Very itchy dry skin

[GSDAK47]

Hey everyone, my 6 month old female has been very very itchy the last few weeks. We took her to her vet first and he confirmed that she is parasite free ( we use a topical anti parasite, anti flea medication ) and that she just had dry skin probably due to the weather change here. I feed her California natural Salmon and Pea formula and add a tbsp of olive oil to her food each day but she still is extremely itchy. What else should I try/add to her routine and diet to try and help her out?

[onyx'girl]

Is your home air dry? I would get a humidifier and possibly give salmon or fish oil instead of the olive oil (2000mg daily)

Natural vitamin C~ 500mg to start, up it over a week to 2000mg split between meals. C is a natural antihistamine, anti-inflammatory and supports the immune system
Vitamin E every few days(400iu)
Also giving a rinse of Apple Cider Vinegar will help the skin and coat.

[Freestep]

Fish oil is great for dogs, much better than olive oil. I get a big bottle of human-grade fish oil capsules, it's usually cheaper than pet-grade fish oil (don't know why). Give her three capsules with each meal. You can break them open and squirt the oil on her food, or simply leave them whole--my dogs gobble them up like treats.

Have you been bathing her? Too much bathing can dry the skin, but if you haven't bathed her, you could try giving her a bath with a moisturizing, soothing shampoo such as oatmeal, and follow with a conditioner. If you don't have doggie conditioner, don't use the human kind as the pH is too low. Mix a tablespoon of vegetable oil (coconut oil is ideal) into a gallon of warm water, and pour it over her.

If she is scratching herself raw, you can give over-the-counter Bendaryl. Ask your vet for the proper dosage.

Many dogs get dry skin during the winter when the air is dry due to home heating, so a humidifier in the home can help.

Is she going through a lot of shedding as well? If so, she may be getting ready to come into heat.

[doggiedad]

how about a bath usuing a natural
or organic shampoo. how often do you
brush her? what kind of treats and food
(brand and ingredients) are you feeding?

[GSDAK47]

Our home definitely is very dry so we did go ahead and buy a humidifier recently and have it in the room she sleeps in. She is fed California Natural Salmon and Pea formula and then treat wise lately she has been eating zukes chicken forumla and zukes peanut butter treats. I apologize for my ignorance but where should I look for the fish oil capsules? Grocery store, drug store etc.? Also how much fish oil, I know freestep you said 3 capsules per meal, but do you know a mg/ml size? I really appreciate all the responses. Finding this website has been a blessing

[onyx'girl]

I posted above, 2000mg of fish or oil(you can give as much as 4000mg) I prefer to give salmon because one of my dogs is sensitive to fish, and I don't exactly know which fish they are blending in some of the oils. The salmon or fish oil usually comes in 1000mg gelcaps. My dogs eat them readily.

I get my supplements at the grocery store, take advantage of BOGO's and try to get the better brands vs store brand.
You could also rotate coconut oil(tablespoon per feeding) if you don't want to give so much fish for the omega 3's(you are already feeding a fish based diet)
Definitely look into adding C...it is so beneficial!

[Freestep]

You can find fish oil capsules at the grocery, health food, or drugstore. I get mine at Costco, they are 1000 mg per capsule.