Dry Skin - Now on New Food
 

Hi there. I noticed in the beginning of the summer that Epsilon had horrible dry skin and he absolutely loves it when we scratch him. The dandruff the he has breaks my heart.

Anyway, at first I thought it might be the hair conditioning spray I was using on him, so I stopped using it. I thought there was improvement, but there wasn't. I use an oatmeal formula shampoo and conditioner (by John Paul Pet), so I doubt that is irritating his skin.

I have been feeding him Royal Canine Yorkshire Terrier and after doing some research on YT, discovered that corn was a common allergy, and RC has corn meal very high on the ingredient list. So today I bought him Innova Evo. I was very impressed with the ingredient list, and he loves it! I have been contemplating raw feeding, but don't think it is something I can deal with at this time in my life.

How long will it take to know if this is improving his skin situation? I would think at least a month. I'm hoping he has a food allergy and that this takes care of it. I feel very bad for him.

Epsilon's hair was almost to the ground, but it was beginning to not look as nice because of his dry skin and us scratching him a lot. He had a lot of breakage so I cut his hair :( I miss his long hair a lot and can't wait for his skin to get better so I can grow it out again. He is 1 yr old (his birthday was on the 1st).

We just moved to CO and I don't have a vet yet. Is there even a way for a vet to do an allergy test on him to see if he's allergic to anything?

I was just discussing dry skin with another member. Putting Salmon oil on the food is very good for dry skin. Salmon Oil helps keep your dog's skin healthy! Healthy skin generally results in less itching and less shedding. You should try it. And...you are on the right track with the grain free. Just getting that baby off corn will improve his skin 100%. Innova Evo is a really good food. I fed mine that before, but they have skin issues with the beef, so I had to move on to a different grain free. Good luck to you!

it will take at least a month for you to notice a difference. You should be trying Fish oil and vitamin E (they basically work together). Also to give him relief try an oatmeal bath. Put some oatmeal in a nylon and tie it up and use it as a sponge on his body.... should help for a bit :)

Oh, I forgot to mention that I was giving him flax oil for a few months because I heard it was good for their skin. There was maybe slight improvement, but it didn't solve the issue.

Is the fish/salmon oil supposed to essentially do the same thing, or should I try the fish oil and ditch the flax oil?

well if there is no difference with the flax... i'd stop and try the fish oil...

Ok cool, I will. Now, should I wait a few weeks for his tummy to adjust to the new food before throwing in the oil, or is it safe to start giving it to him now?

Sorry for all the questions :) THANKS!

questions are good :)

i'd wait. her body is going to go through an adjustment with the foods... give her a few weeks and then bring in the oils.

Ok. Will do!

P.S. Epsilon's a boy =D

SO sorry... i do that a lot.. i have a girl so to me all dogs are initlaly girls until i'm told otherwise :p