my dog, a lab/terrier mix 18m old. Has dry skin and scratches all the time. I have tried all kinds of shampoo HELP

Food allergies can cause itching. Corn is a very common allergy for dogs and it is used in a lot of pet foods, especially those sold in the supermarket.

I would try an elimination diet. Start with corn. If that doesn’t help, try another ingredient. I do really well on grain free food and raw meat but every dog is different.

My person once had a dog that was terribly allergic to corn but was happy with a wheat-based food. (Many dogs are allergic to wheat, but not Elmo) Note, the best foods have a named meat and named meat meal in the first 5 ingredients. They don’t contain digest or byproducts. You may need to get the food at the pet store or feed store, not the market.

You could also try to find a vet that specializes in skin troubles or just get a second opinion since your current vet can’t seem to figure out the problem.
Good Luck

Fritz answered on 9/2/09. Helpful? / 0

Do your best to get rid of the dust mites! Vacuum and dust, keep the dog's bed very clean. UNDER the covering you could use **Food Grade** diatomaceous earth as a dust to kill mites as well. It is very drying and best not to let it contact your dog directly.

Diet. Dry skin means hydration isn't there. I would float the kibble to force more water into the dog. Add a good quality of fish oil to the diet. Be sure the food has enough high quality meat protein to build up the skin and immune system.

To keep the build up of environmental allergens down you don't have to use shampoo. A rinse with warm water will not remove much of those skin oils but remove allergens. I think the Eqyss Microtek shampoo helps my itchy dog as well. Medicated shampoos can work wonders or be complete duds as the right one depends on why the dog itches.

So my last suggestion is try another vet. Itchy skin is a huge quality of life issue, find a more helpful vet.

Sassy answered on 9/2/09. Helpful? / 0

Dust mite allergies are very difficult to control. Changing food isn't the answer. Aster had problems. Under the care of some of the top vets inthe country, she continued her Pro Plan. Benedryl and Pregnisone helped a great deal.

Bathing usually adds to dry skin and itching. Instead brush her every day with a soft bristled brush. Aster never had a bath the last 5 years of her life, but never had an odor problem.

Aster answered on 9/2/09. Helpful? / 0

I don't agree with the Vet at all. If she has an allergy to dust mites no amount of shampoo will help. Washing just makes a dogs skin drier which adds to the itchy, dry, flaky skin problem.
The solution to dust mite allergies is the same for any species: Get the mites under control.
Reduce soft surfaces as much as possible.
No carpet, washable bedding, vacuum sofas, and other non washable surfaces weekly. Spray with products that help control dust mite allergens.
? Did the Vet do a skin scraping? Does she have a rash? "Pimples" on her belly, armpits? Where is the hair loss? Bug bites on her belly or nose?
Not all skin scrapings reveal parasites, as Pamela can attest to. It was hard to tell she had a parasite because of all the scratch marks.

Pamela - Adopted!!!! answered on 9/3/09. Helpful? / 0