My Shih Tzu has dry skin, dandruff, allergies. What remedies help?

Hi there and thank you for using pet coach! In my experience, I've not seen coconut oil do much to relieve inflammation and allergies. I would instead recommend that you use a shampoo such as Douxo PS calm shampoo and bathe twice weekly. You can find this shampoo easily online. I would also recommend using welactin omega 3 fish oil and essential 6 spot on by dermoscent. Malacetic conditioning spray can also be used and applied to the affected area 2 to 3 times per day until resolved. All of the above recommended products can be found online. If this does not help then I would consider prescription medications such as Apoquel or Cytopoint, both of which are prescription drugs that will need to be prescribed by Sherry's veterinarian.

Hi there and thank you for using pet coach. Regular lotion is not the best idea because of added chemicals and other products that can harm the skin or dry it out. I recommend using a shampoo such as Douxo PS calm shampoo to help strengthen the skin and prevent dandruff. I also recommend using essential 6 spot on by dermoscent and welactin omega 3 fish oil capsules. I would bathe with the shampoo twice weekly. All of these can be found online quite easily. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns.

You can try a fish oil supplement, such as EicosaCaps or DermCaps. They may be more effective than coconut or EVOO. Use a humidifier in your home if you live in an arid climate. Lastly, have Damien physically examined by your veterinarian to diagnose any underlying medical causes. Certain endocrine disorders can lead to skin issues as can infection (bacterial, fungal or parasites).

A part from treating with effective and appropriate prescription medications, some supplement based on omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and vitamins could be beneficial. Coatex could be a good product.

Hello. The problem with using oils on the coat is the residual greasiness. If you want to use something, use a leave-in conditioner made for dogs, either post bathing, or one of the mousse rub in ones. The best way to get oils into the coat is to feed Arjun omega 3 fatty acids, so a good fish oil supplement daily. I would administer 1 000-1200 mg capsule twice daily & in a couple of weeks, his coat should start looking a little better. The longer you give it, the better it will work. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is possibly due to skin allergies mostly due to the fact that it started after moving. Adding fish oil can be considered regardless to help with the dry skin. You can use the commercial kind for dogs. There are many things that can cause allergies though in most cases they can be broken down into 3 big categories: flea, food and environmental allergies. Allergies are usually worked up in a stepwise fashion starting with flea allergies as this is the easiest and cheapest to take care of. If not on a flea preventative, then it would be a good idea to get started on one. If already on one then it would be a good idea to change to something else (there are many new products out in the market). If not improved in 1-3 months then it is time to move on and check for food allergies by switching to a novel diet (new protein and new carbohydrate). If that does not seem to be the issue then you are left out having to check for environmental allergies which require blood and/or skin tests. Allergies can be very frustrating to deal with at first but so rewarding at the end when we are able to treat them effectively!

You should treat Jojo for fleas and mites just in case. Your veterinarian may have specific recommendations for your local location so you might check with them. Simparica will kill both fleas and mites (off label). allergies and dry skin can also make pets itchy. Use a food like Royal Canin as it is good for skin. A doggie omega 3 fatty acid is also good for dry skin. A visit to your vet is also helpful as they can provide medications for itching and perhaps determine if parasites are present. Best of luck and please feel free to post any additional questions.