and I used Cowboy Magic spray (it's a silicone-based horse product) on her coat- it's supposed to work wonders on dried out coat. If her skin's okay (A good flea/tick product is a must) but her coat just needs to catch up, I'd consider checking it out- it'll also make her easier to comb. Combing stimulates the skin, so that can help too.

Ahhhh I am totally on that! I heard about the salmon oil but I will definately try the Cowboy Magic. Her coat is very dry IMO. She has some bumps that look like they are from the fleas and ticks so I am almost certain she will fluff up and put some weight on in no time flat. I am so excited to see her blossom. She is already house trained. OMG I knew they were smart but WOW! She is such a little love bug too. She is always wanting attention. I can't wait to get my camera charged so I can keep you all updated on her progress and well as have some before and after shots for myself!

 

[Gempress]

Just keep her on good food, and give her time. It'll take a good month or two for her to really turn around. She sounds like a little cutie!

 

[ACooper]

Sounds like you are digging in and trying to do everything you can for her, hooray that Sally has found a good caring home

I agree with letting the better diet do it's thing..........I bet you will see her skin and coat turn around on that alone