Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 10/8/2008

Question
I have a 11 month old english bulldog who has one tear stain under his left eye.  I try to keep it clean and dry but lately it looks like it is getting raw.  What can I do?  Also how do I get him to take his fish oil pills?  He takes benedryl just fine.

Answer
First, Benadryl is not very helpful for much in dogs.  The tear staining can be helped by using vaseline in the folds.  THat will keep the skin dry.  If there is staining, then there are MALACETIC wipes that can be used to decrease the staining.  Fish oil comes in many forms including capsules, crumbles, squirt bottles of liquid, and in many foods that say that they help skin.