Skip to content
Basenji Forums
  1. Home
  2. Basenji Health Issues & Questions
  3. Fur on the edge of his ear is coming off (and some dry skin)…

Fur on the edge of his ear is coming off (and some dry skin)…

Basenji Health Issues & Questions
  • A

    Our pup Ernest has had some dry skin issues in the past. We've started giving him 1 capsule's worth of fish oil daily which seems to have curbed his "dandruff" issue, but recently I noticed some very dry skin inside his ears. That peeled (like after a sun burn) but now the fur along the edge of his ear is coming out a little bit.

    Anyone have ideas for causes and/or remedies?
    attachment_t_16326_0_img_4805.jpg
    attachment_t_16326_1_img_4806.jpg
    attachment_t_16326_2_img_4807.jpg
    attachment_t_16326_3_img_4808.jpg

    0
  • eeeefarmE

    Is he outside a lot? Flies can cause problems at the tips of the ears. Dry skin could be diet.

    "In order to get along with a Basenji, you have to be at least half as smart as the dog!"

    0
  • A

    He's not outside a ton as he goes to daycare most days. We're also in NYC where nature isn't terribly invasive.

    I posted on two facebook groups I follow as well and the answers have ranged from "winter ear" which seems like no big deal to vasculitis which (if you believe the hype) will soon have his skin falling off, zombie-style.

    We'll probably swing by the vet this week to be sure, but I've been rubbing some vitamin E oil on his ears for the last 36 hours and it's already looking better.

    0
  • eeeefarmE

    Are any other dogs at his daycare showing similar problems? Could he have picked something up from another dog? Also, there are lots of possible allergens that could affect him seasonally. The vet will hopefully have some answers.

    "In order to get along with a Basenji, you have to be at least half as smart as the dog!"

    0
  • R

    This is just a case of "winter ear".
    Sometimes it's caused by being inside all winter long with low humidity
    in other words a too warm house.
    A warm bath and some baby oil on the tips usually clears it up.

    0
  • DebraDownSouthD

    Since the edges of the ears is often the starting place for mange, I would definitely let a vet scrape and make sure.

    Debra

    0
  • R

    A waste of good money.
    I have had 39 years with basenjis,my guess is that in that 39 years I have seen this
    MANY times. Never is it mange.

    0
  • DebraDownSouthD

    Just a thought on assuming your experiences are the only one, I have never had a dog in my 58 years of life with "winter ear", but I am intelligent enough not to assume that means that isn't it. And I also don't consider finding out what is wrong with your pet to be a "waste of money."

    Doing rescue, I have seen mange more times than I care to remember. But scraping can reveal other issues also. So if it clears up, fine. If it seems to be taking too long or not totally healing, more than worth the money.

    But let's let vets give you the list of causes:
    http://www.merckvetmanual.com/pethealth/dog_disorders_and_diseases/ear_disorders_of_dogs/disorders_of_the_outer_ear_in_dogs.html

    Debra

    0

Suggested Topics

  • dres_actuallyD

    Dry skin and fur

    Basenji Health Issues & Questions
    13
    0 Votes
    13 Posts
    4k Views
    ZandeZ
    @prasadvaze The body odour would suggest to me there is something being ingested that his body doesn't approve of. I would change his diet to something grain free to start with and I would also talk to a vet who is experienced with Basenjis. Not just any vet. Find one who knows our breed and is prepared to research your problem relative to Basenjis
  • O

    Stains in Ear

    Basenji Health Issues & Questions
    9
    0 Votes
    9 Posts
    6k Views
    DebraDownSouthD
    @tanza: IMO this is just skin pigment… if it is not bothering her... would not be worried Except >> l the surface is a bit rougher than the other parts<< … which definitely fit Arwen's condition and was not just skin pigment changes.
  • wizardW

    Super dry skin

    Basenji Health Issues & Questions
    6
    0 Votes
    6 Posts
    4k Views
    TimesthemythT
    Olive oil works very quickly; cleared up my dogs dry skin in less than two weeks (though I put it in food) and is relatively cheap. Three table spoons a week I think is what vets have recommended. The high fat can cause some laxative issues though. You don't likely need fish [cod] oil after that, though if you have a decent fish source….never hurts as a supplement. Especially salmon. If you're neurotic about your dog's health [ as there is some controversy surrounding Olive oil], and wanting to pull out all the stops, just go straight for the fish oil.
  • wizardW

    Skin irritation

    Basenji Health Issues & Questions
    3
    0 Votes
    3 Posts
    2k Views
    O
    Spencer gets that on his thighs sometimes in the summer. I thought it was a heat rash, but maybe he's been around prickly stuff in the yard. I rub a little lotion on it, and he seems to think that's the equivalent of a doggy massage. I watch him to make sure he doesn't lick it off, and the red is usually gone in a day.
  • E

    Fur loss

    Basenji Health Issues & Questions
    6
    0 Votes
    6 Posts
    9k Views
    KipawaK
    @YodelMa: … and supplement generously with fresh Omega 3 ...with a quality Omega 3 supplement–the good stuff isn't cheap, but everyone remarks on my pack's shiny coats. Plus it's an anti-inflammatory, helps keep them young & healthy. As sighthounds, B's have less oily skin that's prone to dryness in winter climates! YodelMa - can I ask you what the brand is of the Omega 3 and where you get it (I'm in B.C.)? When it comes to my Kipawa, I'll pass on my lattes to make sure he gets products that are quality.
  • youngandtiredY

    Dry Skin!

    Basenji Health Issues & Questions
    3
    0 Votes
    3 Posts
    3k Views
    jessi76J
    you could use olive oil, also fish oil works very well, and flaxseed oil is yet another. there are other supplements you could add for a better coat too, minerals and vitamins. I'm fond of sea meal - contains minerals, vitamins, amino acids, and flaxseed meal. you should find out if it's truly just dry skin though. sometimes it can be cleared up w/ just a change in food.