poodles loosing hair

Question
To elaborate on a previously answered question from another inquirer, I have two who are loosing hair. They are both groomed every three weeks.  Recently they have started loosing hair.  Took them to the vet and was advised that their grooming sessions should be spread out to every six weeks as their skin is dry.  I was given gel caps to give them to replenish the oils.  This was two weeks ago and they are still loosing clumps of hair.  In the same time period I have changed their food to Candidae (they used to be on the Van Patten food but my one dog is a very picky eater so I keep changing to see if I can hit on a food he will eat.  Could this have anything to do with it.  Although they are both shedding hair my black poodle who has a much tighter courser fur is loosing more than my white poodle who has a softer silkier coat.  Since I did not take them to the vet I do not know if she checked them for mange.  Aftr their last grooming which was five weeks ago is when I really noticed it.  At that grooming they were both shaved pretty close to the skin and now that it is growing back I am noticing it more.  I probably will take them both to the vet, but was hoping that you may have other ideas before I do this.

Thanks

Answer
Hello Roseanne,
I would say that the main reason for the hair loss would be the frequent groomings.  Since both dogs are loosing hair, that means that its something that both of them are exposed to.  Changing the food could be stressing their bodies out and causing some hair loss also.  Once their hair starts growing back nicely, brush them about 1-2 times a week to help destribute the oils through the coat and when you bathe them, use a high quality conditioner (I like to use something with Tea Tree Oil, or Olive Oil, that will condition the skin as well as the hair).  You might need to use a human conditioner if you can't find a good quality dog conditioner.  

This is a diet that I have made up for my own dogs that is really good for a dogs skin and coat.  It has vitamins and minerals that help the oils in the coat and will help with dry skin.   
1 Lamb or Turkey Burger (as its more sensitive on a dogs stomach)
1 can Sardines in Olive Oil
1 cup Spinach blended with a little water and the Olive Oil from the sardines
1 egg scrambled
1 1/2 cup Special K or Total Cereal
1 Apple Blended (or you can use 1/2 cup of Applesauce)
1/8 tsp Garlic powder
1 grated carrot
1/2 cup brown rice, cooked using broth (either a meat or Veggie variety) for better flavor

This recipe is for a large dog, but if you think this is more than you would use in a week, it freezes nicely.  I would give your dogs about 2 tablespoons on their food daily.  I would suggest a dog food such as Iams, Eukanuba, Science Diet, Nutro Natural Choice, Nutro Max, Bil-Jac food, or Chicken Soup for the Dog Lovers soul.  If they are doing good on the Candidae then keep them on that for as long as your picky dog will eat it.  Changing food can cause stomach upset and diarrhea, which can cause stress on the body, which can lead to the hairloss.  
Give this diet some time to work, to give the oils time to get into the skin.  

I hope this helps you some.  If you have other questions for me, please feel free to ask.

Thanks for using AllExperts.com,
Kim