Split whiskers

Question
Hi Susan,

I have a question about my girl, Karlie. Karlie is turning 2 years old, I adopted her last year (exactly one year ago this Sunday the 15th). Since I adopted her she constantly gets split whiskers, like we get split hairs. I spoke with her doctors about this, 5 of them. I've spoken with pet store people, vet techs. Nobody has any answers why she gets them. Her one doctor suggested fish oil, which she has been on for about 6 months, but yet her split whiskers are no better. Her holistic doctor put her on something for skin and coat, but it seems like since she started this about 2 months ago they are worse.

I've had dogs my whole life (36 years, geez) and I have never had a dog get split whiskers. Karlie has had about 30+ since I adopted her, currently she has 6. No one is concerned about her split whiskers but me. To me it means something.

I feel that Karlie eats good food. She eats Halo and Blue.

Do you have any idea why my girl keeps getting split ends? Or, what I can do to maybe stop them?

Thanks,
Have a good weekend,
Ricki and Karlie

Answer
Hi Ricki,

In all the years I have been grooming dogs, I have never seen split whiskers.  Are you saying they are like human split ends?
A few things come to mind that may be checked.  Is her thyroid functioning OK?? Is her immune system strong?? These are something you might want to ask your vet to check.  Also, do you bathe her? I would use a conditioner on her face, Blueberry Facial wash and Clove conditioner is one I like to use.  You can see it here - http://www.groomersmall.com/Blueberry_Facial.html

I would put her on a very good supplement for sure.  www.nuvet.com/42299 Is the best and I use them on my dogs. You might want to call them and ask it they know of any pets that this has been an issue with.  Their number is 1800-474-7044 These work great for skin and coats.

Check these thing out first and see what happens if any.  I am curious to hear if they help. Please let me know.

Susan Potts,CPG
www.spottsgrooming.com