The Zim Family Cocker Spaniel Forum

I have a black and tan cocker that is 3 years old. I have notice the last 2 times that I had her groomed that her skin is getting very flaky?
What could be causing this? And what can I do for it?
Can the vet maybe give her something?

Thanks in advance,
Susan

Okay, so am I the only person that has ever had an itchy, flaky cocker?

When my cocker had dry flakey skin, it was because her breeder was feeding her this terrible kibble she bought at the feed store out of an open bin. Crap food. What are you feeding? I switched to Iams lamb and rice (back then it was a pretty good food) and I gave her some fish oil. I can't even remember now what kind or where I bought it, it was long ago, but you can check at your local pet store or on-line.
Is the dryness all over or localized?
Rember that if you switch food to do it gradually and mix it with the old food as it can make her tummy upset.

Anything else? Weight gain, oily hair, lethargy, musty odor? When I hear itchy flaky skin I think thyroid.

Thanks Terry and Julie for your replies.

It started about 6 months ago, no change in diet, had never had any health issues.

I am guessing the best place to start is by taking her to the vet? A good checkup and blood work and after that maybe change dog food to something that doesn't have a lot of ingredients in it.

I have tried different shampoos and the fish oil, but last time she was groomed she was really flaky, so now I am getting worried.

She is a beautiful dog, and I hate seeing her like this.

We give the boys GNC Multi-OIL Omega 3-6-9 Gel Caps. Buddy our black and Tan had terrible flaky skin and the itchies, he would whine when he scratched and couldn't get comfortable. He also had noticeable flakes and dry fur. It is now no problem, Leo had the itchies and the Omegas helped a lot. Also, Oatmeal shampoo is a good choice!

Susan,

If it were me I'd get an appointment with a dog dermatologist. The one I've been to was actually less expensive than going to my vet (especially since I went to the vet multiple times $$ with no diagnosis - at the dermatologist I got the correct diagnosis on the first visit and all follow up visits were included in the initial fee). If you still want to go to your vet for the blood work then see if there is a dermatologist that he recommends and will work with to find the problem.

Perhaps the groomer changed shampoos. I would start there.

Any shots six months ago, flea control, heart worm, what kind of dog food? What happened six months ago? My wife keeps a log if we go to the vet. Maybe try fish oil, cooked an egg, you can try a teaspoon of coconut oil all of this puts oil into their system and skin. Do you groom the dog or have it done. Maybe some real sea salt not the stuff at a grocery store it's at a pet store for salt water fish, 1/4 teaspoon per quart of water for it to drink this for lacking minerals.

Good luck.