is this dry skin???

[mymeekrotti]

Hey!
Last month meeka got lice from my dog sitters dog. She was bathed one time in ektokyl 3x. no more lice-yeah! She has had one other bath since, as the vet instructed, but with normal shampoo.She has very very dry skin, its like she has dandruff. then for about the last 5/6 days on her back legs on her belly it is turning bright red. It looks like very irritated dry skin. The pics I tried to include some pics, don't know if it worked.She gets 2000mg fish oil 3-4 times a week. She eats canidae.
I searched dry skin and came up with a lot of things to give as supplements, which I'll try. But is there anything I can put on her skin to help with those spots? Is brushing her more often good/bad for her?

[rottnkidd]

mymeek - Sorry for all of the questions, but enquiring minds need to know...Did you consult with your vet? What kind of "normal" shampoo was used on her? Was this a product formulated for dogs or humans? Did she have "very, very dry skin" prior to the lice? or did this occur after the "normal" shampoo? You need to find out why her skin is in such poor condition. It could be diet, allergy or an underlying health problem.
If the vet rules out any health problem, and this flareup is the result of the most recent shampoo, then I'd rebathe her using a shampoo like Pure Care with oatmeal, and a product like Thayer's Witch Hazel with Aloe Vera gel.
Best wishes and keep us updated on her condition -
kathy

[mymeekrotti]

thanks for posting back, sorry it took me a while to respond.
To answer your questions: I haven't been to the vet, it doesn't seem that serious yet, but I'm getting worried and keeping my eye on it. She has never had dry skin since we rescued her in february, and I put her on the fish oil. The dry skin came after her second bath which was with a dog shampoo. I can't remember the name , and the bottles gone, but I know it wasn't an oatmeal formula, and it was something I picked up at petco. Where could I get the Pure Care with oatmeal you suggested? Can I pick it up at petco or order it on-line? I tend to think the dry skin and the redness under her legs is related to the shampoo, and baths. Normally I wouldn't bathe a dog twice in a month. It is just strange that the redness is only under her legs.That's why I wondered if I could put something right on it. If this hasn't cleared up by monday I'll probably take her to the vet. But until then if I can do something to soothe her legs, I'd like to.
Thanks for the Info!!
katie

[StephanieandToby]

Do you think that perhaps all the shampoo wasn't rinsed off her???I know if I'm not properly "rinsed" I get dry and itchy...I put a very small amount of vaseline or baby oil onto Toby's dry spots....it's soothing and most people already have some in their cupboard.

[Judi W]

The bottom of the dog (where all the water and shampoo that runs off the dog ends up) is often not as rinsed as we think. Everything runs down the side of the dog and ends up there. I'd just give her a really good rinse followed by a viniger & water rinse to make sure the soap is gone and then rinse and dry. If you have some aloe vera or something like that put it on the area.

NO, two baths in one month should not ruin a dog's skin.

I'd also rethink about the dog sitter. Does she bring her own dog to your house or do you take your dog to her place?

[rottnkidd]

Both products are availabe thru B-Naturals. (for the shampoo- see http://b-naturals.com/product_info.php?products_id=96)
For the Thayer's- see http://b-naturals.com/product_info.php?products_id=93)
I'd order the shampoo just to have it on hand. I think the lice treatment was a bit too harsh on her skin.
Now with time being of the essence, I'd forego another bath and call a health food store close to you, to find out if they carry the Thayer's. If not they should have what you'd need to make your own mix. (You can 'try' CVS or Walgreen's, etc., but other then the witch hazel I don't think you'll have much luck at a drugstore).
Thoroughly rinse the inflammed area in warm water, pat dry thoroughly, then apply the mix as follows -
Use 3/4 witch hazel to 1/4 aloe vera gel and add a few drops of lavender oil or tea tree oil, shake gently to mix. If you have a spray bottle apply it that way, or with a cotton ball. (avoid the eyes!) This mixture is cooling, soothing and will help to heal the inflammed areas. (DO NOT use this mix on cats or toy breeds!)
I hope this info will help you get some relief for your girl.
Best wishes -
kathy

[mymeekrotti]

Thanks so much for the suggestions! I love having this resource. Sorry it sometimes takes me a while to check back and return your posts-life keeps ya hoppin' ya know?? I have been using some pure vitamin E oil, I just squeeze it out of a capsule, and the area is looking a little less red and more soothed. I tried to rinse her really well, but the shampoo had to stay on for at least 5 minutes and I'm sure it was just too much for her. I didn't think her skin would be ruined, but I wanted to soothe that skin asap. So all of these suggestions are MUCHLY appreciated.
rottnkid, I'll try the Thayers, it sounds like a good idea. and thanks for telling me how to make it myself-I usually prefer to do that as much as possible.
Judi W, trust me Iv'e thought and rethought about dog sitters, kennels etc. Right now I'm at the don't go anywhere I can't take them with me point , but I know I'll have to figure something out. Thankfully we don't travel very much. thanks for thinking of it though.
I'll let you all know how its going. thanks again!!
katie, and meeka sends a slobbery thanks too!!

[mymeekrotti]

Just wanted to let you all know I ended up just using some aloe vera on meekas skin and it looked better by the next morning. It's still dry on her legs, but looks SO much better! The extra fish oil has helped too, her skins not flaky any more. Thanks again for all of your help!!