Dog Dandruff

[Hooli]

Our Staffy keeps getting what seems to be dandruff all over her back, a bath seems to get rid of it for a while but it always comes back. I'm thinking of bathing her in head & shoulders next time, any reason I shouldn't?

She also randomly gets lumps like hives on whichever side she's laid on, they seem to go in an hour or so & as far as I can tell she's not bothered by them. Any ideas what they are?

I'm suspecting these might be related as they are both skin issues.

[bexVN]

What do you bathe her in? Do you brush her thoroughly every day? What diet is she on? How old is she? Is she overweight? Is she spayed?

Lots of questions I know but they can help provide more useful answer.

And no do not use head and shoulders.

[Hooli]

bexVN said:

What do you bathe her in? Do you brush her thoroughly every day? What diet is she on? How old is she? Is she overweight? Is she spayed?

Lots of questions I know but they can help provide more useful answer.

And no do not use head and shoulders.

I'll quote that so I or I won't remember all the questions.

Dog shampoo that says it treats skin conditions too.
She tries to eat her brush so not brushed that often.
Dried food, can't recall the make.
She'll be seven on 27th Dec.
Not overweight & walked a few times a week, exercised everyday.
Yes she's spayed.

[bexVN]

If the shampoo is pet shop is poss too harsh. Try an Aloe and oatmeal shampoo, it is gentle, conditioning and good for the skin. Can also be used weekly if necessary.

Difficult if she doesn't like being brushed but worth trying to do as very good for the coat.

Dried food may contribute to skin issue. Knowing the name would be really useful.

Asked re weight as overweight dogs often struggle with skin issues.

Sometimes being spayed can affect skin but usually only if also overweight/ poor diet etc

[Hooli]

The food is 'Masters Choice' I've just checked.

She moults a lot too, so that's another thing brushing would help with. Mrs Hooli can get her to behave with a brush (she is her dog after all) but I've had no luck yet.

Thanks for the suggestions so far.

[bexVN]

I've had a look at what I assume is the same food (masters choice working dogs) it is not great. Cereal is top of the list which is a concern and a lot of additives. It is also very cheap, too cheap. It may be time for a change.

I always say if a dog is doing well on a food even if it is dirt cheap then ok it's probably ok to continue (so muscle mass, fitness, general appearance, no excess weight, not pooing for England etc etc) but if signs start too show such as poor coat condition than the food probably isn't right for your dog.

[Hooli]

Sounds like the right one & it is the cheapest one we know of. She's fine in every other way, but what your saying makes sense. I'll tell the missus we need to spoil our dog a bit more.

Thanks Ben.

[Hooli]

Just an update. Seems you were right Ben, she's much better now & seems happier in herself too

Thanks again.

[bexVN]

Glad to have been of help