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Sorry I didn't know if I should post this here or under health...

I took Tippsy to the vet and she saw how bad Tippsy has dry flaky skin and told me to use head and shoulders... Has anybody else had this told to them?

Jess

No. Does she mean the human shampoo? If so, I'd not be keen personally as the skin PH of dogs is different to humans so it could be harmful...

Bella the lab had dandruff as a puppy & the vet said to use omega 3 / salmon oils. It worked & she has a very glossy coat as well now

Head and Shoulders is one of those products that has Pine Tar in it I think. Selsin Blue.. Tegrine.. all those pine tar soaps are good for flacky itchy skin. Seems a tad strong for a dog though..

That's what I was thinking... But why would a vet tell me to use it on her if it would be too strong?

Jess

Hmmm, that is a good question Jess I personally wouldn't do it though. i'm seeing my vet tmw, I can ask her if you like?

I haven't done it... If you could ask I would really appreciate it.

Jess

Dosn't Head and shoulders burn, especially on dry irritated skin. I remember years ago when Pekoe was having skin problems I used some vet recommended shampoo on her, forget the name, you would have thought I was beating her she yelped so bad, People came running from the front of the dog bath place to see what was happening.

Will do, I'll ask what you should do as well

Thanks, Layla!

Jeff, I use it on myself and it tingles... Not really a burning sensation... But since dogs skin is so much more prone to temperature and things like that I don't know.

Jess

Jess, does Tippsy like to be brushed? I know that I read, somewhere, that when they blow their coats they tend to be more itchy. Right now I'm brushing Sid almost an hour a day. He's loving it because I just use one of my old hair brushes and brush him down to his skin. It seems to be stimulating the natural oils and I've noticed that he's less itchy...

Tippsy loves to be brushed. I brush her everyday about an hour or so...

Jess

I just wanted to chime in-I've used Head and Shoulders often over the years on four different Chows. Has always been a good experience. They do tend to get dirty sooner, especially if it's the version of the shampoo with a conditioner in it. Ours is a very dry climate (Northern Utah), and so far no two of our kids have been from the same bloodline, but no problems with Head and Shoulders.

Okay, sorry for the delayed reply, My vet said you can use H&S but she doesn't recommend it Jess. it's a short term solution that just hides the problem. It may also feel uncomfortable for Tippsy, depending on how sensitive her skin is. She recommended a gentle doggy shampoo (maybe oatmeal or one for senstive skin / hypoallergenic) & giving Tipper omega 3 capsules daily. Hope that helps

Layla

have you had Tippsy's thyroid tested. The dry skin and hair falling out can be symptoms of hypothyroidism. A simple blood test is all it takes to find out. And treatment is inexpensive pills daily.

Thanks Layla! My mom bought some oatmeal shampoo yesterday so hopefully it'll help. Fingers crossed. the vet also told us to give her benadril(SP?) for her intchyness, which seems to help. Thanks again!

Jess

Holden and Tucker both were on Benadryl at certain points. It helped a lot. The vet always kept asking me if I was sure that it wasn't making them groggy. Well, with Tucker, I couldn't tell because all he ever did was sleep anyway. But with Holden, the little rascal was as energetic as ever. I, on the other hand, can't even take one Benadryl without being knocked out.

have you had Tippsy's thyroid tested.

Sorry I missed your post earlier but no we haven't... But I'll be sure to get my mom to have it done when she takes Tippsy back to the vet.

The vet always kept asking me if I was sure that it wasn't making them groggy... I, on the other hand, can't even take one Benadryl without being knocked out.

Neither, Tippsy or I, get groggy from it. My mom is astonished that there is only one thing that has ever made me fall asleep... it was some muscle relaxer the doctor gave me when i pulled a muscle in my back... Yea... One second I'm watchin' Keith Urban on CMT and the next WHAM! I'm out.

Jess

If you do decide to use H&S on your chow, be careful with the eyes and ears. That stuff can sting. I use H&s for myself due to oily hair. Perhaps use H&S with conditioner for a chow. I'd supplement Tippsy's food with fish oil or fresh, steamed salmon. Maybe some vit E.

I've used H&S on my first Chow, Shiba, and now on Emma. There has never been a stinging or pain issue at all. I mix it up in a jug of water and then pour it over her. She's not crazy about baths to begin, but no signs of pain or stinging.

Shiba had hot spots and this took care of them for her. I use it all the time myself, with no tingling, stinging, or pain on my scalp.