which shampoo

After I give my dog a bath, I notice that he has dandruff. I've tried different shampoos, but they still don't work very well. He scratches a lot even when he doesn't have fleas. Does anyone know any great shampoos that would possibly make him stop scratching? If so where? The only pet stores I know where I live is Petco and Petsmart.
:?:

 

Sometimes dogs can have flakes that aren't noticeable until they are bathed, and what bathing does is stir them up and get them away from the skin surface to the top of the hair where you can see them.


Have you seen a vet about this? Some dogs are prone to dandruff and your vet may have dietary modification suggestions. You don't say how old your dog is or whether this is a new or ongoing problem. Flaky skin can be worse in the winter months in areas that are artificially heated.

You also might try an oatmeal shampoo, which you should be able to get from Petsmart or Petco. (There are so many brands out there and I don't know what the chains carry.) If that doesn't work (and be sure to give it a chance with multiple shampoos,) they may also sell a medicated shampoo which is used for flaky skin problems. These often do the trick. If they don't sell them at your chain, you can probably buy one from your vet. How often are you bathing your dog? With some shampoos you should be able to bathe as often as weekly, if need be, provided you rinse, rinse, rinse. But what you've been using may be too harsh. You also might try purchasing a coat conditioner which can help counter the drying affects of shampooing.

Good luck!

 

You can also try supplementing your dog's diet with omega-3. A good way to do this is to buy wild fish oil capsules or a liquid pump and put it on the food. Something like Missing Link supplements might also be a good idea. What are you feeding your dog?


Jamiya

 

Hey Jamiya,

where is a good place to get wild fish oil capsules??? Zeus has a dandruff problem, (milder now that I switched foods) but I would love to add that to his diet, for his skin and his coat.

 

In the summer months my dogs go swimming in the ocean 2 sometimes 3 times a week depending on my sched. The salt water would play havic on there skin & coats so I started trying different products to combat the flakeing. below are links to products that worked best for us, I'll also put them in order.

Flaxseed Oil,

Here the link to where I get mine but it can be found it anywhere just do a serch. http://www.solidgoldhealth.com/products ... 9&code=752

http://naturmix.com/pages/products/griz ... n_oil.html

http://www.k9power.com/glow.htm

 

Wild fish oil is better for your dog than flaxseed oil, because it is from an animal and not a plant (dogs being carnivorous and all).

You can get fish oil capsules at most health food stores. A good one in a liquid pump form is sold by Timberwolf Organics:

http://www.timberwolforganics.com/ccp51 ... ils_salmon

They have a new product coming out that is supposed to be even better, but I don't think it's available yet.


Jamiya

 

Thats a bold statement you just made, Have anything to back it up?

I personally dont think you do, however I'm willing to show you my research if you will show me your's!

The fact of the matter is I've used both products for years which is why I put up BOTH links.




Flaxseed is derived from the flax plant, an annual herb believed to have originated in Egypt. The ancient Egyptians used flaxseed for nutritional and medicinal purposes as well as the fiber contained in the flax plant to make clothes, fishnets, and other products. Throughout history, flaxseed has been primarily used as a mild laxative. It is high in fiber and a gummy material called mucilage. These substances expand when they come in contact with water, so they add bulk to stool and help it move more quickly through the gastrointestinal tract, thereby acting as a laxative for constipation.

The seeds and oil of the flax plant also contain substances that promote good health. Flaxseed and flaxseed oil are rich in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an essential fatty acid that appears to be beneficial for heart disease, inflammatory bowel disease, arthritis, and a variety of other health problems.

ALA belongs to a group of substances called omega-3 fatty acids. It is important to maintain an appropriate balance of omega-3 and omega-6 (another essential fatty acid) in the diet as these two substances work together to promote health. Omega-3 fatty acids help reduce inflammation and most omega-6 fatty acids tend to promote inflammation. An inappropriate balance of these essential fatty acids contributes to the development of disease while a proper balance helps maintain and even improve health. A healthy diet should consist of roughly two to four times more omega-6 fatty acids than omega-3 fatty acids. The typical American diet tends to contain 14 to 30 times more omega-6 fatty acids than omega-3 fatty acids and many researchers believe this imbalance is a significant factor in the rising rate of inflammatory disorders in the United States.

Studies suggest that flaxseed (both the ALA and the lignans in flaxseed) may play a role in the prevention and/or treatment of the health conditions that follow.

ALA/Omega-3 Fatty Acids from Flaxseed:

High cholesterol
People who follow a Mediterranean diet tend to have higher HDL ("good") cholesterol levels. The Mediterranean diet consists of a healthy balance between omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. It emphasizes whole grains, root and green vegetables, daily intake of fruit, fish and poultry, olive and canola oils, and ALA (from flaxseed, flaxseed oil, and walnuts), along with discouragement of ingestion of red meat and total avoidance of butter and cream.

High blood pressure
Several studies suggest that diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids (including ALA) lower blood pressure significantly in people with hypertension. Fish high in mercury (such as tuna which contains two other important omega-3 fatty acids, DHA and EPA) should be avoided, however, because they may increase blood pressure.



Heart disease
One of the best ways to help prevent and treat heart disease is to eat a low-fat diet and to replace foods rich in saturated and trans-fat with those that are rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats (including omega-3 fatty acids from flaxseed). Evidence suggests that people who eat an ALA-rich diet are less likely to suffer a fatal heart attack.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Some people with Crohn's disease (CD), one form of IBD, have low levels of omega-3 fatty acids in their bodies. Preliminary animal studies have found that ALA (such as from flaxseed) may reduce bowel inflammation, but further studies in humans are needed to confirm these findings.

Arthritis
Several studies suggest that omega-3 fatty acids reduce tenderness in joints, decrease morning stiffness, improve mobility, and allow for a reduction in the amount of medication needed for people with rheumatoid arthritis and, probably, osteoarthritis as well.



Depression
People who do not get enough omega-3 fatty acids or do not maintain a healthy balance of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids in their diet may be at an increased risk for depression.



Burns
Essential fatty acids have been used to reduce inflammation and promote wound healing in burn victims. Animal research indicates that omega-3 fatty acids help promote a healthy balance of proteins in the body -- protein balance is important for recovery after sustaining a burn. Further research is necessary to determine if this may apply to people as well.



Acne
Although there are few studies to support the use of omega-3 fatty acids for skin problems, many clinicians believe that flaxseed is helpful for treating acne.



Asthma
Preliminary research suggests that omega-3 fatty acids (including flaxseeds) may decrease inflammation and improve lung function in adults with asthma.

Menstrual Pain
In a study of nearly 200 Danish women, those with the highest dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids had the mildest symptoms during menstruation.

Eating disorders
Studies suggest that men and women with anorexia nervosa have lower than optimal levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids (including ALA and GLA – an omega-6 fatty acid). To prevent the complications associated with essential fatty acid deficiencies, some experts recommend that treatment programs for anorexia nervosa include PUFA-rich foods or supplements.

Other
Although further research is needed, preliminary evidence suggests that omega-3 fatty acids may also prove helpful in protecting against certain infections and treating a variety of conditions including ulcers, migraine headaches, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), preterm labor, emphysema, psoriasis, glaucoma, Lyme disease, lupus, and panic attacks.

Lignans from Flaxseed
In addition to the important omega-3 fatty acid ALA as outlined, flaxseed also contains a group of chemicals called lignans that may play a role in the prevention of cancer. Lignans are plant compounds that mimic the action of the hormone estrogen. For this reason, lignans are considered phyto (plant) estrogens. Because of their estrogen-like activity, there is some debate about whether flaxseed would be harmful or helpful for breast cancer. Studies are ongoing currently to resolve this debate.

Colon Cancer
Laboratory studies show that lignans may slow the growth of colon tumor cells, although the mechanism for this action is unclear. Flaxseed has been shown to significantly reduce the number of abnormal cell growths—early markers of colon cancer—in the colons of rats. Further studies are needed to determine whether flaxseed offers such protective effects against colorectal cancer in people.

Prostate Cancer
Researchers are investigating whether lignans in flaxseed help prevent prostate cancer. In one study that compared 25 men with prostate cancer to the same number of men without the disease, researchers found that men who consumed a low-fat, flaxseed-supplemented diet for one month had slower tumor progression than those who did not consume the diet. Further studies are needed to confirm these preliminary findings, however. This is particularly important because, like breast cancer, prostate cancer is hormone-responsive. Therefore, there is some question regarding whether the phytoestrogens from the lignans in flaxseed may actually stimulate growth of prostate cancer. More research is needed.

Skin Cancer
Animal studies suggest that lignans from flaxseed may also offer some protection against skin cancer including, possibly, the prevention of metastatic spread of melanoma from the skin to the lungs. Research in people is needed.

Menopause
The lignans in flaxseed may help alleviate menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and memory impairment. They may even help prevent some long-term illnesses associated with menopause such as heart disease and osteoporosis.


Fish Oils: The Essential Nutrients

by Hans R. Larsen, MSc ChE

There are good fats and there are bad fats. Artificially produced trans-fatty acids are bad in any amount and saturated fats from animal products should be kept to a minimum. The best fats or oils rather, since they are liquid at room temperature, are those that contain the essential fatty acids so named because without them we die. Essential fatty acids are polyunsaturated and grouped into two families, the omega-6 EFAs and the omega-3 EFAs.
Seemingly minor differences in their molecular structure make the two EFA families act very differently in the body. While the metabolic products of omega-6 acids promote inflammation, blood clotting, and tumor growth, the omega-3 acids act entirely opposite. Although we do need both omega-3s and omega-6s it is becoming increasingly clear that an excess of omega-6 fatty acids can have dire consequences. Many scientists believe that a major reason for the high incidence of heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, premature aging, and some forms of cancer is the profound imbalance between our intake of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. Our ancestors evolved on a diet with a ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 of about 1:1. A massive change in dietary habits over the last few centuries has changed this ratio to something closer to 20:1 and this spells trouble. [1-3]


If you have bothered to read both articles through you no doubt can see that it is extremely difficult to say which is actually BETTER than the other.

In the future when you have an opinion perhaps it would be safer for you to state that this is only your opinion and not fact.

Best Regards

 

Hi all,

Not here to participate in an argument, just wanted to point out some interesting info:

Many experts these days consider dogs to be omnivores rather than true carnivores. And the domestic dogs' wild cousins do eat vegetable matter, as well as feed on many animals that are herbivores, thereby getting vegetable nutrients sometimes more directly as from eating stomach contents; and, more indirectly from eating other parts of the prey.

Another good oil for coats and skin is safflower. It contains vitamin E, an antioxidant.

Peace.

 

Not Jamiya but here are some sources supporting what Jamiya said:

Quoted from: Recent Advances in Canine and Feline Nutrition Vol III:
"ALNA is a plant-derived n-3 PUFA and is abundant in flaxseed and canola oils and in green leafy vegetables. It is the parent fatty acid for PUFA of the n-3 series. Longer chain PUFA (eg, EPA, DHA) can be formed to varying degrees from ALNA in mammals. However, oils from cold water marine fish are the primary source of EPA and DHA."


EPA and DHA are readily available from fish souces but must be formed from flaxseed. As far as anti-inflammatory properties go fish sources would be a better source from what I understand.

http://www.healthwell.com/healthnotes/h ... ID=2843005
"Oil from fish contains eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA); both are omega-3 fatty acids.

Most fish oil supplements are 18% EPA and 12% DHA, or a total of 30% omega-3. These omega-3 fatty acids, unlike the omega-3 fatty acid found in flaxseed oil and other vegetable oils (such as alpha linolenic acid), keep blood triglycerides in check (high triglycerides are generally linked with increased risk of heart disease) and may inhibit the progression of atherosclerosis.1 EPA and DHA keep blood from clotting too quickly.

EPA and DHA also have anti-inflammatory activity. As a result, fish oil is used to help people with various inflammatory conditions, such as Crohn’s disease2 and rheumatoid arthritis.3 The anti-inflammatory effects of EPA and DHA may also account for the findings of some reports that show fish oil supplementation helps some people with kidney diseases4 5 6 and may help protect against chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.7"

http://www.healthwell.com/healthnotes/h ... ID=1883000
"EPA is a member of the omega-3 family of fatty acids. The oils derived from cold-water fish (salmon, tuna, sardines, and cod) are concentrated sources of EPA. To a limited extent, the human body can make EPA from ALA."

 

Well it appears we have somewhat of a stalemate.

Two conflicting reports from two separate research sources, sorta leaves us right back where we started from doesn't it.

However nern you may have inadvertently proven my point as well.
The original post made by strikers_rd was about dog dandruff and flaking and in my original post I recommended both Flaxseed oil & Fish oil and I also said I use both.

I definetely appreciate your post although It would have been better coming from Jamiya.

The truth of the matter is there are pro's & con's to all products we use for ourselves and for our pets.

I love a good debate and I'm glad you felt the need to come to Jamiya's aide but what I don't like is having my statement contradicted with out the courtesy of a reason.

Regards

 

Just to change the subject a little...I agree with karma about rinse, rinse. Too many dog owners come into my shop complaining of dry skin flakes on their dogs and what it really is is dried shampoo. Once the dogs are
rinsed down properly to the skin the problem is gone. Remember rinsing should take nearly twice as long as shampooing. Another trick is mixing in a cup of vinagar to a gallon of water during the last rinse. A lot of groomers use this on certian dogs. Leaves no smell and cuts any shampooo residue. If the problem is dandruff, a temporary aid on smoothe coated dogs is using listerine.

 

Not really because I did not find that either of these reports really conflicted with one another. I posted similar info. but it went into more detail. Flaxseed oil has anti-inflammatory properties because ALA can be converted into EPA and DHA....no conversion is necessary with fish oil.

I'm sure Jamiya will still respond. I was'nt trying to speak for her I was only trying to give further info. on the topic.

I appologize if my post came off as if I was trying to disprove the info. that you posted. That was not my intention.

 

I disagree,

Are these two quotes saying the same thing?

 

Walt: Our discussion is begining to get off topic now so I have sent you a PM with my reply where we can continue our friendly debate if you'd like. :wink:

 

This may or may not be helpful in your case, but a vinegar/water (I use about 50/50) rinse after bathing can help remove excess residue from the coat that may be left over from shampooing, as well as the skin. I use it on two of our dogs everytime they get baths, in addition to a hypoallergenic shampoo. It's also good for wiping down dogs with grass/weed allergies after running in said things, seems to prevent, or at least reduce the severity of breakouts, IME. It is a bit smelly (smells like vinegar of course :lol: ) when first put on, but after the dog is dry, the odor is gone.

 

Hi. Sorry, been busy so I didn't come back here to check on this. I'm not sure why I got all the hostility for stating that I believe fish oil to be better than flaxseed oil for dogs. I don't back up everything I say with a citation, but I can look to my sources and find one.

Here is one (http://www.animalwellnessmagazine.com/m61/nutrition.htm):
"The most commonly used fatty acid supplements are fish and flaxseed oils, both of which contain omega-3s. Flaxseed oil actually has more omega-3s than fish oil, but in an inactive form; research studies have therefore indicated that the latter is most beneficial for both people and animals. For this reason, fish oil is generally recommended as the omega-3 fatty acid supplement of choice.

Active omega-3s eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are derived from the oils of coldwater fish such as salmon, trout, or most commonly, menhaden fish. Flaxseed oil, meanwhile, comes from the seeds of the flax plant and has been proposed as a less smelly alternative to fish oil. It contains alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 that is ultimately converted to EPA and DHA. Flaxseed oil is also a source of omega-6 fatty acids.

Animals with inflammatory diseases may respond to supplementation with flaxseed oil. However, many animals, as well as people, cannot efficiently convert ALA to the more active EPA and DHA. In one study, flaxseed oil was found to be ineffective in reducing symptoms or raising levels of EPA
and DHA in humans. Nor was flaxseed oil as beneficial as fish oil in animals with kidney disease. So while flaxseed oil has been suggested as a substitute for fish oil, there is no evidence that it is effective when used for the same therapeutic purposes. In fact, there is little evidence that flaxseed oil is effective for any specific therapeutic purpose aside from improving the coat and skin, although the lignans contained in the oil may have anti-cancer benefits."

Also, in the circles I travel, they recommend WILD fish oil above fish oil obtained by farmed fish. This is for the same reason that free-range animals and organically grown plants are better because they contain more nutrients. Until recently, I thought they just had less toxins - I didn't realize they also are nutrionally better. That being said, I can't afford to buy them. But at least I know now.

Flaxseed is a wonderful oil. But your article was talking about humans and not dogs. Dogs and humans are not the same. Dogs do better with foods derived from animal sources and not plant sources.

Dogs are carnivores. They are not omnivores, nor are they
vegetarians. They are carnivores who have learned to supplement
their diets with nuts, fruits, and berries depending on species,
environment, food sources, and even seasonal changes--all of which
in the last 150 years is directly influenced by human beings. Their
diets are fluid and adaptable. But there is a huge difference with
supplementing a diet and the diet itself. Dogs are in the kingdom
animalia, the order called CARNIVORA, the family called Canidae, and
then further organized taxonomically by genus and species. There is
a difference between living or existing on a diet and thriving with
optimal health.

How can we tell that a dog is a carnivore? Look at the short
intestinal tract of the dog as opposed to the long intestinal tracts
of omnivores and herbivores, the lack of any sort of internal
structures that would help deal with/break down vegetables and
grains, and the dentition of the dog (Carnassial tooth used for
shearing, NOT grinding up cellulose) as opposed to that of say, a
bear (a bear has huge canines in the front but nice flat molars that
look exactly like ours in the back. Why? Because the bear is a true
omnivore.)

Dogs have been shown to be genetically identical to modern wolves.
Wolves are carnivores. Yes, they may eat grasses and berries when
they find them, but it is not necessary for good health. Likewise, I may eat
an occasional candy bar because it tastes good, but it is not
necessary to my diet and can actually become harmful if it takes the
place of other foods that my body DOES need to be healthy.

Flaxseed is still good for your dog and will help, but wild fish oil will help more. That's all I was saying. I was not implying that by feeding your dog flaxseed oil you were doing something wrong. I have to wonder when people get defensive about things like that, what is going on in the background - usually it means you are insecure about what you are doing and feel the need to defend yourself. And what's the deal with, "Do you have sources to back up your statement? I don't think you do." How's that for assuming everyone else is less informed than yourself and just making stuff up? How rude. Personally, I would have said something like, "I haven't heard of that. Can you give me some sources to verify your information?" Politeness counts.

Nern also posted some information, and I'm not sure why you keep saying you would rather hear from me - the research is the same no matter who quotes it. Sounds like something personal, to me.
Did I do something to you? If so, I am ignorant of it but I apologize since I did not mean to offend.


Jamiya

 

I don't beleive theres was any hostility Jamiya, Just some good down home debate.

Good to have you back :wink: .

 

Well you got some different points of view, thats for sure! My vet told me to use flaxceed oil on my dogs kibble, after reading about fish oil, I may try that as well. My dogs are healthy and happy, so I must be doing something right...

Good luck! You have many tools to use now....

Susan

 

in response to the original question i find earthbath shampoos and conditioners to be wonderful for the fur/hair and skin.

petco carries this brand, i don't think that petsmart does.

 

Have to say GOOB, I agree and was thinking the same....and after rinsing, rinsing and rinsing......and I use el cheapo canola oil added to my Doberman's meals of Natural Choice Senior Dry.....and had with my horse, after reading Merk's Vet Manual years ago....I figure I'm doing something right cause they're all alive and kicking and looking a lot better than me actually.....

As for shampoos, I use an antifungal one, like Dermazole or Malaseb, and rinse over and over...cause shampoo left in can cause irritation. Like Goob said, vinegar is acidic, and so if using a reg shampoo instead, the acidic rinse is terrific for skin, to not only really clean it, but effectively ward off fungus and problems associated with alkalinity. Oh, and I spritz my Doberman in between shampoos-- with Listerine and water mixed in a quart spray container.....keeps him free from problems, gives me some "me" time, and he smells better after all my hard work.