golden retriever puppy

Question
hi. i have a 12 week old retiever puupy who has very dry white flaky skin. he also seems to be under wieght even though he gets fed well. he's active and  seems normal for a puppy. i havent found other symptoms of any sort.  any idea why he's got flaky skin and is under wieght?
thankyou for your time.  kim

Answer
Dear Kim,

Please forgive this delay in answering your question.  My computer crashed and then I went on vacation so I was not even able to place an "away" notice on the board.

I would like to address the symptoms that you mentioned your Golden Retriever puppy has.

Firstly, I would recommend that you have blood work drawn and have your dog tested, especially for any possible thyroid condition.  Dry flakey skin and weight loss is one signs of thyroid disease which can easily be remedied.

Next, I don't know what you are feeding him but I can recommend a food called Avoderm (you may have to special order it) which contains wonderful oils and is specifically geared toward skin conditions.

Additionally, I suggest adding the following to your dog's food:

* Missing Link (available through J&B wholesale on Google search)
* Prozyme (also J&B)
* Add 1 tablespoon of Barleans Flax Seed Oil to his food.
* Give an occassional organic egg (soft boiled).
* Good multi vitamin/mineral/anti-oxident daily.

If your dog's thyroid is working normally than what I have suggested above should help the skin problem considerably.

If you feel that your dog is underweight, simply add the following to his diet:

*Canned pumpkin (without spices)
*Whole Yogurt
*More food.

Anything you introduce into your dog's diet should be done very slowly so as to avoid any tummy problems! :)

You are definitely blessed with a precious dog...Goldens are wonderful!

Feel free to contact me in the future should you have any additional concerns.

Blessings,
Shelley Davis
www.bednbiscuit.com