Advice for Dog's Dry Skin on Joints?

Question

We have gotten a dog (half rottweiler, half lab) that has been in the family for five years. We are now the primary care takers of this beautiful dog and couldn't be happier!

We haven't had a dog per say, only three cats, so the whole dog thing is new, especially concerning health aspects.

His 'elbows' and even his 'knees' have really dry, course, rough skin, apparently from where he has laid on them for his life. Any advice on what to put on it? It looks like it is sore, but I doubt it bothers him. I was thinking 'A&D Ointment' which is usually used to treat rashes, or Vitamin E capsules... any advice would be appreciated! Thanks!

Answer 1

There is a product called Aloe Comfry that is made for dogs with this problem. It's just like aloe for a human but it's got special cooling and healing agents to relate to a dog's skin. You can look it up online. If you live in Arizona you can buy it from Wag n Wash on 7th and Indian School. I used it on my dog's pads when one of them cracked. It seemed to help her alot and it healed within a week.

Answer 2

i use vitamin e or vaseline and usually a couple days later and its fine

Answer 3

anything that works on people will work on a dog.  and you're right, he couldn't care less about whether his elbows look funny.  

Answer 4

If they are not bothering him, i would leave them.. But If you have to treat them, for instance if they begin to hurt, take him to a vets i wouldn't use products intended for human use.

Don't try and fix something that is not broken :)

Answer 5

some meds made for humans can do harm to an animal because of size differences,  but the vitamin e would be a good idea.

Answer 6

Primrose oil works for most dogs ;)