Remedy for seasonal itchy dry skin

Gunny did not start his seasonal shedding until the first of July this year( later than usual) but every year around the time he begins this heavy shed he gets flaky itchy skin. I used to think it was fleas, but never found any. His tummy gets real pink as does the skin around his muzzle and his paw pads. Once the cooler fall weather begins he is fine until early summer shedding begins. I have added salmon oil and a flax oil to his food daily all year. I thought it helped his annual shedding to be less, but then the same old itchy thing began. Any ideas from others that may have had same experience.? I hate to start with steroids, which is the only thing vets seem to know.

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Permalink Reply by Sam Tsang on July 8, 2011 at 9:14pm

Hi Diane, turn on the air humidifier at home and reduce bath frequency.

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Permalink Reply by Diane Burda on July 8, 2011 at 9:29pm

Thanks Sam,

It is pretty darn humid in this part of Ohio( I have the curly hair to prove it!) ...He isn't bathed very often nor is he in water much...I was thinking to give him soaking in a canine oatmeal conditioner I bought at the health food store...

Do you think the brushing out of his undercoat could be causing this?

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Permalink Reply by Sam Tsang on July 9, 2011 at 7:32pm

It shouldn't. You can save a lot of money by blending your own oatmeal flakes into powder.

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Permalink Reply by Diane Burda on July 9, 2011 at 10:08pm

Great suggestion Sam!

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Permalink Reply by Julia on July 8, 2011 at 9:53pm

Just a thought, but do you use chemicals on your lawn?

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Permalink Reply by Diane Burda on July 9, 2011 at 12:24pm

No chemicals..we have gone organic for many years now...but of course, everyone around us use the traditional lawn companies....he can have some contact when we go for walks....but chemicals have been down since April and his symptoms just began beginning of July when I noticed heavy shedding begin! I somehow think the two might be related..

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Permalink Reply by Melissa and Franklin! on July 9, 2011 at 2:27am

oatmeal baths, leave it on for 5-10 minutes and let it soak. This will help with itchiness and irritation. Wipe down his paws and belly, nose, and any exposed skin after he goes outside, this may reduce contact allergies.

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Permalink Reply by Diane Burda on July 9, 2011 at 12:25pm

Do you use regular store bought oatmeal or some oatmeal dip soaker product made for pets?

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Permalink Reply by Melissa and Franklin! on July 10, 2011 at 1:39am

you can buy any over the counter oatmeal shampoo for dogs or get one from a vet. Many feed/pet stores have good shampoo's for itchy skin just look at the ingredients and make sure its oatmeal based.