Dear Sir or Madam:

My three-year-old Airedale is very itchy. He has what appears to be dandruff on his back. I have him trimmed regularly and I bath him every two weeks with Lactaderm Shampoo. My vet doesn't have any ideas, nor does the dog-groomer. I hate to see him itchy, because it has made him a bit nervous. Is there anything you could suggest to solve this problem? If not I shall have to try acupuncture or reiki or seances.

Sincerely,

Mel O'Brien
Lissane Lower
Drimoleague
Cork
Ireland

melobrien@ireland.com

(353) 028 31965

Try switching to a hypoallergenic diet and supplementing with a capsule of Oil of Evening Primrose daily for a few weeks and see if there is any improvement.

Has your vet taken a skin scrape for analysis to see if there are any mites etc..? There are so many reasons for problem skin it can be difficult to find the right remedy quickly.

Good Luck

Hi Mel,

I don't know what Lactaderm is but could bathing him every two weeks be part of the problem - not giving his natural oils chance to reassert themselves.

I have used Evening primrose oil on the outside of the dogs as well as the inside - breaking the capsules and rubbing it in to good effect.

My dogs have sometimes got dandruffy if they are a bit stressed - fine at home, all polished and clean - get to a show and around the back and neck appear lots of flecks.

Christine

Try stoping all external methods and try changing his food it should only take 2 to 3 weeks to show improvement if it is going to, if not try something else. If it were mine I would give 3 piriton a day for the first week to help break the scratching habit. If you decide to do this you may wish to clear it with your vet first, as I am not qualified to tell you what medication to give you dog. JH