<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> I have a 10 month old named Khaos (80# male). He has always had dry skin (so bad it looks like big flakes of dandruff all over)and the vet originally recommended bathing with a medicated shampoo twice a week (not possible right now-too cold). Along with a vitamin supplement called DermCaps. Recently he has been scratching at the area by and at his ears that he has caused himself to bleed. Also his ears now have these small patches of dry skin along the edges - with loss of hair that makes it look "scraggly" (for lack of a better word). I was told it may help to add flax seed oil - which I have twice a day = 1000mg (in addition to the dermcaps). I also have been putting Benadryl in his diet - two in the morning, one at night (75mg total - ok'd by vet)I feel so bad I read so many recommendations but don't have a clue where to go from here. He is currently eating a commercial dry kibble called Canidae that I mix in cooked chicken breasts (only about 1/4 of the breast each meal - he eats twice a day)and warm water to form a gravy so he'll eat all the supplements as well. So my question are: how long should it take if the flax seed oil will help? Any advice/opinion about giving Benadry? Can he damage the cartilage in his ears by scratching at them so much?

Sorry the post is so long - I'm at a loss

While I think you are on the right track to treat this internally more than externally, I would highly suspect some sort of allergy. Possibly a food allergy. Have you tried switching to a different protein source? It sounds like this has been going on for a while and he is uncomfortable. While Canidae is a "good" food, if it isn't agreeing with your dog it might as well be alpo. My schnauzer couldn't tolerate Solid gold at all and lost almost all of her hair on it. Other dogs do very well on it. They are all individuals.

Is he indoors or out? If he is inside primarily there is no reason you can't bathe him provided you keep him in and don't let him outside for 24 hrs other than to p. Also, a good dog dryer is a worthwhile investment. They are a little pricey, but for home use it is a one time investment.

About the ears... if he were to dig hard enough for long enough the cartilage could be damaged to the point that the ear will fall. Hard to say if that will happen a lot of factors come into play.

Thanks Deanna. I have considered switching foods. My dilemma was between another kibble and going to BARF. Have you heard of a brand called Innova puppy food? The only thing is you stated to consider a different protein source - and the Innova contains Chicken Meal and Turkey which is what is also in Canidae (along with Lamb Meal). Or are you speaking of the actual chicken breast that is added? What do you think of the BARF diet and a 10mo GSD vs Kibble? OH- Khaos is an indoor baby- we don't have warm water outside or a tub for him yet. That's why I felt it was to cold (he gets the hose treatment right now <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> )

I feed both my 4 month and 18 month old males a BARF diet. I think it is ideal for me and them, but realize that it is a personal decision.

At his age he no longer needs puppy food. He should be on an adult kibble at this point. The majority of his growth has passed at this point.

It really could be anything causing the problem, even carpet fresheners can cause reactions like this in some dogs. Unfortunately you will have to experiment to see what works for him. BARF is easier to alter than kibble because you ultimately control what ends up in the bowl. Finding kibbles that will eliminate an item is impossible.

I also think that BARF is a great idea, but if you end up not feeding it then maybe you could try something like Wellness fish and sweet potato instead.

Innova has barley in it (enough to give Auster the runs). I wouldn't use it as an elimination diet.

Much obliged for the info. I think I'll continue the Canidae w/Dermcaps and flaxseed oil supplements until the kibble is depleted. Until then I am going to get the All Natural Diet book that Mr. Frawley recommended and do some research. Thanx again

Yvette, If the natural nutrition books seems overwhelming at first don't worry. I know very few (if any) people that follow it exactly and all of their dogs are happy and healthy. Auster gets a diet that would make the author shudder in horror but it has kept her well. I haven't read Lonsdale's book yet, but from what I have heard it takes a mush more relaxed approach.

I just wanted to let you know that it isn't as hard as it looks.

Flax can actually cause the itchies - and Canidae contains yeast, I can't use either with my one dog with skin issues - she is great as long as no flax or yeast - I'd eliminate both of those and see how you do. And a single protein food would be good, hard to know with ones like Canidae that have chicken, turkey, lamb and fishmeal.

I am not alone of course, but switching to raw food (not really BARF, since I do not follow any of Billinghurst's recommendations, and BARF is his copyright) healed my 1.5 y/o dog's dry itchy skin. Also helped her tremendously in the digestion and appetite departments. I gave over 100 bucks worth of dog food to the local shelter and what's left is being raided by mice. Don't care. I did give her fish oil, kelp and alphalpha at first. Now it's just meat, bones, eggs, some fruit (because she loves them).

Does adding a tablespoon of olive oil to their food help with dry skin?