How to Help Relieve Skin Problems in Dogs With Fatty Oils

Dry skin is no fun.

If your dog is constantly itching and scratching, he may need extra fatty acids in his diet. Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are important in helping reduce coat dryness and other coat problems. These fatty acids are largely found in flax and fish oils. These oils are important to a dog's health and will help reduce inflammation as well as heal dry skin. Most dog food has the minimum amount of EFAs, but some dogs still suffer deficiencies. Dogs with dry skin are often deficient in a fatty acid called linoleic acid.

Things You'll Need

• Dog food
• Dog bowl
• Measuring spoons

Instructions

1. Ask your veterinarian to check out your dog and make recommendations regarding treating your dog's hair coat and skin. Often she will suggest certain EFAs or fatty acids.

2. Look for an appropriate EFA supplements online for your dog in the form of fish oils. Good supplements will be high in linoleic acid, zinc, Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids.

3. Follow the directions on the bottle for administering the supplement. Usually it is one capsule per 50 lbs., or if liquid, about 1 tsp. per 20 lbs. Supplements are intended to be taken for the rest of the dog's life because of a deficiency. Improvements in the hair coat usually start within six to eight weeks after starting the regimen.

4. Mix the supplement in with the food daily or as directed by the manufacturer.

Tips & Warnings

• If the supplement is in pill form, roll the pill in a bit of meat, peanut butter or cheese before feeding it.

• If your dog does not like the liquid fish oil taste, try disguising it with meat drippings or broth.

• Have your veterinarian monitor your dog's progress on EFAs. If there is no improvement, your veterinarian may recommend other treatments.

• Do not feed more than recommended amount as fish oil can cause diarrhea and reduced blood clotting.

References

• Vetinfo: Canine Dry Skin Treatment with Omega Fatty Acids Read more: Canine Dry Skin Treatment with Omega Fatty Acids
• Healthy Pet Journal: Alleviating Your Pet's Itchy Skin
• Health Perspectives: Help for Your Pet's Skin and Coat: Fighting Allergic Skin Disease
• "Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs & Cats," Richard H. Pitcairn DVM, PhD and Susan Hubble Pitcairn; 1995.