Question:
We have an 18-month-old golden retriever named Bentley, who has a skin condition that causes huge dandruff-like flakes all over his body. The flaking seems not to bother him -- he doesn't itch or scratch abnormally -- but following him around the house with a vacuum cleaner is getting a bit overwhelming. So far, we've tried two special shampoos from the vet, brushing him daily, bathing him every other day, giving him vitamin E tablets, extra-strength Denorex people shampoo, changing his diet -- everything. He's currently eating Pro-Plan chicken adult dog food (which he likes); we've also tried Wellness (which he refuses to eat). Our vet says he might grow out of this condition. But if it's in his genes, he might not. With two other dogs and cats in the house, cooking special meals is out of the question. Is there anything else we can do to help our flaky Bentley?.
B.J.McA., Nokesville, Va Nov 20, 2005
Answer:
Excessive production of dry, rather than oily, dandruff could mean your young dog has an idiosyncratic (individually unique) nutritional need that regular, balanced dog food does not satisfy. Your veterinarian should consider testing supplements such as flaxseed oil, vitamin A, zinc and selenium. A weekly shampoo with a product containing selenium (like Selsun Blue) may also help. The possibility of early onset of hypothyroidism should be considered, too.
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