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  1. #1
    Puppy
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    Developed very rough coarse fur.

    This is Marley and Cruiser. Cruiser, on the right, is about 7 years old. This photo was taken a while back, but even in this photo he had started developing very coarse dry hair. It suddenly appeared several months back, and now he has actually had his front right leg hair turn a dark brown color; like mud, but it's not mud because it won't wash off. He is actually the neighbors dog, but we have cared for the boys when the neighbors are gone. They are fed some special designer food that the owner gets from a pet store; not sure what kind. I don't like it.

    My own labs have always eaten Pedigree, and their coats are healthy and beautiful. The owner does not believe it is the dog food that is doing this, and the vet has really done nothing to find the cause for Cruiser's condition. I see him weakening and aging very fast, and I feel terrible that I don't know what to do for him. He is on a medication for his joints. They stated using "cheap shampoo," but I don't know what brand; could be people shampoo for all I know.

    I need to help this dog. What is the problem, and what can I do?

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  2. #2
    Senior Dog Berna's Avatar
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    If I were you, I'd switch to a food of better quality. Pedigree is really just corn and animal by-products of unknown origin. You are what you eat.
    Cookie Black Snowflake
    July 12th, 2006. - May 25th, 2023.

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  3. #3
    Senior Dog Maxx&Emma's Avatar
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    Agree with the above, research and choose a higher quality food., Pedigree is a horrible choice. ProPlan is a good, mid priced food many Labs thrive on. Stop the shampooing, Labs rarely, if ever, require bathing, it strips the necessary oils from and ruins their coats and a thorough exam with a complete blood panel needs to be done, asap.
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    Ozzy - 10/2002 - 06/2011 - Rest well my sweet boy. You are forever remembered, forever missed, forever in my heart.

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  5. #4
    Senior Dog Snowshoe's Avatar
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    I think I'd be looking to the Vet again. A change like that must be indicative of something going on inside, I think. That said, Oban has always had a coarse, dry coat and EFA (essential fatty acids) help him tremendously. A lot of folks here use Grizzly salmon oil for that but I use a human 3-6-9 from Jamieson that works better for my dog than just fish oil. But it really is funny this should just start and changing things up willy nilly without knowing what's caused this change might overlook a more serious underlying reason.

  6. #5
    Senior Dog 4Thelove's Avatar
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    Just want to say hello and welcome you to the board

  7. #6
    Senior Dog smartrock's Avatar
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    So, it's your dog that eats Pedigree that has this issue, or your neighbor's dog that eats the "designer food"? The designer food is probably not the issue and I wouldn't think a switch to Pedigree is the cure. Sometimes a high quality food can be too rich for some dogs but that often manifests in GI issues. Food allergies can cause itching and it's possible there's something in the food to which he is allergic and that can cause skin problems, but Pedigree is probably not a good choice for a dog with food allergies. I'm glad your dog seems to do well on it but not all do.

    Does he lick that leg a lot? Saliva can discolor the fur of lighter dogs and licking and biting at their skin can indicate itching or pain in that area. Washing them too frequently can dry out their coat and make it feel coarse and dry but I wouldn't think it would cause discoloration. Hormone issues, such as thyroid imbalances, maybe? I'm not sure there's anything you can do aside from encouraging his owners to follow up with his vet if they are concerned. If they're not concerned, I feel bad for the pooch.
    Sue

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    “Because of the dog's joyfulness, our own is increased. It is no small gift. It is not the least reason why we should honor as well as love the dog of our own life, and the dog down the street, and all the dogs not yet born. What would the world be like without music or rivers or the green and tender grass? What would this world be like without dogs?”

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  8. #7
    Senior Dog POPTOP's Avatar
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    Has a thyroid panel been checked?

    Not much to add. Wanted to say hello and welcome. Please keep us updated.

  9. #8
    Senior Dog Halcyon's Avatar
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    Nothing more to add except hello and welcome!

  10. #9
    House Broken
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    Test the thyroid and consider a consultation with a Derm Vet.

  11. #10
    Chief Pooper Scooper JenC's Avatar
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    Sounds like her dogs eat Pedigree, but the neighbor dog is having problems and eating better food. I would check thyroid. I would consider adding fish oil or coconut oil to the diet.

    Chances are the dog is just old, my senior's fur is changing a lot as he ages. It has nothing to do with the dog eating a good food.

 



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