Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 8/20/2005

Question
Hello Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf,
   I have a 10 month old Border Collie and all she does lately is stratch and lick herself. I have heard that you can put a certain type of oil in their food. Is that true and if so what oil would I use? If you have any suggestion to get her to stop please respond A.S.A.P

Thanks
John

Answer
The oil is an Omega3 fatty acid supplement.  The one that I use is called Eicosaderm (www.dermapet.com).  It takes 30-45 days to get the skin desensitized to stop some itchiness.  You should have the puppy checked by the vet to see if there is some reason for the itching that can be corrected or treated immediately.