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Is there a way to tell if your dogs itching is dry skin vs an allergy?? Also, i read somewhere you can give your dog fish oil for dry skin. Is the kind pictures ok? If so, how much can i give for a 57lb dog, how often, and what’s the best way to administer?

Is there a way to tell if your dogs itching is dry skin vs an allergy?? Also, i read somewhere you can give your dog fish oil for dry skin. Is the kind pictures ok? If so, how much can i give for a 57lb dog, how often, and what’s the best way to administer?

Updated On December 8th, 2017

Pet's info: Dog | German Shepherd | Male | neutered | 1 year old | 57 lbs

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Answered By C. Rathjens, DVM

Veterinarian

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Great question. Really the only way to tell if Marshall has dry skin or an allergy would be to treat him for allergies and see if it goes away -- but really he most likely does have allergies, because they are incredibly common in dogs. It could be mild enough that regular fish oils will make a big difference, so I would start with that and then take him to see his vet if the itching is getting worse, not improving, or if he gets any sores or hair loss. Also, if he's itching is severe enough that he interrupts normal daily activities to itch, get him to the vet right away. As far as dose, the type you have is fine and there's a large dose range, but I would say get as close to 2 capsules a day as he'll tolerate. Some dogs get diarrhea at high doses, so you may only be able to do 1 or 1.5. Start with just half a capsule and increase by half a capsule every 2 weeks. You can cut a small hole in the capsule and squirt it one his food or some dogs will eat it whole. My dog always would take it and hide somewhere with carpet and chew on it until it popped - not great. I hope this helps and Marshall's skin is back to normal soon!

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