Dog question...

[qtwns]

Can changing a dog's food from regular to "less active" formula affect their skin? One of my dogs is a "full-figured gal" and my vet told me to change her food to a light formula with less fat. Her skin is now dry and flaky (after a week+ of being on the food.) Also the pollen around here is horrible (Atlanta) and someone mentioned to me yesterday that her dog has really bad allergies to the pollen. So, now this has me thinking. My dog has never had this problem, and it does not seem to be bothering her at all. She's a Pit/Boxer mix. She is a pampered house dog with a great yard to play in and our other dog (a lab mix) to play with. I don't think it is enough of a big deal to take her to the vet (yet). Any ideas?

 

[Crankyshank]

It's possible, but it depends on the dog and the food. Did you try switching brands? Mine were switched to a weight control formula and have had no skin problems.
Your dog might have an allergy to something in the new food. I would make an appointment with the vet just to rule out mites or anything else that might be causing the skin issues. There's tons of supplements both natural and medication for skin issues, and I do know oatmeal baths help.

Good luck!

 

[AKL_Megs]

You just add a little mineral oil to their food, and it should help with the skin, that's what our vet said.

 

[hiwaygal]

You might want to have your dog checked for hypothyroidism.

One of my dogs, Sally, is hypothyroid and had a weight issue so I've always fed a "weight management" formula. Lately though, I had to change her food again because of an illness.

Hypothyroidism often has "skin issues" as a symptom (along with weight and "attitude").

Now I have her on Wellness Weight Management (dry) and Hi-Tor Reduso (can). She's almost at normal weight (it's taken awhile) but she too is having lots of flakies right now.

Part of it is the effect of the poor functioning thyroid. Part of it is the lack of fat in her food. And, part of it is the time of year (it's getting warmer here and she's shedding her winter coat).

Be VERY careful with the mineral oil. It's also a laxative and can cause lots of problems with runny poop. Another alternative might be a few drops of olive oil or even get some linatone from Petsmart (or wherever you get your pet supplies). You might also consider adding some eggs or tuna (in oil) or salmon to her diet.

Brushing her daily might help some of it too...brushing encourages the production of the natural oils in a dogs coat.

No matter what you do, it might take awhile 'til you see a big difference.

 

[qtwns]

Oh my...I can see her now getting brushed after her oatmeal bath anticipating some olive oil drizzled on her food, or better yet tuna packed in oil--she doesn't have any attitude problems now, but I can see a diva in the making! Thanks for all the replies and great advice. Y'all are awesome, and I feel like I have a few options to try and some other possible things to be aware of.

 

[Magickndm]

Yes, the food can affect their skin. I give my guy something called "Missing Link", has all sorts of good stuff in it, you just sprinkle it in the food. His coat is beautiful.
The Missing Link® food supplements are formulated with the highest quality, all-natural whole foods, "superfoods" and herbs carefully chosen for their nutrient profile and synergistic effects. The formula is rich in flaxseed, the richest vegetable source of Omega-3, providing 1000 mg per tablespoon, plus lignans, protein, and fiber. In addition, the formula delivers "living molecules" naturally occurring in whole foods, and often "missing" from our diets, such as enzymes, friendly bacteria, and phytonutrients (disease-fighting, health-benefiting, naturally-occurring plant molecules such as pectin, carotenoids, glucarates, flavonoids, terpenes, liminoids, lycopenes, coumarins, and phenolic acids). The Missing Link® comes in a powder which is added to the your pet's food
http://www.petrx.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=170

 

[Chicago526]

When I got my MIssy at age 2, she had dry skin. I had the groomer give her an oatmeal bath and that helped a ton, and I haven't had to give her one since then. Once her skin recovered it seemed to stay healthy on it's own.

Also, I give my dog a can of tuna now and again as a treat, and that always makes her coat more shiney for awhile, I'd imagine it helps her skin too. Vet says it's a great treat too, the oil in the fish is very healthy for a varity of reasons.

 

[mackeysmom]

Hi -

I had switched my cat to a "less active" formula and within about a year he was diagnosed with feline diabetes. After doing research, I found out that the carb count of the less active food was sky-high. While it may not have single-handedly caused his diabetes, it certainly contributed to it. My vet said it was the human equivilent of a pasta/bread/potato diet.

I don't know if it is the same for dogs, but you might want to do some Internet research on the ingredients before you switch.

-- Laura