Skip to content

Dry flaky Skin

Basenji Health Issues & Questions
  • Hello All,
    I have a 7 year old Basenji named Lily, that has extremly dry skin. I have tried switching her food within the brand from the small dog formula to the Lamb and Rice and I have had no success. (I buy her Iams) I have also had her thyroid tested and the Vet says no problems there. I have tried fish oil and using a topical spray no success. At this point obviously, I am not sure what to do about her dry skin. I need to get it taken care of quickly because she is currently unable to use any flea products due to having very little oil in her skin to pick up the product, not to mention that she is uncomfortable. If anyone has had this problem I would love to hear your advice on the subject. Thank you very much.

  • She most likely right now is spending much time in the house and your heater is running making the air dry. You may not be using enough fish oil. I give mine 540 mg EPA a day. Look on the back of the label. Take her weight and multiply by 20. So Buddy is 27 lbs x 20 = 540 mg of EPA. I found this formula from a qualified vet in CO that found her patients were not getting any results because the dosage was too low. Give it a try and see in a few weeks if she has gotten better. You can't over dose on fish oil anyway. Also brushing the coat helps stimulate the oil glands as well.

  • Was there a full thyroid panel done? Usually in a general blood workup, it is not a full panel. Also, low normal for a Basenji is too low, what did the results show.

    Also you might want to consider changing foods. She could very easily have food allergies. You might want to try a food with no grains, maybe something like Duck and Potato (Natural Balance) or a pure protein food like Evo.

    You might also try a supplement called 3V caps, I have had good luck with these and here is a link to just one place that has them… you can seach the internet for good prices.
    http://www.1800petmeds.com/3V+Caps-prod2841-2841.html

  • Thank you very much! I will look into this, again thank you.

  • @rj1076:

    (I buy her Iams)

    That could be part of the problem. I'm not a fan of Iams. However, that said, try a capsule of fish oil daily. The experts can tell you dosage.

    Ms. Tanza posted this link in another thread. Perhaps you will find it useful:

    http://www.dogfoodanalysis.com/dog_food_reviews/

  • One thing that came to my mind:
    At our vet clinic we sell Science Diet. They have a sensitive skin formula. I find all of their foods to be made in mind of the animals needs and it is highly recommended by our veterinarians. Although it might be more costly..

    More info on the food
    http://www.hillspet.com/hillspet/products/productDetails.hjsp?HillsProductCode=SD_K9_D_adt_NA_o_O_SKIN_orig_USARG

Suggested Topics

  • Dry skin and fur

    Basenji Health Issues & Questions
    13
    0 Votes
    13 Posts
    3k 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
  • Dry, flaky skin

    Basenji Health Issues & Questions
    17
    0 Votes
    17 Posts
    5k Views
    D
    @prasadvaze There are wipes which you can use instead of baths, I imagine most of them neutralize odors and have a fresh scent. Perhaps try those? Mine have always had no detectable smell except after I bath them, then they smell “doggy” for a day or so. Here are a couple of ones I looked up but I have never tried any. https://www.chewy.com/natures-miracle-spring-waters/dp/108468 https://www.chewy.com/tropiclean-deep-cleaning-deodorizing/dp/128836 What kind of smell / odor?
  • 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.
  • Flakey skin…

    Basenji Health Issues & Questions
    19
    0 Votes
    19 Posts
    8k Views
    M
    Hi All, Thought i'd give you a little update! My lil lady had her food changed from Eukanuba medium pup to Royal Canin Mini (she's a very small basenji and doubt she'll get bigger than 10k when fully grown so thought this one best) I also bought her a Pet Head shampoo 'Royal Treatment' with oatmeal and aloe. She loves her new food and never leaves a crumb now, has a bath once every two weeks (instead of every week) and has a treat of sardines or yogurt every couple of days. Her skin is much better, little flaking and her coat looks much better now. Thank you guys for all the advice!
  • Dry Dog Foods

    Basenji Health Issues & Questions
    2
    0 Votes
    2 Posts
    2k Views
    S
    I use the Life Abudance and alternate between Paula Newmans. My dogs love it. Their coats look great. I totally support both of those dog foods.
  • Scratching and Bare Skin

    Basenji Health Issues & Questions
    7
    0 Votes
    7 Posts
    3k Views
    MaxBooBooBearM
    A visit to the vet will be worthwhile. Skin problems can be difficult to resolve. My two actually have a dermatologist now that my vet referred me to to try to figure out why their skin isn't clearing up after two months of treatment. My regular vet did skin scrapings to check for things like mites (which they don't have). Mine are getting more skin scrapings next week to be cultured to see what exact bacteria is there and check for something like ringworm.