What Are the Treatments for Puppies With a Dry & Flaky Scalp?

Dry and flaky skin on a puppy is generally not limited to the scalp area, but rather can be found anywhere on the dog's body. When dry or flaky skin is occurring, it is important to have it checked out by a veterinarian to determine the cause. Only when the cause is determined, can the correct treatment begin.

  1. Allergies

    • Allergic reactions to food, flea bites or other allergens can result in flaky skin. In puppies, allergic reactions may also be accompanied by crusting of the skin, infections, hot spots, hair loss, redness and itching. To confirm the offending allergen, allergy tests must be performed by the veterinarian, who can then recommend the best course of treatment for the puppy.

    Cheyletiella Mange (Walking Dandruff)

    • The mange mites, known as cheyletiella mites, can cause flaking and scaling of the skin in a puppy. These mites may also cause itching and, in severe cases, hair loss. Cheyletiella mites require a diagnosis from a veterinarian, who can then prescribe the proper medication to kill the mites.

    Demodectic Mange

    • Demodex mites cause demodectic mange, which is also referred to as puppy mange. It can cause flaking or scaling of the skin and many other symptoms such as hair loss, skin ulcers, itching or redness. Like with cheyletiella mange, it requires a proper diagnosis from a veterinarian, who will then prescribe the correct medication to treat the mites.

    Dry Skin

    • Dogs who live in northern areas where cold, dry conditions often occur, may suffer from dry skin. Much like puppy dandruff, dry skin can often be treated at home using moisturizing shampoos, rinses or fatty acid supplements. Adding a couple teaspoons of olive oil as recommended by the puppy's veterinarian can also help to reduce dry skin.

    Hypothyroidism

    • Hypothyroidism can affect puppies, resulting in dry fur, and seborrhea, which is flaking of the skin that may be dry or accompanied by oil. Hypothyroidism requires thyroid gland function tests by a veterinarian, and if confirmed, may require lifelong thyroid supplementation.

    Puppy Dandruff

    • Dandruff in puppies can cause dry, flaky skin. Puppy dandruff is one of the less serious causes and is normal in puppies, according to veterinarian Race Foster of Pet Education. When puppy dandruff is confirmed by a veterinarian, moisturizing shampoos and rinses or fatty acid supplements can both help to retreat and reduce the condition.

    Seborrhea

    • Seborrhea can be inherited or caused by an outside source. When it occurs, it results in scaling of the skin and dry or oily skin. To confirm seborrhea, the veterinarian will run blood tests and take skin scrapings. When confirmed, treatment can involve antiseborrheic shampoos or fatty acid supplements.

    Zinc Responsive Dermatosis

    • Though zinc responsive dermatosis is common in puppies of rapidly growing dog breeds, it may affect dogs of nearly any breed. This type of dermatosis results in scaly, flaky skin as well as hair loss, secondary infections or occasionally oily skin. A medical history and breed history will be necessary along with a skin biopsy to confirm its presence. The veterinarian can then recommend various treatments, such as a change in diet, medicated shampoos and, if necessary, antibiotics to treat the secondary infections.