Our dog is 12 and has a chronic skin disorder. We have taken him to several doctors, and all prescribe steroids. We shampoo him three times a week. We give him 2000 mg of fish oil and 1,400 units of Vitamin E a day. He also has a BAD odor most of the time, and when he starts scratching you can smell him across the room. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

The first suggestion I have is to get a correct diagnosis. I assume this has not been done, as you don’t mention the name of a specific disease.

Diagnostic testing that I would recommend includes a complete blood count, biochemical blood profile, thyroid testing and urinalysis. A skin biopsy is probably also needed because of the chronic nature of the problem. Once the correct diagnosis is made, the proper therapy can be instituted.

In the interim, I would suggest continued regular shampooing to make him feel better and decrease the odor. Also, if he has periodontal disease, this should be treated.

You don’t say how much your dog weighs, so I can’t comment on the dosages of fish oil and Vitamin E you are using. In general, I have found most doctors use a dose of fish oil that is way too low. I rarely use Vitamin E, as I prefer whole food sources of vitamins.

— Shawn P. Messonnier is a veterinarian and pet care advocate.