My Lab has dandruff... Need Advise.
 

My wife wanted me to post a question regarding our 1.5 year old black lab, Nitro. He has a bit of dandruff right now, and my wife was wondering if you guys had any suggestions on how to get rid of it.

I think the dry skin is because of the dry heat of the house. He is an inside dog. Somebody told me to feed him eggs, but we haven't fed him people food and I really didn't plan on it.

What's your take on the situation?

RE: My Lab has dandruff... Need Advise.
 

It's possible that dry air might have some effect, but not likely.

What brand of food do you feed? - And which variety of that food (protein and fat %)?

How often does the dog get a bath? How often do you brush him? What kind of brush do you use?

RE: My Lab has dandruff... Need Advise.
 

I am having much of the same problem. My black lab is also throwing up bile about every 4 or 5 days. I have heard that the dandruf and puking could be the effects of an allergic reaction to the brand of food?!? Anyone else having or had similar issues?

My dog eats Science Diet Lamb and Rice brand. Gets a bath about once a month and brushed about the same. Any ideas?

RE: My Lab has dandruff... Need Advise.
 

I feed my lab eggs and she has no difficulties and no dandruff. Before feeding her eggs she was a walking snow-storm.

RE: My Lab has dandruff... Need Advise.
 

Dad's (not exactly sure of the details of the food).

I don't know if my wallet can handle the really expensive food, but if that's what it'll take.

He gets a bath probably once a month. Brushed maybe once or twice a month. I use a fine tooth comb. Not quite a flea brush.

RE: My Lab has dandruff... Need Advise.
 

Why don't you try a tablespoon of margarine a day added to her food. You should see a difference in about 2 to 3 weeks. You could even use Canola oil. Also you might check her teeth. I have bought two dogs from different people over the years who were feeding IAMs and their teeth looked lik they were on a chocolate diet. Maybe it was just a coincidence but for the price you pay for it the teeth should stay in better condition. Also was probably just another coincidence but both these dogs had bad dander and were outside dogs.

RE: My Lab has dandruff... Need Advise.
 

Pawhunter....DocE hit the nail on the head. This is most likely a food problem. Don't simply start adding supplements. If your food is so lacking it causes skin problems, it most likely is lacking in other areas as well. Switch to a premium food asap. Diamond, Premium Edge, Purina Pro Plan, Exceed, all of these are of high quality and should take care of the problem. Allow 2-3 weeks for the coat to show improvement.

One more thing...I can assure you, SD is NOT the quality food people are led to believe it is (by vets).

Good luck,

Rick

RE: My Lab has dandruff... Need Advise.
 

Could be a lot of things. It may be that your dog needs a fatty acid supplement. If he stratches alot it could be fleas, lice, or mites. Also maybe the shampoo or bathing too frequently. Go to this site and do a search for dandruff. If you do decide to switch foods do the change over a period 5-10 days to avoid upset stomach and give it time, at least a month or two to before evaluating any changes in the coat.

www.peteducation.com

RE: My Lab has dandruff... Need Advise.
 

We REALLY need to know what the dog is currently eating.

Actually "expensive" food doesn't cost hardly any more than cheap food -- this is because of the amount that the dog needs to eat. If a food costs $0.50 a pound and you have to feed two pounds a day, it comes out to $1.00 a day. If a food costs $1.00 a pound, and you only have to feed one pound a day, it still comes out to $1.00 a day. Plus, with a premium food, there is much less poop to clean up and the dog is getting much more complete nutrition without having to add supplements.

I feed my dog Eagle Pack Power Formula. It costs me $35.xx for a 40 lb bag. But I only have to feed him 3 to 3.5 cups a day (depends on how much he's working and how cold it is).

RE: My Lab has dandruff... Need Advise.
 

Good post. Thanks for sharing the information. S

RE: My Lab has dandruff... Need Advise.
 

Does the dog have any doggie odor at all? If so that could mean she possibly has a skin infections that is treatable with antibiotics.

If she doesn't smell bad::::

I had the same problem with my lab and when I took her to the vet, he suggested fatty acid supplements too. It worked great!! Now she is as shiny as a newly shine black boot!!!!! Now we just put a tablespoon of corn oil in one of her meals daily. Does as good as the supplements, but is a whole lot cheaper.

RE: My Lab has dandruff... Need Advise.
 

OK,does anybody read any of the consumer reports? Pedigree was #2 and Ol' Roy was #1. My vets have all recommended Pedigree. However after reading Consumer Report and comparing ingrediants on the bags, Ol' Roy came out on top. Had Somewhat the same problem with my three Chocolates and added VitaBites to their diets and all is well. VitaBites are available at Wal-Mart and contain all the extra fatty acids need for a labs skin and coat. Give it a shot for a month. Take a before and after pic and you will definately see the difference. Got some pics from the house the other day (I'm still in Iraq) and my babies look as healthy as can be. You can actually see the flash reflected in their coats.

RE: My Lab has dandruff... Need Advise.
 

I could tell a difference after just a week with the condition of my black lab's coat. And everyone that sees her asks me "how do you keep her so shiny?" It is the supplements for sure!!:)



:)Hey Mo.....sorry to hear that you are in Iraq!! Are you stationed at Pope AFB or Ft.Bragg? My son is at Pope.

RE: My Lab has dandruff... Need Advise.
 

Huntress,
Bragg. This is my third time here. Made it in '90-91, this past Feb-May, and again from Sep until maybe April. All with the Eighty-Deuce. Maybe the third time will be the charm. I know that my old dog is missing me. The kids say she spend most of the day in my chair licking the arm. Maybe that's where I spilled my hot cocoa!!!!!!!!