AboutKim Wingate Expertise I can answer general questions about Poodles. My specific area of expertise is Standard Poodles, but I will answer all questions about Poodles and dog related questions if I can. If I can't answer your question, I will be able to find information or someone who can.
Experience I am a Dog Groomer and Dog Trainer, who has raised Standard Poodles for over 20 years. I can answer Housebreaking questions, Obedience questions, Grooming questions, Breeding questions, and General Dog questions.
Organizations I am a member of the AKC.
Education/Credentials I have worked at several Pet stores in my area, worked for a year as a Vet Tech, was an apprentice for a Dog Trainer, and have also worked at a Grooming/Showing kennel for several months. I have also raised, shown, trained, and groomed my own Standard Poodles for over 20 years.
Question I HAVE A TOY POODLE.HE SEEMS TO HAVE DRY HAIR AND ITCHING. IS BIL-JAC A GOOD DOG FOOD FOR HIM AND HIS SKIN,HAIR,ETC. HE WILL PULL OUT SOME HAIR ALSO. WHAT WOULD MAKE HIM GO AROUND IN A CIRCLE WITH HIS HEAD THROW BACK FOR SEVERAL MINS. THEN HE SEEMED DISORINATED BUT FINALLY GOT OVER IT. WAS IT A SEIZURE? THANKS SO MUCH. HAVE A GREAT DAY. BLESSINGS,TERESA
Answer Hello Teresa,
Most of the higher Pet Store foods are good quality for dogs and will help skin and coat. Try to get a dog food with the Omega 3 fish oils in them, and be a label reader, if it says good for the coat and skin feel free to give it a try. Science Diet, Nutro Max, Eukanuba, Iams, Bil-Jac, Chicken Soup for the Dog (yes they make a food now), are all very good dog foods for your dog.
Here is a diet that you might start him on that would help his coat and skin:
I would keep brushing your dog regularly to remove any dead hair that has already been shed out and to keep the hairballs from getting all over your house. You should also supplement his food with Vitamins and Minerals that will help with hair growth and regrowth. I went on a search and found these Vitamins and Minerals listed below that will help your dog. These are for people, but dogs do good on them as well. Just stay away from the Onions as they are toxic to dogs, but everything else is ok.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Taking omega-3 has proven to be good for your health in many different areas, but it also aids in feeding hair roots. Think of it as fertilizer so to speak. Your scalp will also benefit from omega-3. You'll find gel caps of omega-3 wherever vitamins are sold. They make an excellent supplement. Natural sources that provide omega-3 fatty acids include Tuna, Sardines and Salmon.
Protein
Your hair is made up in a large part, from protein. So, in order to continue having a healthy head of hair, you need to eat fruits, vegetables, nuts, brown rice, and other foods containing protein. This will go a long way in preventing your hair from falling out.
Cysteine
A big ingredient of protein is the amino acid, cysteine. It does good things for your hair, as well as detoxify your entire body. You can get cysteine from eating foods such as nuts, meat, fish, egg yolks, and even garlic.
Vitamin A and C
Both of these important vitamins can help in preventing hair loss. They can be found in green vegetables, fruits, carrots, broccoli as well as melons.
Vitamin B
All of your B complex vitamins can aid in growing hair and keeping it healthy. You can find vitamin B in milk, meats, and some fish.
All of these vitamins and minerals can be found in different foods, but you can also take them in pill form. By using a combination of both you may discover that hair loss is becoming a thing of the past.
Your best bet would be to make up a "topping" for your dogs dry kibble that consists of:
1 lb Hamburger or Turkey Burger (70-30 because of higher fat content)
1/2 lb Spinach
1 can Sardines in Olive Oil or 1/2 can of Salmon (use the oil of the sardines and blend it with the Spinach to make a juice)
2 eggs scrambled
1 Apple Blended (or you can use 1/2 cup of Applesauce)
1/2 tsp Garlic powder
1/2 cup brown rice, cooked using chicken broth for better flavor
1 grated carrot
1/2 cup Cottage Cheese
1/2 package of Knox unflavored Gelatin will also help as it contains Keratin, which is what hair and nails are made out of.
Mix these ingredients together and add to your dogs dry food. He will most likely love it and think he is getting a treat. This mixture should last you about a week in a sealed container. If your dog isn't interested in eating this mixture, try lowering the amount of or removing the greens. Some dogs don't like the taste.
Be sure to give your dog at least 4 weeks on this diet to see if its helping or not.
This recipe is for a large dog, so go ahead and half it if desired.
I hope that this helps you some. If you have other questions, please feel free to ask.
