What Can You Do to Alleviate Dog Dandruff?

Just like people, dogs can develop dandruff or a shedding of dead skin cells. Dandruff may be more noticeable in dogs than in humans since they are not bathed as frequently. You commonly will find dandruff on your dog̵7;s scalp and by his tail. Attentive home treatment can alleviate your dog̵7;s dandruff; however, stay attuned to your dog̵7;s habits and personality traits, as dandruff combined with other symptoms could indicate a more serious problem.

  1. Alleviate Dog Dandruff

    • Brush your dog daily with a brush that is soft enough to rub on your hand without inflicting pain. Brushing your dog evenly will ensure his natural oils will distribute evenly.

      Bathe your dog regularly. During cooler months, one bath per month will wash away flakes before they can build up. Bathe him twice each month during the summer. Keep in mind, washing your dog too often can dry out the skin as well.

      Use a moisturizing dog shampoo and conditioner to prevent drying of skin. Remember to use warm water, and be sure to rinse and dry your pup thoroughly. With insufficient rinsing, you may mistake shampoo flakes as dandruff. Dog dandruff shampoo can be purchased in pet stores and online.

      Oatmeal soup can be rubbed into your dog̵7;s skin as a moisturizer. Oil rinses will also moisturize your dog̵7;s skin by lubricating it and locking in moisture.

      Ensure your dog has plenty of water. Keeping your pup̵7;s body hydrated will keep the skin from flaking. Also, consider upgrading the brand of food you feed your pet.

      Dandruff can result from a diet lacking in vitamins and fatty acid. Also note that if your dog is losing excessive amounts of fluid due to diarrhea, kidney disease or sugar diabetes, you may notice an increase in dandruff, as these conditions dehydrate the body.

      Dogs with fleas also have increased dandruff. When your dog constantly scratches at the fleas, he is irritating his skin further, making the dandruff situation worse. Purchase a flea spray to eliminate the flea problem, which should then stop your dog from incessant scratching, leading to less dandruff.

      Your dog̵7;s dandruff might also be mites. Cheyletiella mites can cause a skin disease that results in itchy, scaly skin. Commonly referred to as ̶0;walking dandruff,̶1; these white mites move around the outer layer of the skin and can even look like dandruff. Cheyletiellosis is spread from contact with other pets.

      Omega-3 fatty acids give your dog a healthy coat. Flax seed oil, fish oil and pumpkin seeds provide omega-3 fatty acids.

      To maintain a healthy coat, consider giving your dog vitamin E. Oat, aloe vera and green tea can also be considered for the maintenance of your dog̵7;s skin.

      Consult your veterinarian before giving your dog supplements. If your dog̵7;s dandruff does not improve with these home remedies, see your vet. It could be a sign of a more serious issue.

    Dandruff-Causing Conditions

    • Seborrhea, a common skin condition in dogs, creates skin flakes in addition to an odor. Healthy dogs shed dead skin and generate new skin every three weeks. In dogs with seborrhea, though, this process in sped up, resulting in excessive build up of dead skin. Seborrhea can be dry, known as seborrhea sicca, or greasy, called seborrhea oleosa. Seborrhea dermatitis is greasy and flaky, and also leaves your dog̵7;s skin inflamed.

      Your dog̵7;s weak immune system may cause psoriasis, which causes an accumulation of dead skin cells. Sometimes caused by food allergies, psoriasis presents as bright scales and pink patches.

      Hypothyroidism can also cause skin issues. When the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones, your dog̵7;s skin will shed. If you notice skin shedding, in addition to hair loss, lethargy, and intolerance to cold, see your vet.