Help! My Dog has Dandruff

Help! My Dog has Dandruff

We all know what dandruff looks like in humans, and the same thing can happen to our dogs: white flakes scattered on their fur and signs of itchy, dry skin probably indicate that your dog has dandruff. Read on to learn more about causes and treatments of dog dandruff.

Causes of Dog Dandruff

Dandruff generally occurs from allergies, skin problems, dietary abnormalities, or environmental factors like temperature and humidity. Winter months, in particular, are bad for dandruff, as the dry air can lead to worsened skin conditions. If your home seems to get particularly dry, especially if there is forced air heating, your dog is probably much more susceptible to dandruff. Check in with your vet to make sure that the cause of your dog’s dandruff is not more serious than an environmental factor.

Symptoms of Dog Dandruff

Aside from the telltale flakes on your dog’s fur, you may notice increased itching or behavior signaling discomfort. If your dog has a skin infection, allergies, or skin cancer, the dandruff is likely symptomatic of these more serious conditions and their skin will be itchy. If their dandruff is simply genetic, they may not itch it at all, but you may notice redness on your dog’s skin and the occasional bad odor in areas where dandruff originates.

Treatments for Dog Dandruff

Vets will usually start dog dandruff treatment by ruling out foods that may be causing skin issues. This means putting in place strict diet changes. If your dog has a skin infection, your vet will likely treat it with topical antiseptics or oral medicines. Immune-mediated diseases may also be responsible for dandruff, which means treatment would focus on replacing lost oils on the skin. Finally, endocrine disorders may also cause dandruff, so treatment would entail thyroid hormone supplements.

Home Remedies for Dog Dandruff

Aside from the professional dandruff treatments that your vet can give your dog, you can try some home remedies, like regularly grooming your dog, giving them supplements of omega-3 fatty acids, using a humidifier, using anti-dandruff dog shampoo, and feeding your dog a balanced diet. While some of these seem like common sense, neglecting to do one or all of these things can lead to dandruff in your furry friend. Take good care of your doggo and they should be able to avoid dandruff.

Doggie dandruff isn’t cute, but it’s also very easy to treat and prevent. Understanding your dog’s dandruff is the first step in getting rid of it, so keep these facts in mind when you carry on with your treatment plan.