I receive a lot of inquiries regarding skin and diet issues in dogs. There are so many problems that arise...some genetic, but most of these I believe stem from diet deficiencies and food allergies. If you have followed this blog for very long, you know how I feel regarding diet. What you feed your dog is his/her first line of defense. You either feed disease or you starve it. I realize there are no 100% guarantees, but there is a lot you can do to help avoid problems by controlling your dog's diet first and foremost.
I recently responded to an email from a reader regarding a dog with Canine Seborrhea. Here is an overview of this condition. There is 'primary', which typically an exact cause is not known, and 'secondary', which is common in almost all breeds of dogs. There are two types...'sicca', which is the dry, scaly form, and 'olesa', which is the greasy, oily form. There are many factors that can cause this. As I mentioned above, genetics, but also skin infections, allergies (from food and dietary deficiencies), a hormonal imbalance and skin cancer.
Clinical examination can determine the underlying cause, but I understand this is an expense that many pet parents cannot afford. I typically don't like to make recommendations when it's not clear what I am dealing with, as it makes treatment advice more challenging. A little over four years ago, I took in a small dog with severe allergies. I was able to talk to the dog's vet and found that tests had not been conducted to determine the cause. I suspected diet, so that's where I started. I believe this is the 'safe' place to begin. I wrote a blog in September of 2012 detailing how I turned this problem around.
I am not fond of prescription drugs and over-the-counter products of synthetic origin. I prefer natural methods and using herbs, as this gets to the root of the problem and brings about healing...anything else is just treating symptoms which does nothing to truly bring about a cure. Treatment from the inside out, I believe is the best approach. That is where diet factors in. It is best to try just one product and allow time (several months) to see results before moving on to something else. Herbs are slower to yield positive outcome, therefore much patience is necessary. You may think nothing is happening...but it is! I can say this from personal experience.
First my recommendations in the dietary area would be supplementation. Any dog with an allergy, skin or food should be on an Omega product. Springtime, Inc. (https://www.springtimeinc.com/) has an Omega 3-6-9 that I highly recommend. (Note: buy quality supplements!) I used Vet's Best 'Seasonal Allergy Support' for Maebelle, the above mentioned dog with the severe allergies. They have a terrific line of top quality, natural products for pets. (https://vetsbest.com/)
I realize most people feed their furry companions a dry kibble. I prefer a raw/homecooked diet, as that is what I have been using for years with my own. Adding organic extra virgin olive oil or organic coconut oil is a great boost to canine nutrition. Food allergies and sensitivities affect dogs just as they do people. Keeping the diet simple, yet nutritionally beneficial goes a long way in insuring fewer issues. (Note: Read over my other blogs to get advice and assistance in this area).
The other side of this coin is actual skin care. Again, quality products are everything. My recommendations are: Only Natural Pet (http://www.onlynaturalpet.com) and Burt's Bees (http://burtsbeespets.com/). ONP carries a product that would be beneficial in treating the Canine Seborrhea...it is 'Doc Ackerman's Herbal Colloidal Oatmeal Shampoo'. A warm bath with an oatmeal shampoo along with a coconut oil massage (rinse well) and applying aloe vera to the skin can help manage dry, irritated skin.
Be pro-active in your dog's health. Expect that as your dog ages, issues will become more common, it is unavoidable. Keeping your furry companion healthy and well in those golden years is important in quality of life. Become familiar with what is 'normal' behavior and attentive to skin/fur conditions. Staying on top of this is important. I wish you many happy years with your dog!
