Just like people, canines can suffer from dandruff. Some cases are more severe than other but regardless of the severity the condition should be avoided if possible. It's more difficult to treat a pet that has dandruff than it is to stop it before it occurs. Instead of letting your pet suffer from this condition learn what causes it and how it can be avoided.
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Walking Dandruff
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A condition known as chyletiella mites is one of the most common forms of dandruff in dogs and is one of the harder conditions to treat. These mites infect the animal much in the same way fleas do leaving eggs behind. The major difference between fleas and chyletiella mites are that they are white rather than black giving the impression of walking dandruff. Pets suffering from walking dandruff experience itching in the infected areas, scaly or flaky skin, and the noticeable white flecks of the mites. Oral medications or dips are prescribed for dogs with chyletiella mites and most recover quickly from the infestation. Much like fleas the mites can live in the home for up to two weeks and therefore a treatment of the home with pet safe products should be used to help avoid re-infestation.
Atopy
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Pets that suffer from a condition known as atopy may be more prone to dry skin and dandruff than other canines. Atopy is an allergy that is hereditary and causes a rash, itchy skin, blisters, excessive scratching, and cracks in the skin. Unlike many allergens that a pet comes in contact with, a dog that suffers from atopy may show signs of the condition in areas that have not come in direct contact with the allergen. The most common treatment for dogs suffering from dandruff caused by atopy is the addition of omega 3 fatty acids such as fish oil to the diet.
Shampoo
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The type of shampoo and the frequency of the shampooing can cause some pets to experience dry skin and dandruff. Some owners use the same shampoo on their pets that they use on their own hair but this shampoo could be doing more harm to the pet than necessary. Shampoos used by humans are more harsh than those designed for the canine coat and may pull out some of the necessary oils the pet needs to maintain a healthy coat. Pet stores and veterinarians offer a wide rage of products suitable for normal and sensitive skin pets.
Bathing Frequency and Temperature
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Just as the wrong type of shampoo can cause dandruff in a canine, so can bathing too frequently and using the wrong temperature of water. Some pets, because of their lifestyle, need baths more often than others, but bathing too often creates dry skin. Most people believe that pets should be bathed as seldom as possible with many breeds requiring a bath only every four to eight weeks. Water temperature is another bathing issue that could lead to dandruff. Pets should be bathed in warm water rather than hot.
Contact Dermatitis
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Occasional dandruff happens in all pets for any number of reasons. Contact dermatitis or skin allergies can be caused by contact with household cleaners, materials or exposure to the outdoors. Pets who experience contact dermatitis can be treated with a topical ointment or a bath in a specialized shampoo.
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