Dry Skin or Allergies?

Recently Kaylee has begun acting differently. She rubs her head against the floor like we just gave her a bath and got some water in her ears. She also has been nibbling on her legs. We turned on the heat (forced hot air) due to the less than perfect weather. So it might be dry skin, but given her age (11 months) I wonder if it is allergies starting to show.

We have decreased the number of soap bathes she has too. If she's dirty after daycare she gets washed with just water until I'm satisfied, but I try not to use soap.

I'd like to rule out some things before taking her to the vet.

If it's just dry skin, how do I counter it? My previous dog had a dry skin problem too and we added oil to her food, but I forget what kind. What do you suggest? Currently she eats Blue Buffalo kibble (chicken flavor).

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Permalink Reply by Melissa and Franklin! on November 1, 2012 at 10:23pm

Fish Oil works great for both allergies and dry skin so you can't lose! Just buy human fish oil and do one capsule once a day. Sometimes it can take up to 3-4 weeks to see results but it is so good for the brain, skin, and joints you just can't lose! :-) Franklin's coat is incredible with fish oil and he has never been a shedder. Its worth a try. Decreasing baths should help and getting her on a good quality flea control.

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Permalink Reply by Sam Tsang on November 2, 2012 at 8:17am

How often does Kaylee get a bath? Here's your local report. Turn up the humidifier.

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Permalink Reply by Shanna Lien on November 2, 2012 at 11:41am

We give Boo fish oil as well but in the summer months she definitely has allergies. We have taken her to the vet and have to get her on medication usually at least once a year because she licks her paws to the point of losing her hair on certain areas. Next year we are going to actually get her a blood test for allergies so our vet can pinpoint the exact allergy and just give her a shot once a year instead of doing repeated doses of medication.

If things progress and get worse you may want to see your local vet.

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Permalink Reply by Priss, Charlie & Kaylee (PK) on November 3, 2012 at 2:18am

How much fish oil do you give per lb?

We do keep her on year long generic frontline. We get this through the vet. So, I suppose it suits the area. I would love a humidifier, unfortunately we don't have one. Do you have any suggestions? We live in a 2 Bd 1.5 Ba apartment.