Cod Liver Oil for dog hair

[kh2510]

Is it true that Cod Liver Oil, when given to a dog, can help stop it shedding so much hair??

[woofgang]

depends why it is shedding. If it has a dry scurfy coat then an increase of oil in the diet can help. Doesn't have to be cod liver and if you do give cod liver oil then watch the dose as too much can make the dog ill. Most  dogs shed their coats (just like humans) some do it more or less at set times and stop in between, but some do it non stop. These tend to be dogs who were bred to live in kennels and now live in the house...labradors are notorious for this. So the answer to your question is yes...and no!

[nfn]

my parent's staffi/alsation has a cod liver oil capsule every day and loses much less hair than he used to

[shaneystar]

I read somewhere that too much cod liver oil can be bad for dogs.It depends on their size I think.I always give my dog Solvitax or Vita pet moult formula specially for dogs.The Vitapet is really good and my dog doesn't moult nowhere near as much and his coat is lovely and glossy.

[dmsjps]

Yeah, cos when dogs fed naturally, they got all the oils they needed from the fat on the meat, etc. Now that most dogs are fed 'convenience foods', if they're prone to dry skin or bad joints, etc, then an oil supplement can be good for them, but like anything else, if they have too much and they don't need it, then the effects can be detrimental.

[Kimmiebear]

If your dog has problematic skin (and some dogs/ breeds are prone to this) talk to your vet about a better diet. There are some new diets on the veterinary market that have added nutruents and oils that will help your dog to maintain its glossy coat. They are specially formulated for dogs with skin/ coat issues. Do not be fooled by over the counter diets that pretend to do the same things, they are not as good. Also, try feeding your dog off the carpet (if you do) as some dogs have issuses with allergins in the carpet. If your dog itches its coat out a lot (scratches and bites at itself so that his coat is splotchy and thin) you can try injections from your vet called "Vetacordal" (in Canada that is what it is called anyways). Also make sure that you have dewormed within the lat 3 months and defleaed your dog within the last month as a precaution and to rule out any other ailments. Cod liver oil when given in correct doses should help (thought I can't remember ever using it at work) Watch for loose stool as it is a laxitive! A good diet should take care of everything your dog needs! Hope the shedding stops, it can be such a pain to clean all that hair!
Cheers
Kim