My Irish Setter and dandruff

[Lisa Wilberding]

Hi!  This is my first Irish Setter and he (Ringo) is 16 months old.  I have been feeding him a strict diet of lamb and Rice dry dog food per the vet's recommendation.  Lately I have noticed that his color has a flatter (rather than shiny) apparence on his lower back.  His neck, ears and face are shiny and dark red.  The other issue is what looks like dandruff that is visible.  We live in Chicago and it is pretty cold. 

Any suggestions would be very appreciated!

Lisa

[Mary Dombrowski]

I live here just out side Detroit and yes it is cold here as well.  My Bailey has dandruff also here are some things I use to help.  An egg once a week is also one that works, good brushing and moisture.  In the bedroom I keep a bowl of water changing every couple of days, if your house is dry like mine moist air is good for human and animals alike.  Vasaline is good for an over night use to help dry pads and great to keep snow from getting balled up in feet or between toes.

 

My name is Mary by the way I am new here to the site.

Mary

 

7 Home Remedies for Your Dog

 

TIP #1

Vitamin E is good for preventing those pesky age lines on your face, and it's also great for your dog's dry skin. You can give your pup a doggy massage by applying vitamin E oil directly to the skin, a soaking bath with vitamin E added to the water, or you can go all "Hollywood" and pop your dog a pill (of vitamin E, that is).

If you give the vitamin orally, check with your vet on the recommended dosage for your specific dog breed.

 

TIP #2

Flavorless electrolyte-replacing liquids, such as sports waters or pediatric drinks, not only help athletes to replenish fluids, and babies to rehydrate after an illness, they can also supply your sick pooch's body with much needed fluids after a bout of diarrhea or vomiting.

Consult your veterinarian as to the appropriate dosage amounts when giving these types of liquids to your dog.

 

TIP #3

Deliciously plain yogurt is a healthy treat for your dog. Just as with humans, the live acidophilus in the yogurt keeps the good bacteria in your dog's intestines in balance, so that bad bacteria is swiftly knocked out. If your dog is on antibiotics, a little yogurt will also help keep yeast infections at bay (a common side-effect of antibiotic treatment). You can also give your dog acidophilus pills -- wrapping the pills in bacon is strictly optional.

Puppies are especially prone to yeast infections, so a little plain yogurt as a snack (or even dessert) can help keep things in balance; especially useful while the intestinal system is building immunities.

 

TIP #4

Chamomile tea uses the natural disinfecting effects of the chamomile plant to settle upset doggy tummies. It is recommended for colic, gas, and anxiety. It can also alleviate minor skin irritations. Just chill in the fridge and spray onto the affected area on the dog's raw skin. Your dog should feel an immediate soothing effect as the chilled tea kills the yeast and/or bacteria on the skin. A warm (not hot) tea bag can also be used for soothing infected or irritated eyes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TIP #5

An itchy dog can be quite an annoyance, especially as it goes around scratching itself on any piece of furniture it can reach. Forget the backscratcher. Finely ground oatmeal is a time-honored remedy for irritated skin. You can use baby oatmeal cereal or grind it yourself in a food processor. Stir the oatmeal into a bath of warm water and let your dog soak in the healing goodness. Your dog will thank you, trust us. Dogs with skin allergies, infections, and other diseases which cause itchiness have been shown to gain immediate relief with this approach, too.

 

TIP #6

Dogs can be like kids at times, and as such they are bound to suffer from wounds and the occasional unexplained swelling. Try treating these ailments with Epsom salt soaks and heat packs next time. A bath consisting of Epsom salt and warm water can help reduce the swelling and the healing time, especially when combined with prescribed antibiotics and veterinary supervision.

If soaking your dog in an Epsom salt bath twice a day for five minutes isn't convenient or practical, a homemade heat pack using a clean towel drenched in the same warm-water solution can be applied to wounds for the same effect.

 

TIP #7

Does your dog have fleas? Never fear. Before turning to the big guns, try some borax powder. The standard stuff at the store will work wonders on fleas by poking holes in their crunchy insect exoskeletons. A good way to make sure those parasitic suckers get annihilated is to sprinkle the borax on your floor, and then sweep or vacuum up the excess. The invisible borax crystals left behind will kill the fleas and you won't even have to lift a finger. It's inexpensive and practically non-toxic compared to an appointment with the exterminator.

For the dog, try a simple solution of lemon water. Fleas are repelled by citrus, so this can work both as a flea preventive, and for making your dog smell clean and refreshing. A useful solution can be made by pouring boiled water over lemons and allowing them to steep over night. This solution can then be applied all over your dog's skin using a fresh spray bottle. And, the tried and true Brewer's yeast method cannot be left out. Brewer's yeast can be given as part of a regular diet in powdered form, sprinkled over the dog food, or in tablet form, perhaps wrapped in a small slice of bacon or cheese.

Home (or holistic) remedies aren't just for tree huggers anymore. It's important to take care of your dog from day to day, not just when it's feeling a little under the weather, and the best way to maintain the best health is often the most natural way. But most of all, it'll help keeping your "baby" from crying like a hound dog.

 

[Lisa Wilberding]

Great tips!!  I will for sure be trying a few those in the next ten minutes!

I am new to the site too (and Irish Setters) - and so glad to discover that my red is not the only digger:)  

 Nice to meet you, Mary!  My husband is from Michigan (north of Detroit).

Lisa

[Mary Dombrowski]

From what city I am in Warren?  Surprised there are several Setters in my area, we ran into three of them so far.  One puppy class had 4 last fall.

[Lisa Wilberding]

My husband is from Midland - a bit more north.  We only have one other in our neighborhood of Chicago and I get stopped all the time for people to admire my Ringo.  They often say that they just don't see Irish Setters anymore and that they had a bad reputation for not being vey smart.  I disagree!  I think my Ringo is very smart and often tricks me into giving him what he wants!

[Mary Dombrowski]

That is a little north.  Yes we get stopped everywhere we go hereing the same thing.  Many years ago Setters were over bread.  Bailey is one of 9 all but one did well.  One of her brothers ate an sos pad and became very sick with kidney or liver problems, did not sound good that was last summer.  Bailey is spoiled but I am also.  Yes she is smart as well knows how to work me too.  Well have a goo night Bailey is calling she wants to play before bed.  Talk again soon.

 

[Dianne cook]

Wonderful tips Mary, you have a very lucky Irish having a mum who cares like you :) So glad you have joined ES, look forward to more of your natural healing ways. I have been taking a more natural approach of late amd welcome news remedies. Take care Dianne and redkids.

[silvia]

Hi Lisa

Oberon get dundraff everytime I feed lamb necks for more than 2-3 days. I think they are too rich/fat for him. As soon as I stop and get back to ox-tails/chicken for his usual treat-bones the dundruff goes (that's why he get lamb necks only in very very special occasions!!) .. I would be careful with the lamb diet: maybe is the same cause as in our case?

dundruff may be just a sympton, but if the meat is too rich/fatty obviously is the liver in primis that get tired.. cheers

[Lisa Wilberding]

Thank you!  I was told that Irish Setters should get a Lamb a diet and not chicken as they have sensitive tummies...  By the breeder... Thank you for the tip!!!