Dog Community

Flax Seed Oil for skin and coat aid in dogs?

Posted : 10/10/2006 8:20:07 PM

We've been dealing with a very itchy boy for almost two weeks now, and are in the process of finding some answers for the poor guy. Our vet seems to think that it's just environmental allergies, due to the changing weather here and a high pollen count right now. So we purchased a natural oatmeal shampoo and conditioner to help soothe his skin, and I was going to buy some fish oil, as I've heard that it is very helpful as well.
The pet store I went to today didn't carry fish oil, however the lady there suggested that I purchase flax seed oil instead, as it carries both omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids. She said that it comes highly recommended from people who have dogs with skin problems. I bought Solid Gold's Flax Seed Oil. Has anyone ever tried this, and if so, was it better or worse than fish oil's results with skin and coat?

calliecritturs

Posted : 10/10/2006 8:52:40 PM

I like Solid Gold's flax oil -- I've used it for years for skin and immune system. You can't use just 'any' flax oil because the cold pressing methods used in quality human flax oil uses a chemical that dogs are sensitive to. I've used ground flax and I've used SG flax oil both with great results.

I tend to switch back and forth on omega 3's anyway --I'll use fish oil for a while and then go back to flax oil for a while. The dogs love it.

dvet

Posted : 10/10/2006 9:26:18 PM

any kind of fat or oil can help...I used to tell clients to rescue their bacon drippings and put that in the dogs food..it was a good source and it enhanced the flavor of the food

Justine Freeman

Posted : 10/10/2006 9:30:22 PM

I put SG flax seed oil in my dog biscuits. It works really well...I would give it a go!

MissMandy

Posted : 10/11/2006 7:44:21 AM

Thanks for the replies. We tried it in both boys' food last night. Hopefully, it will help our itchy guy. We gave him a bath with colloidal oatmeal shampoo and conditioner last night as well. Any other suggestions to help itchy skin?

calliecritturs

Posted : 10/11/2006 7:51:58 AM

You may want to read some of the allergy threads -- it's a huge topic.

sallya

Posted : 10/11/2006 1:26:57 PM

SGold Flax oil is good. It is good in addition to antihistamines also. They work well together. Those and a dog food that agrees with your dog should help. Hopefully, this is just seasonal. It was year around with Trudy.

MissMandy

Posted : 10/12/2006 7:35:01 AM

Sallya, what kind of antihistamine do you have Trudy on? We're about to try some benadryl, but if you know of anything better, please let me know! The oatmeal bath seems to have helped a little, but not as much as I was hoping. We've been using the flax seed oil for about two days now as well. Do you happen to know if I need to be supplementing Vitamin E while using the flax seed oil? I know that it's recommended while using fish oil - just wasn't sure if it was the same deal. Thanks!!

sallya

Posted : 10/12/2006 10:50:20 AM

We tried quiet a few. Trudy is on Hydroxyzine. Think that spelling correct. You can ask your vet. Trudy's Dermatologist has her on it. Each dog is different.

MissMandy

Posted : 10/12/2006 3:26:35 PM

Thanks a bunch! I'll check with our vet when we take him in.