We adopted Franklin just before he turned 7 (last year) He has started getting scab like sores on his back and top of his head. They fall off looking like scabs with chunks of hair. It looks like he has heavy dandruff. The first sore showed up a few days ago and now there are multiple ones. The vet can not see him until the middle of next week at the earliest. Does anyone know what this is or how to help him?
Thank you!!

We adopted Franklin just before he turned 7 (last year) He has started getting scab like sores on his back and top of his head. They fall off looking like scabs with chunks of hair. It looks like he has heavy dandruff. The first sore showed up a few days ago and now there are multiple ones. The vet can not see him until the middle of next week at the earliest. Does anyone know what this is or how to help him?
Thank you!!

Hello and wecome to the board!

So sorry to hear about Franklin....:(

May I ask, what food and treats are you giving him? Could he have a food allergy?

He is eating purina food that the last owners had him on. He has been getting into the cat's food occassionally though- it is a vet certified diet food. The sores showed up after the cat food was hidden from him. His treats are real bones and occasionally a milk bone. He generally just chews his toys instead. He has always drank a large amount of water (he gets 2L every morning that is gone before noon). What food would be good for a 8 year old active lab?

He is eating purina food that the last owners had him on. He has been getting into the cat's food occassionally though- it is a vet certified diet food. The sores showed up after the cat food was hidden from him. His treats are real bones and occasionally a milk bone. He generally just chews his toys instead. He has always drank a large amount of water (he gets 2L every morning that is gone before noon). What food would be good for a 8 year old active lab?

He certainly needs a Vet visit to be evaluated for his skin condition and drinking excessive water could mean a bladder or kidney issue, especially in an older dog.

Many Purina foods do not contain the best ingredients, and there are much healthier choices for your Lab.

You want to stay away from foods that contain corn, wheat, by-products and you always want to see a meat protein as the first ingredient.

It is best to stay away from anything sold in a grocery store (Purina, Pedigree, Alpo, Kibbles and Bits etc.) and go to you local Pet Center. This is where you will find the premium kibble. A healthy diet is so important for the overall health of your dog.

Salmon Oil is excellent for Labs' skin and coat, you may want to consider adding some to his food as well.

Some of my favorite brands are:

Eagle Pack Holistic www.eaglepack.com
Sensible Choice www.sensiblechoice.com
Wellness www.oldmotherhubbard.com
Innova www.naturapet.com
California Natural

He certainly needs a Vet visit to be evaluated for his skin condition and drinking excessive water could mean a bladder or kidney issue, especially in an older dog.

Many Purina foods do not contain the best ingredients, and there are much healthier choices for your Lab.

You want to stay away from foods that contain corn, wheat, by-products and you always want to see a meat protein as the first ingredient.

It is best to stay away from anything sold in a grocery store (Purina, Pedigree, Alpo, Kibbles and Bits etc.) and go to you local Pet Center. This is where you will find the premium kibble. A healthy diet is so important for the overall health of your dog.

Salmon Oil is excellent for Labs' skin and coat, you may want to consider adding some to his food as well.

Some of my favorite brands are:

Eagle Pack Holistic www.eaglepack.com (http://www.eaglepack.com)
Sensible Choice www.sensiblechoice.com (http://www.sensiblechoice.com)
Wellness www.oldmotherhubbard.com (http://www.oldmotherhubbard.com)
Innova www.naturapet.com (http://www.naturapet.com)
California Natural

Thank you!

Welcome to the board. Bless you for adopting Franklin! You will both be rewarded :).

Can you post a picture of Franklin and his sores?