old dog with dry skin

Question
my dog is about 13 years old in human years and she has dry skin on her back and scartches it all the time. she has drandruff and she smells really bad. i just  want to know if there is a household product i can use to stop the itching, but  will not hurt her because of her age. do you know of anything i can do to make her stop scratching?

-carson

Answer
Carson,

Sounds like your dog may have a skin condition called oleosa.  You need to go to a vet and get special shampoo that will clear it up.

The shampoo isn't expensive, but it's medicated so you have to see a doctor before you can get it.  I know it's a pain to go to the vet and spend money on an exam, but the skin could become infected if not treated and then you have a bigger problem.

As far as household things to use, I don't know of anything that would help the underlying condition.  If her skin is dry, but flaky she needs extra moisture, but the real problem is that the skin has a minor infection.

Good luck,

Laura