Seeing dandruff on your dog’s coat can be surprising. This flaking can be mild, only visible if you look closely, or it may be more noticeable if the dandruff is spread throughout their fur. 

Although it’s not typically a serious issue, dandruff can sometimes be a sign that your dog’s skin needs a bit more attention. There are several possible reasons for dandruff, from home to environmental factors. 

Types of Dandruff in Dogs

Before knowing what causes dandruff in dogs, let’s first talk about the different types of dandruff our best friends face. 

Dry Dandruff

This type of dandruff will look like white and dry flakes scattered all across your dog’s body. It’s often due to dry skin, which may come as a result of certain environmental factors like cold weather, low humidity, or inadequate skin hydration.

Dogs with dry dandruff may have dull, flaky coats, and while this type is usually mild, it can make your dog and uncomfortable if not treated.

Oily Dandruff

In some cases, dandruff may appear greasy, with yellowish flakes and a noticeable odor. This type of dandruff results from an overproduction of skin oils, which can happen due to hormonal imbalances, certain skin infections, or breed-related conditions. 

Oily dandruff may make your dog’s coat look greasy and it’s usually accompanied by a waxy or sticky feel to the skin.

Walking Dandruff

This unique type of dandruff is caused by Cheyletiella mites, which are parasites that live on the skin and cause intense itchiness. The flakes seem to move or “walk” because of the mites, and treatment often requires medication to eliminate the parasites. 

This type of dandruff is highly contagious and often leads to intense itching. If you notice moving flakes or suspect walking dandruff, a veterinary diagnosis and specific treatment to eliminate the mites will be necessary.

What Causes Dandruff in Dogs?

The things that cause dandruff in dogs can vary based on certain factors, such as their environment and living situations. Generally, here are the common causes of dandruff in dogs:

Environmental Factors

Seasonal changes and certain home conditions, particularly those during the colder months, can dry out your dog’s skin. If the level of humidity in your home gets low, dandruff and flakiness will be common occurrences for your dog.

The winter months are the most challenging, as dandruff might be an issue when it gets colder and colder. In these cases, adding a humidifier at home or focusing on extra skin care during drier months can make a difference.

Dietary Deficiencies

Just like in diseases, inadequate nutrition can cause dandruff in dogs. Dogs need a good amount of nutrients in order to keep their skin and coat healthy. When they don’t receive enough of these essential building blocks, their skin can get damaged and easily dry out. When dry skin occurs, more problems will start to happen, which is why it’s important to work with our vets to create a specialized diet plan for your dog.

Skin Infections and Parasites

Bacterial and fungal infections can cause dandruff in dogs by irritating the skin and leading to excess flakiness. Some cases of dandruff are linked to parasitic mites, particularly Cheyletiella mites, which cause “walking dandruff.” 

This condition leads to visible flakes that seem to move on their own and often come with intense itching. When it comes to infections, it’s super helpful to have your dog checked immediately.

Allergies

Allergies in dogs can also lead to dandruff. When dogs encounter allergens, such as specific foods or ingredients in grooming products, it can set off an immune response. The dandruff can be an allergic reaction to this factors. 

This often shows up with additional symptoms such as itching and skin flaking. It may be tricky to help manage the symptoms of the allergies, which is why it’ll be helpful to seek help from the vets.

Underlying Health Conditions

Certain health issues, like hypothyroidism, Cushing’s disease, or diabetes, can impact a dog’s skin. They affect the dog’s overall health, affecting hormones, nutrition, and overall physical health. By doing so, the skin becomes more vulnerable to skin conditions such as dryness, irritation, and inflammation. 

Over-Bathing and Harsh Products

Bathing your dog too frequently or using shampoos that don’t do well with their body can cause dry, flaky skin. Dogs need some level of natural oil on their skin to protect against dryness. Using shampoos that are harsh on your dog’s skin and human products can lead to flakiness, crustiness, and dandruff.

Aim to use a gentle, dog-specific shampoo and avoid bathing too often. Once every 4 to 6 weeks is generally enough for most dogs, but it’s always good to ask for help from professionals.

Diagnosing Dandruff in Dogs

Diagnosing dandruff in dogs starts by carrying out a few steps to determine the cause. Here are some of the steps we do to diagnose dandruff in dogs:

Physical Examination

We’ll begin by thoroughly examining your dog’s skin and coat, making sure we get a good idea of what we’re dealing with. Our vets check for any of the symptoms, which can be dryness oiliness, redness, or any odor. 

By examining the skin closely, we can gain insights into whether the dandruff is due to environmental factors, parasites, or an internal health issue.

Skin Scraping

For cases where dandruff appears severe or unusual, like walking dandruff, we may perform a skin scraping. This is done by taking a small sample of skin cells and placing them under a microscope. This can help identify parasites, like Cheyletiella mites, or other infections that could be affecting your dog’s skin.

Blood Tests and Urinalysis

We’ll make use of lab tests such as blood work and urine tests to check for any health concerns your dog has, which can be hypothyroidism or diabetes. Both can affect skin health, which might be causing the dandruff. 

Allergy Testing

If allergies are suspected, our vets may suggest allergy testing. Identifying specific allergens allows us to help you adjust your dog’s lifestyle, which can include diet changes, home modifications, and other tips.

Fungal and Bacterial Cultures

Sometimes, we may take samples to test for fungal or bacterial infections that could be causing the dandruff. Conditions like ringworm or bacterial dermatitis can lead to dandruff and other skin issues, and specific cultures help determine the type of infection for precise treatment.

Treatment for Dandruff in Dogs

Treating your dog’s dandruff can be done with a few home remedies and veterinary treatments. To make sure your dog’s dandruff does not come with anything that could hugely affect its health, it’s recommended to visit the clinic. Here are the common ways we treat dandruff in dogs:

Topical Treatments and Medicated Shampoos

For mild cases of dandruff, a gentle, moisturizing shampoo can help relieve the effects of dryness. We may recommend oatmeal-based shampoos or ones formulated with aloe vera and other components that can help smoothen the skin. If dandruff is due to oily skin or seborrhea, our vets may suggest a medicated shampoo that can fix the problem. 

Dietary Adjustments and Supplements

Nutrition plays a huge role in your dog’s skin health. A high-quality diet that provides essential nutrients can help improve your dog’s coat condition. 

Vitamin A, zinc, and Omega-3 and Omega-6 fats are some of the most helpful for maintaining your dog’s skin moisture and reducing inflammation. We’ll also see if supplements can be added to its diet to help manage dandruff and support overall skin health.

Medication for Infections and Parasites

If dandruff is linked to bacterial or fungal infections, or if parasites like mites are the cause, we’ll suggest medications to help fight off the infection or parasites. This could include antifungal medications, antibiotics, or antiparasitic treatments in the case of mites. 

Clearing up the infection or infestation usually resolves dandruff quickly, and follow-up care may be needed to ensure the problem doesn’t return. To make it easier for your to get the medicines you need, our vet pharmacy will be happy to assist.

Humidifiers and Environmental Adjustments

For dandruff caused by low humidity, adding a humidifier to your home can help maintain moisture in the air, especially during colder months when indoor heating can dry out the skin. Ensuring your dog has a comfortable, hydrated environment can prevent skin from becoming overly dry and flaky.

Allergy Management

If your dog’s dandruff is triggered from its allergies, we’ll work on help your dog manage the reactions. This will involve a hypoallergenic diet, using specific grooming products, or giving antihistamines to help control reactions. Identifying and managing the allergen can help prevent dandruff and improve your dog’s overall skin health.

Routine Grooming

Regular grooming helps remove dead skin cells, reduce flakiness, and distribute natural oils throughout your dog’s coat. Brushing also improves circulation to the skin and can be a calming, bonding activity for you and your dog. Aim to brush according to your dog’s coat type, typically a few times a week. We’ll help you get started.

Conclusion

The dandruff in dogs can make our best friends feel stressed and uncomfortable. This condition may even mean that something needs our attention. By understanding the causes, we get a good idea of what to do to help our best friends. Start by having your regular puppy visits here at our clinic.