Oh those pesky little white flakes that fall from the scalp, especially during wintertime. Over the years, humans have learned how to tackle dandruff; from specialized shampoos to fine-tuning their scalp health. But what about dog dandruff?
Have you ever noticed dandruff on your furry friend’s coat? Not his winter coat. His coat, coat. Believe it or not, dogs aren’t immune to dandruff. If you notice dandruff on your dog, don’t worry! It’s actually pretty common among canines. Keep reading to learn how to spot it, what may cause it, and how to treat your dog’s dandruff.
How Do I Know My Dog Has Dandruff?
Pet dandruff is generally pretty easy to spot, especially if your dog has a dark coat. By scanning your dog’s fur you may detect small, white flakes. While humans have dandruff in the hair on top of their heads, dogs can have it all over. You may even notice lingering flakes elsewhere – like on your furniture, bedding, and other places around the home where your dog sits.
Depending on the breed, or the coat color, dog dandruff could be a little trickier to find. And there may be other giveaways. If you’ve noticed your dog licking or scratching their skin more than usual, it may be a good idea to check for dandruff. Dandruff is a nuisance that may also cause your dog to bite himself to relieve the itch.
If dandruff is present because of a more serious issue, you may notice more severe symptoms such as hair loss, redness, or even foul odors. That’s why it’s very important to get to the root cause of your dog’s dandruff.
Potential Causes Of Dog Dandruff
Our scalp continuously forms new skin cells. So naturally, dead skin cells are shedding all the time. The same goes for dogs. However, if there’s an overproduction of sebum – the oil responsible for keeping the scalp moist and healthy, dandruff can occur.
This chemical imbalance causing dog dandruff can occur for many reasons, such as:
Grooming
We all want to keep our furry friends clean – after all, they can get dirty fast. But they may not require baths as often as you think. Sometimes, over-bathing your dog may cause them to lose essential oils. This can lead to an imbalance that results in dog dandruff.
Under-grooming can also lead to dog dandruff. If your dog’s fur isn’t being groomed enough, it may cause dry, flaky skin.
That’s why it’s very important to consult your veterinarian to see what an ideal bathing schedule looks like for your dog.
Allergies
If your dog is healthy otherwise, itchy skin may be a sign of allergies. Allergies can cause your dog’s skin to be inflamed or irritated. This can cause new skin cells to develop more quickly and dead cells to also shed more quickly. When more dead skin cells are produced, dog dandruff can appear.
Infections
Sometimes bacterial or fungal infections can compromise your dog’s immunity – leading to secondary symptoms including dandruff.
Unbalanced DIet
An unhealthy diet can lead to lots of serious issues. When dogs are deprived of essential vitamins and minerals, a number of health conditions may surface. These nutrients are necessary for an overall healthy coat. And dog dandruff may very well be the result of an unbalanced diet.
How To Treat Doggy Dandruff?
Dandruff is usually a secondary issue for dogs. That means there is a more underlying health concern that is causing those pesky little flakes. It’s very important to clear your dog’s dandruff, while also addressing and treating the root cause.
If your dog’s dandruff is due to allergies or an infection, medication may help. Your dog’s vet can prescribe medication that may help with environmental allergies and get rid of associated symptoms, including dandruff. Topical antiseptics or other medications may help get rid of dog dandruff that may be caused by infections.
If a food allergy is responsible for your dog’s dandruff, a change in their diet may help. Instead of overly processed kibble or treats, opt for ones that are made with natural ingredients. Don’t know where to start? We’re sure your dog will love the tasty, natural treats at Blue Ridge Naturals. Made in the USA, our treats are made without unhealthy fillers, sweeteners, or artificial preservatives.
So why not treat your dog to some lip-smacking, easy-to-eat treats made with natural ingredients? Have a dog that absolutely loves meat? Grab some meat and jerky treats, like our tasty Salmon Jerky treats. We’ve even got treats that combine tasty ingredients with sweet potatoes, like our Alaskan-Salmon Sweet ‘Tater Fillets and Peanut Butter Coated Sweet ‘Tater Bones. ‘Bone’ appétit!
*As always, It’s important to consult with your dog’s veterinarian before you make any changes in their routine or diet. We always suggest consulting with a professional first!
