Dog dander, commonly known as doggie dandruff, refers to the naturally occurring dead skin cells that accumulate beneath a canine's fur on the skin's surface. While most instances of dog dander are common, treatable problems, rare cases do exist of a pooch inheriting the condition.
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Inadequate Nutrition
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Great nutrition plays a part in healthy skin and coat. The presence of dead, flaky, skin cells under a dog's fur could have a lot to do with the animal's diet. Adequate nutrition plays a vital role in the preservation of a healthy skin and coat and some packaged pet foods scrimp on nutritional content to save on price. That said, ensure your dog receives a daily dose of essential vitamins and minerals, including fatty acids, which can help moisturize the skin and diminish flaking. An allergic reaction to certain foods could also manifest in the skin and result in excessive flaking.
Flea or Tick Infestation
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Parasitical infections can cause dander. Dog dander is common among canines with a high presence of fleas and/or ticks. The excessive and constant scratching caused by such infestations can result in the dog peeling away pronounced layers of skin over a short amount of time, thus giving the appearance of dander.
Skin Infection
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Doggie dander could suggest a skin infection. Some cases of dog dander demonstrate a much more severe problem where the presence of dandruff is a symptom of a skin condition or infection. Seek the advice of a veterinarian to deduce the cause of the infection as many are contagious and difficult to treat. Examples of skin diseases in which dandruff may be a symptom include cheyletiellosis (a contagious canine disease caused by an infestation of cheyletiella mites), demodectic mange, eczema, scalp psoriasis, ringworm, seborrheic dermatitis and yeast infections.
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