Can my dog take omega 3 & omega 6 fatty Acids ?
My 3 yr old Lab has been diagnosed has having an allergie / skin condition of some kind. He has 2 x strong hold flea treatment every 4 weeks and he is wormed regularly. The vet said that is a good start but he must have an allergie because this treatment doesn't clear up his itchy / sore / scabby / dry skin which he licks and chews like mad. The vet prescribed anti inflamatorys ans antibiotics to stop the itching and see if it would clear up. The itching has stopped and the sores are healing slowly, he is looking more comfortable. However the vet has advised he has shots every month for 1 yr and play it by ear to see if it clears completely or if it will be a life long thing. I have been told that omega 3 & omega 6 fatty acids along with cod liver oil will also help Diesel as the fatty acids help whatever makes him itch aqnd the cod liver oil will apparently bring back his glossy coat. Has anyone has similar problems or can advise on this problem ?????? will omega & cod liver help any ? I have already changed his food to one which has no rubbish in it, no E numbers, no dairy, wheat or gluten in it which I hope will help also. Any info or suggestions ????????????
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February 12th, 2011 - 09:42
You want to have the proper ratio between omega 3s and 6s. Most dog foods are high in omega 6s and low in omega 3s. Check to see what the percentage of fat is in your dog’s food. Unless it is low in fat (under 12% maybe?) then you don’t need to add the 6s. Omega 3s are fragile compounds, so even if your food claims to have it, they start breaking down when you open the bag. If you buy fish oil in bulk, you will always see it in an opaque bottle to protect it from light, and it must be refrigerated after opening. Be careful with the cod liver oil. I believe it has a lot of vitamin A and you can overdose on that.
I supplement with fish oil capsules, and sometimes give a can of sardines packed in water. I’d probably start with two or three capsules per day. That is a good level for general nutrition. Given at high doses, fish oil acts as an anti-inflammatory. My 70lb boy with a bad hip gets six capsules with breakfast and six with dinner. I would not recommend this unless a lower dose does not help.
Are the shots your vet is giving a steroid by any chance? If so I would do everything possible to get him off the steroids. Used long term they can have serious side effects.
February 12th, 2011 - 09:42
buy the capules you can break and pour them on his food.
They are good for his coat, and may help maintain a relaxed mood. And yes, they’re perfectly safe. Fish has this chemical in it, it’s natural and very good for you and your dog!
It’s odd that your doctor has not given him an antihistimine, which can often relieve itching, even if he’s not having a true reaction to anything.
Consider getting him a new dog bed or if he sleeps on the carpet, putting a towel for him to lay on.
I had a cat that was allergic to the carpet and it wore all her fur off and occasinoally made her scab up. One towel in her favorite spot to lie down in: her fur regrew and the scabs were gone.
February 12th, 2011 - 09:42
Did they do a skin scrape? They also need to rule out mange. Sarcoptic does not show up often on a scrape so the only real way to rule it out is to treat for it and see if it goes away. There is also Demodex mange which is visible on the scrape but require a simple medication.
As to your question… Check to see if your dog’s food already has omegas in it. If not, it’s perfectly fine to give Omega supplements. Check out 1800Petmeds.
February 12th, 2011 - 09:42
MY Dalmatian had a severe skin condition when she was young and her first vet had her on antibiotics, sulf oxy shampoo and fish oil caplets for 2 years. No diet change needed they said. I knew it was not good to bathe her 3 times a week, she started nervous peeing every time I reached for the bottle of fish oil caps and it is definitely not good to be on antibiotics all the time. I consulted 5other vets, who all asked, "Did they change her diet?" I told them no and all 5 vets said she needs to be on a Lamb & Rice formula dog food. I started changing her over right away and she had the skin issue again.
I am not saying it will be a miracle cure for your dog but it may help. Find out if your brand of dog food has a Lamb & Rice formula and give it a try. As for the oil, I would use Olive Oil. Olive Oil is very good for the skin and coat.
February 12th, 2011 - 09:42
My dog suffers the same problem in the summer. I don’t give him omega 3 or 6 pills but when I have fish he has the skin, specially if it’s an oily fish like kippers or mackerel. He also has some of the fish it if there’s any left.
He has over the counter antihistamines that help in through the summer. I also give him evening primrose oil once a day, just give it like any worming tablet.
Hope this helps.