We have a 4 year old Miniature Pinscher that we adopted about a year ago. She has a bad odor and it looks like some of her fur in some spots is fading. She has two tiny spots not even the size of a dime on her that look bald. We bath her and she will smell in like a couple days. We don't have the money to take her to the vet. If you can help us with what we can do until we can take her to the fet we would greatly appreciate it. Thanks.

[Yogi]

The Miniature Pinscher is prone to dry skin as well as alopecia, therefore excessive bathing will only make the matter worse. This very well could be mange and if so you do need a vet to take a scraping to confirm. Otherwise you can use Omega 3 fish oil in the dogs food daily. This helps replenish the oil in the coat and skin. This generally works if it is not an issue with mange. In between bathes with in this breed should be not more than 4 to 6 times a year unless the dog is grossly dirty is to use baby wipes to clean down the coat.

Okay great. Thanks for your help. Her skin is flakey. She has a bad odor we do have wipes that we use sometimes. Can you buy the fish oil at pet stores?

My mother's Lhaso Alpso had a terrible odor and very itchy skin. Her cat also had skin problems and my mixed-hound was itchy. So, we have switched to a homemade diet for all the animals. It doesn't cost more than good quality dog food and the Lhaso is already smelling much better and not as itchy.

Many dogs are allergic to wheat and corn and some are allergic to all grains. Commerical dog food--even the expensive stuff--is largely grains, especially corn and wheat. Skin issues are the biggest sign of allergies.