DOG DANDRUFF: Can dogs get dandruff? Yes, dogs, like us, suffer from this skin condition. Causes of dog dandruff include seborrhea or dry air.
Can dogs get dandruff just like humans?
Yes! Like humans, dandruff occurs in dogs, when the layers of dead skin cells begin to peel off and the hair and scalp begin to hang.
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Dandruff in humans usually affects the head, one of the most common areas in dogs being the back (especially the side of the tail).
Dandruff is not common and needs to be noted.
Moreover, small things like
- Daily brushing,
- a balanced diet,
- and dietary supplements can go a long way in sorting out the problem.
Causes of dog dandruff
Like humans, dandruff can have many causes for your dog’s health.
Here are some possibilities:
Seborrhea
It is a medical condition in which baby skin cells travel to the surface very quickly.
The “glue” that holds these cells together is weak, meaning they will disappear like dandruff.
Seborrhea in a dog may be accompanied by oily skin because the sebaceous glands are also overactive. The cause is unknown, but some species are particularly susceptible to seborrhea, indicating a genetic link.
Cheyletiella Mites
Also referred to as “walking dandruff”, cheetah worms make themselves comfortable in dog skin and coat when they lay eggs.
These white worms are large enough to be seen with the naked eye and have the appearance of skin flakes.
They make life miserable for your dog because they cause excessive itching.
Bacterial and Fungal Skin Infections
Infections create a vicious cycle where they pull the skin’s ability to defend itself.
Most often it causes hot spots or greasy patches, but in some cases, it can cause dandruff and dandruff.
Low humidity
If you live in a particularly dry area or keep the heat too high, the air in your home can remove the moisture from your dog’s skin.
Dry skin is naturally less supple. This scratching can make existing skin conditions worse.
Poor diet
If your dog does not get enough water, vitamins, minerals, and fat from the diet, the coat may suffer.
Like waterless plants, without proper nutrition, the skin becomes “sick” causing dull hair and dandruff.
Health conditions
Problems such as the overactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) and auto-immune conditions (pemphigus) can cause skin scaling and dandruff.
Dog Dandruff Treatment
- Brushing: Keep your dog in a good brushing session once a day. It helps in the distribution of natural oils from the coat and stimulates the blood supply to the skin, which promotes oil production.
- Improve diet: Switch to a high-quality pet diet and consider investing in a good nutritional supplement. The omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid supplements are especially useful. The goal is to give at least 35 mg of omega-3 per kg body weight to the pet. Also, keep several water dishes throughout the house so that your dog always has access to freshwater.
- Unique Shampoo: Some pet shampoos are designed to re-moisturize the skin and relieve the irritation and irritation caused by dandruff. The dandruff shampoo designed for humans can be very harsh on your dog, so using Tressme is a bad idea. Look for a soap-free and natural shampoo made in the USA.
- See your veterinarian: Your veterinarian can properly diagnose your dog and advise on treatment and prevention. Remember, dandruff means that your pet has an infection and needs medical maintenance, so do not ignore this important sign.
When to See a Veterinarian for Your Dog Dandruff Problem
If your dog has mild seasonal or occasional dandruff, there is no need to worry about it. If your dog also suffers from any of these symptoms you may want to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian:
- Itching
- An odor to the skin
- High amounts of dandruff
- Hair loss
- Red, irritated skin
- Other signs of illness or discomfort
Determining the cause of your dog’s dandruff depends on your dog’s exact characteristics and your veterinarian may suspect a problem based on a physical examination.
Your veterinarian can scrap the skin to check for parasites, fungal and bacterial infections, and/or blood function.
