My dog has oily fur, sheds, licks, and smells. What products help?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Labrador Retriever | Female | spayed | 30 lbs
my yellow lab has really oily fur and she sheds a lot. shes often licking herself and she smells. is there anything i can buy for her to help stop the oily fur and treat her symptoms by whatever is causing it?
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on February 11th, 2018
Oily hair often indicates that there is an underlying problem that is not allowing the skin to maintain a healthy environment. This could be caused by a metabolic condition like hypothyroidism, or a nutritional deficiency. In order to narrow-down the cause of this, you will need to take her to a vet. A vet can help narrow-down the underlying problem with a standard examination and advise you on the necessary diagnostics and/or treatment. For now, you can help to keep the coat free from oil and infection (they often have secondary infections with this disorder) by giving a bath once every three days with a medicated shampoo (can get this at the pet store). It's best to ensure the shampoo is worked well into her coat and is allowed to have at-least 15 minutes of contact time on the skin. Make sure to rinse and dry her well. I hope that helps and your dog gets better soon.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on August 11th, 2017
Oh my, Opal Grace is a cutie! I would suggest a tar based medicated shampoo to see if it helps. Lytar is one brand. I would still try not to bathe more than once weekly unless directed to by her vet who has examined her. Be sure that she is current on flea prevention and discuss her itchiness with her vet. If she is itchy at this young age she may be a dog that is going to be prone to allergies and its best to try to find out why early. Good luck!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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