How to Treat and Prevent Your Dog's Dry Itchy Skin

Many dogs acquire dry, itchy skin that ultimately leads to broken skin and sores. Vets and dog owners often use hydrocortisone ointments or steroid injections to treat the problem. There is an easier and better solution for the dog. This solution will also improve the dog’s general health by giving him or her omega 3 and antioxidant supplement.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Unflavored liquid cod liver oil
• Wheat germ oil (liquid)
• Olive oil
• Small bottle or salad cruet

1. Mix about 4 ounces of cod liver oil with 5 ounces of wheat germ oil and 2-3 ounces of olive oil (you may also use canola or peanut oil if you have them on hand.)

2. Pour into dispenser. I like to use a salad cruet as a dispenser, but you can use any clean bottle.

3. For a medium sized dog, (30-70 pounds) at one meal each day, sprinkle one teaspoon of this solution onto the dog’s food, whether it is kibble or canned food. The dog will usually like the taste of the fish oil and wheat germ oil). Dogs like just about anything oily.

4. Within two or three weeks you should notice a great improvement in the condition of the dog’s coat. It will be shiny and healthy looking and the skin won’t be dry.

Tips & Warnings

• Daily brushing of the dog’s coat will also help distribute the natural skin oils. Do not buy fish or wheat germ oil in capsules. Use only bottles of liquid oil. Be sure to check the labels carefully because the capsules and liquid containers look similar.
• Use only unflavored cod liver oil. Some brands come in fruit or mint flavors. Dogs will not like these.
• Keep the solution refrigerated.
• The amount administered should vary with the dog’s size. A very large dog (90 pounds plus) should get about 2 teaspoons. A very small dog (25 pounds or less) should get a few drops only.

[sarahpb]

on 7/2/2009 good suggestions. I like the idea of having a premade solution handy.

[phartman]

on 6/22/2009 I don't know if that is a problem or not, but in that case, I would substitute another grain oil. Olive oil and sunflower oil are also good sources of vitamin E, which is the major reason for using wheat germ oil.

[jsschlitt]

on 6/22/2009 if your dog is allergic to wheat do you think it's ok to use wheat germ oil?