Winter Skin & Hair Care - Help needed!

fyllis · Dec 6, 2015

Winter is here! And along with it comes dry skin and hair. UGH!

Just 10 hours after taking my shower and applying moisturizing lotions and oils, I looked down to see that my arms look like the Sahara dessert! (I refuse to drop my pants and look at my legs! LOL). So, once again, I am applying moisturizers in an attempt to keep my skin from flaking. Yes, I am also drinking plenty of water. I am just getting old and dried out!

So... that brings me to the Boys. If MY skin is dry and flaky, I know theirs' HAS to be. As a matter of fact, looking at Keeker (my DSH) I can see dander flakes on his black coat! He ordinarily doesn't show any dander, but over the past week (since I have finally turned the heat on here) he looks like he just walked through a snow storm! Obviously, I can't slather him in Shea Butter or Nuetrogena Oil to condition him, and shampooing is OUT of the question for a couple reasons. First, because giving him a bath will only dry out his skin more than it is and, second, giving him a bath would require 10 men, a block and tackle, a coat of armour and 911 on speed dial! That just ain't gonna happen. What to do? What to do?

I just placed an order for some moisturizing cat wipes. They have aloe & vitamin e for healthy skin & shiny coat - deodorizing & conditioning plus allergy & shed relief- fragrance free formula leaves coat silky soft, and are alcohol free. The price was fairly reasonable at 0.18 cent a sheet. Using one sheet a day will get me through a little over 3 months - til mid March and, by then, he should be starting to shed his winter coat and I will have the heat turned off here (and, hopefully, the windows open again!).

Kricket, my Maine Coon, has long, silky hair that feels like a Chinchilla and I haven't noticed any dander on him at all (even with close inspection and combing with a fine-toothed comb). I doubt he will need anything extra, but I will keep an eye on him and use the wipes if necessary.

Has anyone else used moisturizing wipes to help with dry skin and dander? What was your experience?

Also, I was considering temporarily increasing their fatty acids, but I am SOOO confused about that. Should I give them Omega-3 or Omega-6? And what is the best source? I read this from the following link and now I am more confused than ever! The more I read, the more my mind spasms! LOL Sorry, but I am just NOT a math person and numbers and percentages and calculations might just as well be written in Neanderthal hieroglyphics! How much of what should I give them to improve their skin and coats through the winter? There is never ANY information on cat food about the percentages or types of fatty acid. According to what I read, they need Omega-6 for their skin and coats, but too much will OD their livers with Vitamons A&D. Should I just stick to the wipes and hope for the best?

Somebody, please! Help an old and confused cat lady out!

shauvon · Dec 6, 2015

Hi Fyllis, I found for me and my cats "Coconut Oil". Organic Extra Virgin- 100% Certified Organic Pure. I get it from AMAZON. IT'S made by "VIVA LABS". #1-(800)921-8482 certified Organic kosher and gluten free. It's suitable for vegans also. You can cook with it like you would with butter or oil you can put a teaspoon in your coffee or tea (hot).
I give it to Sydney right off of my finger I scooped out a glob full and she just licks it off then I rub it together in my hands and rub it all through her fur all over whole body on her feet everywhere I possibly can get it she can't get enough of it. Damien isn't that crazy about the taste but I still rub it on his fur also. Sooo soft! The benefits are amazing. It helps with digestion, hairballs constipation dry flaky skin for humans and animals, it contains Omega 3 6 + 9. This brand acts like a microbiotic, antifungal on burns and scratches it heals up super fast! when normally eaten help with yeast infections. I googled it and found this brand and bought it off of Amazon a crazy price like $12.99. For a huge tub! When I told my vet that my cat was eating it she agreed that it was a wonderful product just be careful of brands that's are not organic or cold pressed just like olive oil. It does not need to be refrigerated,keep in a dry cool place or it will liquefy, if it does then put it in the fridge until it hardens up. I have natural curly hair so I run my nail over the top and scoop on that little bit and rub it through my hands onto my damp hair starting at the ends and then blow dry my hair not frizzy and on humid days will add a little bit after drying right on top. If I really want to condition I will put globs and run it through rub it into my scalp and leave it on overnight and wash it out in the morning making it shine and brings out highlights.or sometimes I can even just leave it in my hair for a couple of days if I'm down and not going anywhere but you would never knew it using this; it sinks right in my hair just absorbs it So if it works on my frizz bomb it will work amazingly on anybody's hair and as for your pets it does the same just use very little scrape your nail very very little. Look it up its great for the whole body internally and externally. Everyone really should google it and you'll be shocked of what you'll find that it can do for us and our pets.Can u tell I kinda like this stuff!!!

stewball · Dec 7, 2015

I was going ton say, fyllis, that a little oil inside is better for dandruff than out, on the fur but I'd also consult my vet by phone.

LTS3 · Dec 7, 2015

Pet stores sell fish oil for skin and fur health. You can get these as liquids and gels and treats. Salmon oil is the most common type but you can find cod liver oil and even krill oil.

Raw feeders squirt a capsule of fish oil to the raw food to pvrovide the fatty acids. Here's some info: http://www.thecatsite.com/t/248944/fish-salmon-oil

Fyllis, have you tried those new in-shower moisturizers? They lock in moisture while your skin is still damp. I'm using the Eucerin one. It keeps my dry skin pretty well moisturized for hours.

fyllis · Dec 7, 2015

LTS3 said:
Pet stores sell fish oil for skin and fur health. You can get these as liquids and gels and treats. Salmon oil is the most common type but you can find cod liver oil and even krill oil.

Raw feeders squirt a capsule of fish oil to the raw food to pvrovide the fatty acids. Here's some info: http://www.thecatsite.com/t/248944/fish-salmon-oil

Fyllis, have you tried those new in-shower moisturizers? They lock in moisture while your skin is still damp. I'm using the Eucerin one. It keeps my dry skin pretty well moisturized for hours.

I have always used baby oil just before getting out of the shower, but I soak it up like a sponge! I guess my skin is getting thinner as I get older and it just doesn't retain the moisture as well as it once did. I have been reviewing some of the in-shower moisturizers and I think I am going to get some Nivea In-Shower moisturizer with Cocoa Butter (for dry or very dry skin).

I'll have to look into getting some type of fish oil for the Boys too. My heat here is electric and I rarely turn it on; and when I do, it's usually just for a couple hours to take the morning chill off. Otherwise, I put my big soup pot filled with water on the stove and let it simmer for several hours. It warms the entire apartment in no time and puts moisture in the air. Sometimes I drop some orange peels and cinnamon sticks in the pot for some comforting aroma therapy!

So, regarding the fish oil for the boys - I read somewhere that the Omega-6 fatty acids are the ones that are good for the skin and fur, but how much do I give them each day? The ratio between Omega 3 and 6 are (I think?) around 5:1 ... and too much Omega-6 is NOT good because it promotes inflammation. *SIGH* Should I just give Omega-3? THAT is why I was considering just applying an oil to their skin and fur topically. I get SO befuddled trying to figure all this out!

I have said before that I totally suck at math, so figuring out how much of this vs so much of that fries my elderly brain! And, if I was any good at all regarding nutrition, my butt would be MUCH smaller than it is! LOL I just need someone to hand me what I need and tell me how much and when to use it!

shauvon · Dec 7, 2015

That's one of the reasons I suggested googling it and speaking with your vet.

LTS3 · Dec 8, 2015

If you buy a fish oil supplement from the pet store there is no math to do. Just follow the dosage instruction on the label. The liquids and gels are typically mixed in with food. The contents of a capsule can be squeezed out and also be put into food if you don't want to lose a finger

. Here's a list of some of the common types of fish oil supplements you can buy: http://www.onlynaturalpet.com/search/cats/supplements/essential-fatty-acids

I don't know how effective moisturizing pet wipes are but it wouldn't hurt to use them. Combing the fur will stimulate the skin oil glands to produce more oil which will help keep the skin from getting too dry.

fyllis · Dec 8, 2015

Thank you, LTS3!

OK, so I ordered some oil and should have it in about 4 days. (I got 15% off plus free shipping on my first order, so I got the larger bottle).

Recommended use is 1/4 teaspoon daily, so a 20 ounce bottle should give me about 240 days worth (for 2 cats). But my question now is, since I have two cats who share their dinner dish, should I mix 1/2 teaspoon (1/4 tsp for each cat) in with their pate and hope they each get the right amount? Or am I now going to have to feed them separately so one doesn't get more than the other? They are goofy in the way they eat... sometimes they both chow-down together - sometimes one will eat first and the other will come in a bit later and eat. They rarely finish a 3 ounce can of pate between the two of them.

Maybe I will divide the pate and just put a teaspoon of food on separate plates, each with 1/4 teaspoon of oil and hope they each finish their portions. Then give them the remainder of the pate once they eat their servings with the oil in it?

Does anyone have any other suggestions? I am also thinking that after I establish their healthy coats, I will cut it back to every other day in a few months - or when Spring gets here and they shed all this winter fur and I have a better idea of what I am dealing with. I am going to have to play with it until I find what works, I guess? I know some of you might be shaking your heads thinking, "Damn, is she a moron, or what?", LOL But even though I AM college educated and have two medical degrees, this is all new to me and, as I get older, the old brain just doesn't process things the way they used to! Sorry for all the questions!

Natural Pet Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil

Ingredients - Salmon Oil, Natural Mixed Tocopherol

Guaranteed Analysis (Per Teaspoon)
Crude Fat (min) 99.0%
Moisture (max) 0.6%
Omega-3 Fatty Acids* (min) 24.0% / 1200 mg
EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid)* (min) 8.0% / 400 mg
DPA (Docosapentaenoic acid)* (min) 2.0% / 100 mg
DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid)* (min) 7.0% / 350 mg
Omega-6 Fatty Acids* (min) 3.0% / 150 mg**
Arachidonic Acid* (min) 0.4% / 15 mg

*Not recognized as an essential nutrient by the AAFCO Dog/Cat Nutrient Profiles

katherinep1225 · Dec 8, 2015

I use Malaseb shampoo and some oils for my babies.

Their skins are dry and prone to fungus infections, so using them both from time to time helps a lot.

hope this link helps : petbucket.com/p/8506481/malaseb-shampoo-250ml.html

fyllis · Dec 8, 2015

stewball · Dec 9, 2015

Fyllis said:
I have always used baby oil just before getting out of the shower, but I soak it up like a sponge! I guess my skin is getting thinner as I get older and it just doesn't retain the moisture as well as it once did. I have been reviewing some of the in-shower moisturizers and I think I am going to get some Nivea In-Shower moisturizer with Cocoa Butter (for dry or very dry skin).

I'll have to look into getting some type of fish oil for the Boys too. My heat here is electric and I rarely turn it on; and when I do, it's usually just for a couple hours to take the morning chill off. Otherwise, I put my big soup pot filled with water on the stove and let it simmer for several hours. It warms the entire apartment in no time and puts moisture in the air. Sometimes I drop some orange peels and cinnamon sticks in the pot for some comforting aroma therapy!

So, regarding the fish oil for the boys - I read somewhere that the Omega-6 fatty acids are the ones that are good for the skin and fur, but how much do I give them each day? The ratio between Omega 3 and 6 are (I think?) around 5:1 ... and too much Omega-6 is NOT good because it promotes inflammation. *SIGH* Should I just give Omega-3? THAT is why I was considering just applying an oil to their skin and fur topically. I get SO befuddled trying to figure all this out!

I have said before that I totally suck at math, so figuring out how much of this vs so much of that fries my elderly brain! And, if I was any good at all regarding nutrition, my butt would be MUCH smaller than it is! LOL I just need someone to hand me what I need and tell me how much and when to use it!

Your vet will tell you exactly the right amounts. Don't guess.

stewball · Dec 9, 2015

Fyllis said:
Thank you, LTS3!
OK, so I ordered some oil and should have it in about 4 days. (I got 15% off plus free shipping on my first order, so I got the larger bottle).

Recommended use is 1/4 teaspoon daily, so a 20 ounce bottle should give me about 240 days worth (for 2 cats). But my question now is, since I have two cats who share their dinner dish, should I mix 1/2 teaspoon (1/4 tsp for each cat) in with their pate and hope they each get the right amount? Or am I now going to have to feed them separately so one doesn't get more than the other? They are goofy in the way they eat... sometimes they both chow-down together - sometimes one will eat first and the other will come in a bit later and eat. They rarely finish a 3 ounce can of pate between the two of them.

Maybe I will divide the pate and just put a teaspoon of food on separate plates, each with 1/4 teaspoon of oil and hope they each finish their portions. Then give them the remainder of the pate once they eat their servings with the oil in it?

Does anyone have any other suggestions? I am also thinking that after I establish their healthy coats, I will cut it back to every other day in a few months - or when Spring gets here and they shed all this winter fur and I have a better idea of what I am dealing with. I am going to have to play with it until I find what works, I guess? I know some of you might be shaking your heads thinking, "Damn, is she a moron, or what?", LOL But even though I AM college educated and have two medical degrees, this is all new to me and, as I get older, the old brain just doesn't process things the way they used to! Sorry for all the questions!

Natural Pet Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil

Ingredients - Salmon Oil, Natural Mixed Tocopherol

Guaranteed Analysis (Per Teaspoon)

Crude Fat (min) 99.0%

Moisture (max) 0.6%

Omega-3 Fatty Acids* (min) 24.0% / 1200 mg

EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid)* (min) 8.0% / 400 mg

DPA (Docosapentaenoic acid)* (min) 2.0% / 100 mg

DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid)* (min) 7.0% / 350 mg

Omega-6 Fatty Acids* (min) 3.0% / 150 mg**

Arachidonic Acid* (min) 0.4% / 15 mg

*Not recognized as an essential nutrient by the AAFCO Dog/Cat Nutrient Profiles[/
SIZE]

If it's fishy see if they'll take it from the spoon.

fyllis · Dec 9, 2015

Well, crap! I got an email today...

Thank you for your order. Your credit card has been processed and your package will ship shortly.

REFUND CONFIRMATION

Order Information

Description:

REFUND ISSUED - ITEM # 5229 HAS BEEN DISCONTINUED.

Invoice Number:	2785
Customer ID:	2344

The Wild Alaskan Salmon oil must be pretty popular! I guess I will run over to GNC and see what they have available as far as fish oils go. Actually, today his coat looked gorgeous! All shiny and glossy black and I couldn't see one flake of dander on him! Maybe I will just hold off on the oil for a while and try the wipes when they get here. Oh well...I tried! LOL

Winter Skin & Hair Care - Help needed!

fyllis

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shauvon

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stewball

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LTS3

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fyllis

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shauvon

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LTS3

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fyllis

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katherinep1225

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fyllis

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stewball

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stewball

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fyllis

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