Coat Problems-Any input appreciated - Page 3

DLS · 07-01-2008, 04:58 PM

As someone else mentioned, Low thyroid may be the cause of your dogs symptoms.
Quit bathing, it will only aggrevate the dryness to your dogs skin.
I find that a lot of Dobes skin improves on the Pro Plan Salmon as it is very high in Fat content. My new girl Koko had dry hair and skin, but after only 1 month on the pro plan, her coat is starting to shine.

shallwedance · 07-12-2008, 09:22 PM

Where do I get Showstopper? Thanks

Dobes&Hounds · 07-12-2008, 09:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shallwedance

Where do I get Showstopper? Thanks

Right here K9 Show Stopper by Animal Naturals

It's cheaper if you buy it in the combo packs. I got the show stopper and super fuel buckets, and for my older girl the young at heart and joint supplement. I'll tell ya what, they tried to DIG into the buckets when they arrived UPS. Good luck!

blbyj · 07-12-2008, 11:00 PM

My boy Diesel is doing the same thing with the thinning hair on the back but he also has scab like lumps also. he doesnt scratch them they just showed up. His coat is also flaky. Dont have a clue what it is.

katekev04 · 07-14-2008, 07:22 AM

Seasonal allergies will not always cause itching. According to my dermatologist low-normal thyroid will not cause skin problems.

DLS · 07-14-2008, 11:08 AM

Low thyroid itself does not cause skin problems. But, because of its overall effect on the immune system, secondary problems like skin infections, poor coat etc. can result.

katekev04 · 07-15-2008, 07:20 PM

DLS, I'm curious, if having a low normal thyroid would affect the immune system that badly, then why is it still in the normal range? The range they give is there so you won't see ill effects, fall below that range and now you'll see problems. Personally, I like all my hormone levels (people and canines) to be in the high normal range. And prefer to keep my dog in that area. Like I've said before normal yes, optimal no. I've been through to much with my red Dobies skin (the only red one I've owned) And low normal thyroid was never an issue. However I still supplement with thyroid. The majority of doctors don't see normal low as an issue, which I think is sad. Everyone, dogs and people SHOULD be in optimal level range regardless of age.

**BlackandTans** · 07-15-2008, 07:23 PM

My Mia has Thyroid problems that REALLY effected her skin. She broke out in what looked like big pimples all over her body... She has to take a pill twice a day for it forever.

We give raw eggs, fish oil, and when we give baths it is in a oatmeal based shampoo. Has really helped even my boy that is healthy but really dry.

**DreamDoby** · 07-15-2008, 11:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by katekev04

DLS, I'm curious, if having a low normal thyroid would affect the immune system that badly, then why is it still in the normal range? The range they give is there so you won't see ill effects, fall below that range and now you'll see problems. Personally, I like all my hormone levels (people and canines) to be in the high normal range. And prefer to keep my dog in that area. Like I've said before normal yes, optimal no. I've been through to much with my red Dobies skin (the only red one I've owned) And low normal thyroid was never an issue. However I still supplement with thyroid. The majority of doctors don't see normal low as an issue, which I think is sad. Everyone, dogs and people SHOULD be in optimal level range regardless of age.

I'm not DLS, but I think she meant low as in low thyroid. Not low normal. Anytime my dogs were tested and they came back low normal it was still in the normal limits, just the lower end of the scale. It is just a way for them to say it is normal, but on the lower end of normal just as high normal is normal but on the higher end of normal. IMHO, if it came back as that, I would continue to test again at a later date as I have. I would not supplement if it was in normal limits. Oversupplementation can cause just as many issues. If you choose to keep your otherwise normal limit dog on supplements and took them to the hyperthyroid category with the supplements, it can cause issues just the same. With a breed that already is predisposed with cardiac issues, I personally don't want to help it out with adding to it by pushing palpitations, ect and overstimulating the system.

chaos · 07-16-2008, 09:01 AM

I had Arthur's thyroid tested and it came back normal. The vet put him on another 3 weeks of antibiotics and an antihistamine. I have to bathe him twice a week with Chlorhexidrine and use Hylte sp? creme rinse. I have seen some improvement in his coat.