what to do for dry skin other than fish oil?

[APBT<3er]

Dolly does not take well to the addition of fish oils to her food, but every winter because its so dry in the house with the heat she gets dry skin and itches and itches, is there anything else I can give her?

[Nichole]

I'll be watching the responses. Poor Violet has such itchy skin. Fish oil alone isn't fixing it.

[starrlamia]

coconut oil, ACV, flax meal, ACV can be fed to them or used to bathe them.

[Savage Destiny]

Flax is pretty useless. Dogs need EPA and DHA, which is found in fish oil. Flax is ALA, which dogs can't use. They can convert ALA or DHA/EPA, but most of the usefulness is lost in the conversion.

Coconut oil does really help Melon with his dry skin, although that's in addition to fish oil. Vitamin E added to the food can also make a difference. You could also try bathing her regularly with a moisturizing shampoo and oatmeal conditioner.

[Murfins]

I second the coconut oil (a good ORGANIC VIRGIN coconut oil)

[Timas Mom]

coconut oil, hemp oil

[Nichole]

How much coconut oil? Is there a amount per pound rule of thumb?

[FransterDoo]

Coconut oil!!! also , really increasing almost any fat can help on some level so if coconut oil is hard-to-find or expensive in your area, you can try other things. Olive oil can be ok, as can a peanut butter that's just peanuts (read the labels!)

NIchole - I think starting at a teaspoon a day for your girls would be a good starting point. If they get greasy (or smell strongly of coconut ) you can give it every other day.

[julie64]

Another coconut oil user here. I also like it to rub onto Lils elbows when they get really dry looking.

[Murfins]

For sensitive medium sized dogs I would start at 1/2 tsp (1 tsp for non-sensitive stomachs) and increase it very slowly to 1 tbsp. but as was said by FransterDoo back off a little and slow it down if they start to get greasy poops or diarrhea.

[Nichole]

I just gave the girls their first dose of coconut oil. They gobbled it up and asked for more.

[APBT<3er]

So with the coconut oil do I add it to her food or do I give it to her straight? Where can it be found? Thanks for all of the replies guys!

[FransterDoo]

So with the coconut oil do I add it to her food or do I give it to her straight? Where can it be found? Thanks for all of the replies guys!

Either. I just plop it on the top but mine will also eat it off of a spoon.

Trader Joe's is now carrying it. Not sure about major/regional chains. Whole Foods, of course. and you can buy it online at amazon and other stores.

[Nichole]

We picked up our coconut oil at the grocery store (trader Joes). I found some on amazon with free shipping with amazon prime (if you have it). I went with organic. I don't think it much matters how it is fed? Right now I'm just giving them a spoonful each because I find it funny how much they love it but I'll probably tire of that within a week and give them their dollop in the food bowl.

[Murfins]

We get ours at a local health food store and add it to their food (the only way the cats will eat it) but the dogs would eat it either way.