Most of us would agree that dandruff on dogs definitely presents one of the ugliest conditions to see on a dog’s skin. Although it seems easy to solve in people, with dogs, it goes a bit different. Itchy, flaky and dry scalp can’t be treated only by using a bottle of anti-dandruff dog shampoo because in some cases, there can be an underlying cause.
What is dog dandruff?
Dog dandruff is a condition where you can see a dog’s dead skin cells covering his coat. For a dog, having dandruff goes together with itching and excessive scratching that can only worsen the problems. When a dog scratches the skin, it can cause cuts and rashes that may end up by developing an infection.
Therefore, treating dandruff in dogs is highly important. One of the first things every dog owner needs to do is to determine the type of seborrhea that caused dandruff.
The first type of seborrhea is triggered by a dog’s genetics, while the second type can be caused by food or environmental allergy, obesity, etc.
What are the most common symptoms of dog dandruff?
If you started to notice a lot of flakes on your dog’s skin, it’s definitely the time to take him to see a vet. It’s not advisable to choose a shampoo on your own because there are different types of dog’s dandruff too. There is dandruff followed by oily and dry skin, and depending on the condition of the scalp your pooch might need specially tailored remedy.
Another unavoidable symptom is a dog’s itchiness. A dog that experiences itchy scalp can cause severe skin irritations that become the perfect place for bacteria to grow.
Developing pimples, scabs, and pumps due to a dog’s scratching.
Bad odor due to an infection or oily skin
Redness
Hair loss in patches due to constant scratching
“Skin healing oil is a blend of natural, nourishing, healing and moisturizing ingredients which are carefully selected for optimal benefits in case of dog dandruff problems. ”
What are the main causes of dandruff on dogs?
Before you start to treat dandruff on dogs, it’s very important to discover an underlying cause. In some cases, a dog’s inappropriate nutrition and choosing food rich in artificial colors and preservatives can induce a dog’s itchiness. That’s why is recommended to carefully tailor your dog’s diet and choose only natural ingredients.
Another important factor may present a dog’s obesity especially in case you own a dog breed with a large number of skin folds. Skin folds are moist and dark places that improve the development of yeast and other fungi.
Different types of parasites
Frequent bathing can cause dry skin on dogs that is usually the most common dandruff trigger.
The level of humidity in the environment
Genetics- Some dog breeds are naturally predisposed to suffer from dandruff such as Labrador and Golden retriever, American bulldog, and German Shepherd.
How to heal / treat dandruff on dogs?
Depending on your dog’s level of severity, your four-legged friend might require an anti-dandruff shampoo for oily or dry scalp.
In case when dandruff has been induced by a yeast infection, your vet might prescribe you a topical cream and a shampoo rich in selenium sulfide or benzoyl peroxide. Anti-fungal shampoo should also contain chlorhexidine, miconazole, or ketoconazole.
Regular grooming with an adequate brush is also highly important since in that way you’ll remove all the dead cells left on your pet’s coat. Brushing also keeps a dog’s hair smooth and shiny and prevents from developing dandruff. In case your dog is obese, we advise you to buy a grooming glove that is great for hard-to-reach places.
Regular bathing (not too frequent) helps in removing dead skin cells from everyone’s skin. By choosing a sensitive skin and anti-dandruff shampoo for your pooch will much improve a skin condition. It’s also not recommended to use an anti-dandruff shampoo as your dog’s main bathing product. It should be used only during the treatment period.
Consider adding supplements rich in Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids to your pet’s diet. They help in improving the skin’s elasticity and hydration.
Add fruits rich in antioxidants such as blueberries and raspberries into your dog’s diet. You can use them as tasty snacks between meals. Antioxidants promote the youth of the skin and keep it fresh and smooth.
Consider buying a humidifier that will help your pooch in dealing with dry air in winter that makes his skin dry, itchy and flaky.
What are the best natural remedies for dog dandruff?
Natural remedies are famous for a number of beneficial effects they leave on a dog’s skin and hair. Ingredients such as Coconut and Olive oils are great for keeping a dog’s skin hydrated and shiny. They are famous for their calming and anti-inflammation effects.
Besides you can add it to your dog’s nutrition (consider putting a teaspoon of Olive or Coconut oil in your dog’s meal), you can massage his coat before bathing. In that way, you’ll hydrate each pore on his skin and ‘feed’ them with medium chain triglycerides. One of the most important ingredients that Coconut is famous for is Lauric Acid that has been found in mother’s milk. Lauric Acid is famous for its antibacterial properties that also help in building a strong immune system. Besides previously mentioned facts, it’s also great for healing wounds, cuts, pimples, dry skin, blisters, allergy, eczema, and many other inflammations.
Another secret weapon that can help you in fighting against dog dandruff is the Olive oil mixed with apple cider vinegar and water. It’s recommended to mix 60 % water with 40% Apple cider vinegar and to add 3-4 spoons of olive oil. This magical mix should be used for spraying your dog’s coat. After you applied the solution on his coat, it’s advisable to wait for an hour and then to wash him with anti-dandruff shampoo. The apple cider vinegar provenly helps in stimulating the shedding of dead skin cells on the scalp. it also reduces the growth of fungus.
Besides previously mentioned ingredients, baking soda is famous for its antifungal properties and releasing dandruff in dogs. You can mix baking soda with water, sprinkle your dog’s fur, and then comb it with a hard brush for removing dead flakes. We also advise you to wash your dog’s hair with a shampoo after the treatment is done.
Tea Tree oil is proven to have powerful anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties. In dogs, it can fight yeast, and other fungus, pimples, seborrheic dermatitis, and dandruff.
For treating your dog’s itchy and dry skin followed by dandruff, it’s also good to use Aloe Vera juice. This magical plant will prevent your pooch from itching the skin by making a cooling effect.
Treating your dog’s dandruff doesn’t need to present an unbearable problem. By consulting your vet for advice and finding an underlying cause, dandruff can be treated successfully. It only depends on your patience will for helping your dog’s itchy issue.
