Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 7/22/2006

Question
we have four irish setters one of them is a show champion who always ends up with some skin problem like right now he has dry flaky skin and has lost most of his lovley coat,this happens often some times one of the other dogs get it but not as bad as him plus he lives indoors we have no carpets inside. his food includes dry as well as home cooked food please help as we cannot see him like this. we apply the frontline plus for flea and tick control but this has happen before we started using it.

Answer
Flaky skin may mean either infection or fatty acid deficiency.  IF there is an infection that flakes, the vet will need to look at the dog to see why and what antibiotic can be given.  If it is a dietary oil problme, then adding Omega 3 fatty acids to the diet every day will help.  This may take 30-45 fdays before you see an effect.

Shampooing the skin and coat with a good antibacterial/antiseborrheic shampoo (like DermaPet's DermaBenSS Benzoyl Peroxide Shampoo) twice a week will help to remove this dry skin scale. Check them at www.dermapet.com