How to Get Rid of Dog Dandruff: 4 Methods

Dog dandruff, which is also known by the medical terms “seborrheic dermatitis” or “seborrhea,” is a common skin condition among many dog breeds. Dog dandruff occurs when your dog’s sebaceous glands produce too much of a type of sebum—the body’s natural oils which keep skin hydrated—called keratin. The excessive keratin creates dead skin cells, which manifest as itchy, flaky skin on your dog’s coat.

Dogs experience three types of dandruff: primary seborrhea, secondary seborrhea, and idiopathic seborrhea.

1. 1. Primary seborrhea: Also known as seborrhea oleosa, this type of dandruff creates oily, itchy skin that becomes inflamed and even infected. Primary seborrhea is a genetic condition and affects all types of dogs, though American cocker spaniels, West Highland terriers, and basset hounds are the most common dog breeds to have it. Ichthyosis is a similar genetic condition that creates rough flakes of dead skin that resemble fish scales; it primarily affects golden retrievers and Yorkshire terriers.
2. 2. Secondary seborrhea: This type of dandruff, also known as seborrhea sicca, creates drier flakes than primary seborrhea. It’s a side effect of many other skin problems, including skin allergies caused by diet or environmental factors, or by a variety of underlying health problems.
3. 3. Idiopathic seborrhea: The third type, applies to dog dandruff with no specific cause.

There are several signs of dog dandruff that pet parents should know. They include:

• Hair loss: Dog dandruff occasionally presents itself as hair loss. Signs of hair loss caused by dandruff include a thin coat or bald patches with red or scaly skin.
• Skin issues: Greasy plaques or thick patches of crusty yellowish skin are strong indicators of dog dandruff. Your pup’s skin may also have a strong, unpleasant odor.
• White flakes: The most common indicator of dog dandruff is white flakes of dry skin. The flakes gather on their back, face, and abdomen near the rear legs, as well as in the folds of the skin. Itchiness from the flakes often causes dogs to excessively groom or scratch themselves, which leads to hair loss and even scabs on the skin.

Several factors cause dog dandruff. Among them are:

• Allergies: Dogs that suffer from food or environmental allergies often experience dog dandruff as one of several side effects of those health issues. Chewing their paws or excessive grooming are both symptoms that indicate environmental or food allergies as the underlying cause of your dog’s dandruff.
• Diet: Certain vitamins and nutrients, such as Vitamin E and protein, aid in maintaining healthy skin. A dog's diet that lacks these essential ingredients is often the cause of dandruff. Dogs that suffer from obesity as a result of unhealthy or high-fat dog food may also experience skin health problems like dandruff.
• Health conditions: A range of dog health problems can also be the underlying cause of dog dandruff. Serious diseases which impact the immune system—such as hypothyroidism, which causes underactive thyroid glands—or Cushing’s disease, which happens beause of excessive hormone production, often results in itchy skin.
• Infections: Dandruff, greasy skin, and itchy patches are all side effects of bacterial or fungal infections. These conditions pose an additional threat to your dog by causing secondary skin infections.
• Parasites: Cheyletiella mites are external parasites that cause extreme itchiness in dogs, as well as cats, other household pets, and in rare cases, human beings. They are also known as “walking dandruff” because the mite infestations look like white dandruff flakes.

There are several home remedies that help get rid of dog dandruff. These include:

1. 1. Diet: The addition of certain nutrients to a dog’s diet is an effective way to treat dog dandruff. Omega-3 fatty acids assist in the body’s oil production and reduce itchy skin. Add them to your dog’s food in the form of fish oil or omega-3 fatty acid supplements, both of which come in pill or liquid form.
2. 2. Environment: Dry air or low humidity in a home or apartment is another common cause of dog dandruff, especially during the hot and cold months. Use a humidifier in rooms where the dog sleeps to keep their skin from drying out.
3. 3. Grooming: Bathing and regular brushing are two of the easiest ways to get rid of dog dandruff. Brush your dog’s coat weekly to remove dead skin, loose hair, and excess skin oil from a dog’s coat. Bathing your dog regularly also helps to fight fungal and bacterial infections and remove fleas and other biting parasites. Use an oatmeal shampoo or coconut oil for dry skin conditions, or consult your vet if your pooch needs medicated shampoo. Never use human shampoo on dogs: The contents of these human products worsen itchy and flaking skin conditions.
4. 4. Vet: Direct any pet health questions to your veterinarian, who can conduct tests to determine if allergies are the underlying cause of your dog’s dandruff or a more serious health condition. Vets can also prescribe medicated shampoo to relieve the most common dandruff situations.

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