Guest mbfilby Posted January 25, 2012 Share Posted January 25, 2012 (edited) Myka has really dried up over the winter. The dryness, compounded with a recently discovered peanut allergy (peanut butter in kong) has dulled her coat considerably. We buy premium grain free food from a small specialty store, and the food guy recommended either wild salmon oil, or zinc powder supplements. Does anyone have experience with zinc powder and what are the opinions of one over the other? Edited January 27, 2012 by mbfilby Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest BrianRke Posted January 25, 2012 Share Posted January 25, 2012 Wild salmon oil is really good for their skin and coat. Im not sure it is worth the extra cost. I believe any type of fish oil with a high EPA/DHA would be just as good. Someone correct me if Im wrong. I've never heard about zinc powder for their coat Im sure someone else on here has though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest mbfilby Posted January 27, 2012 Share Posted January 27, 2012 For those interested.. After doing some research, Zinc is not a safe supplement for greyhounds.. My link Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
racindog Posted January 27, 2012 Share Posted January 27, 2012 I thought that was one of the reasons pennies are poisonous- the high zinc content in them now? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest BrianRke Posted January 27, 2012 Share Posted January 27, 2012 good to know Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tbhounds Posted January 27, 2012 Share Posted January 27, 2012 (edited) Zinc most certainly be of benefit-- the local derm vet (and gh owner) has recommended zinc in the past (however/ I'm unaware for what condition is was prescribed). Edited to add-- I would only give a supplement only as prescribed by a veterinary clinician. By doing so dosages and frequencys as well as your pets wellness can be monitored. Edited January 27, 2012 by tbhounds Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest mbfilby Posted January 28, 2012 Share Posted January 28, 2012 Zinc most certainly be of benefit-- the local derm vet (and gh owner) has recommended zinc in the past (however/ I'm unaware for what condition is was prescribed). Edited to add-- I would only give a supplement only as prescribed by a veterinary clinician. By doing so dosages and frequencys as well as your pets wellness can be monitored. I agree. Most decent quality food has zinc added these days, and it is benificial to skin/ coat and immune system. From what I read (google Zinc supplement in dogs) northern breeds such as malamutes and huskies will particularly benefit. The issues I found is that over-supplementation interferes with calcium absorption. In 2008 the 9th most common cause of poisoning in dogs was from zinc, but this would be mostly from ingesting pennies, nuts and bolts etc. I would be leery now with greyhounds due to their unique systems. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kudzu Posted January 29, 2012 Share Posted January 29, 2012 Haven't read your link or Google search but am most glad you've brought it up. My understanding was that zinc supplementation is beneficial in certain cases related to a medical condition effecting the dog's ability to make use of zinc. (Or something like that which I cannot explain properly.) Skin issues from zinc deficiency can be from a poorly balanced diet. Also, as you mentioned, certain breeds may have higher needs of dietary zinc. I believe it is one of those substances that are much safer to supplement through diet rather than a nutriceutical pill or powder. I would be very hesitant to just add it hoping to improve dry skin. My newly adopted girl is still flaky even after blowing her kennel coat. The other dogs seem fine. So I added fish oil for the new girl. Better but still flaky. Increased the fish oil. Even better but still flaky. Asked the vet. She asked when I'd started & then said give it another 6 weeks before I worry. It can take a long time to get full benefit. In just the last week her skin has improved some more. Still flaky but only a fraction of before. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GreytNut Posted January 29, 2012 Share Posted January 29, 2012 Wild salmon oil has worked very well here. I tried feeding fish oil capsules (the same kind I take) from Sam's Club but for some reason that gave them the runs. So we went back to the salmon oil. Quote Kristen with Penguin (L the Penguin) Flying Penske x L Alysana Costarring The Fabulous Felines: Squeak, Merlin, Bailey & Mystic Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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