No one likes to deal with dandruff. The embarrassing white flakes on your shoulders, the itchy scalp, the scratching you don’t even realize you’re doing – it’s something you want to kick as fast as possible. And the same goes for your dog. In this article, we’ll look at symptoms and causes of doggy dandruff, along with the treatments to help them get flake-free in a flash.
Sometimes it’s difficult to tell if a dog actually has dandruff or just a few flaky patches of dry skin here and there. In dogs with dandruff, the main symptoms are dry flakes of skin all over the coat, itchy skin, red, irritated skin, scabs, and hair loss.
What Causes Doggy Dandruff?
A dog’s dandruff is more than just dry skin, as it is almost always caused by another condition. Here are some of the most common causes:
- Parasitic infestations such as fleas or Cheyletiella mites
- Bacterial infections
- Sunken eyes
- Yeast infections
- Environmental or food allergies
- Endocrine disorders like Cushing’s disease or hypothyroidism
- Fungal infections like ringworm
- Environmental factors such as dry air or low humidity
Sometimes, dandruff can signal a serious medical condition, so it’s important to note the symptoms we discuss so you can report them to your vet.
How To Get Rid of Dog Dandruff At Home
It may be possible to treat dandruff or flaking at home if your pup has minor flaking or occasional dandruff. Home remedies to nix those flakes.
Step one: groom your pooch: It is important to regularly brush your dog’s coat so that loose hair and dead skin cells are removed as well as the natural moisturizing oil formed on their skin is spread throughout the coat. This both prevents and treats dandruff.
Step two: clean their ‘do with a vet-approved shampoo: There are a variety of oatmeal shampoos and other medicated shampoos that are designed specifically for dealing with the problem of dog dandruff. It is the vet’s responsibility to determine an appropriate bathing schedule for you. And never use human dandruff shampoo on your dog.
Step three: boost humidity levels in your home: Winter months can be tough on your pup’s skin, so simply turning on a humidifier can help prevent flakes. Make sure that your puppy is not left unattended around a humidifier in order to prevent burns caused by accidental contact with the hot water.
Step four: get your dog’s diet in check: Diet and nutrition directly affect your dog’s skin and health. It may be a good idea to ask your veterinarian about adding Omega Oil and Allergy Chews to their daily diet. It can be very beneficial to provide your dog’s skin with a much-needed boost and help resolve or even prevent dandruff.
If these at-home dandruff treatments don’t do the trick, schedule your pet for an examination with your veterinarian.
Keep in mind that if you notice the occasional white flake around your dog’s coat every now and then, there is nothing to worry about. But if you see lots of flakes, as well as red, inflamed, and irritated skin, and intense scratching, you should take action.
