Dog dandruff can be caused by various circumstances, including as food allergies or health issues. Discover how to treat dog dandruff at home.
What Is Dandruff in Dogs?
Known medically as “seborrheic dermatitis” or “seborrhea,” dog dandruff is a common skin ailment that affects many dog breeds. Dog dandruff is caused by the overproduction of keratin, a natural oil produced by the body that keeps skin moisturized by the sebaceous glands of your dog. Dead skin cells caused by an overabundance of keratin appear as flaky, itchy skin on your dog’s coat.
Three Kinds of Dog Hair Loss
Primary seborrhea, secondary seborrhea, and idiopathic seborrhea are the three forms of dandruff that affect dogs.
Primary seborrhea:
Also referred to as seborrhea oleosa, this kind of dandruff causes greasy, itchy skin that can get infected. All dog breeds are susceptible to primary seborrhea. However, American cocker spaniels, West Highland terriers, and basset hounds are the most frequently affected. Primary seborrhea is a genetic disorder. A similar genetic disorder called ichthyosis, which mainly affects Yorkshire terriers and golden retrievers, produces rough flakes of dead skin that resemble fish scales.
Secondary seborrhea:
Known by the name seborrhea sicca, this kind of dandruff produces drier flakes than primary seborrhea. It is a side effect of numerous different skin conditions, such as food or environmental allergies, as well as a number of underlying medical issues.
Idiopathic seborrhea:
This third category refers to dandruff in dogs that have no known aetiology.
Indices of Dog Hair Loss
Pet caregivers should be aware of the various symptoms of dog dandruff. Among them are:
Hair loss:
Dandruff in dogs can sometimes mimic hair loss. Dandruff-related hair loss symptoms include bald spots with red or scaly skin or a thin coat.
Skin problems:
Thick, crusty, yellowish-coloured skin patches or greasy plaques are clear signs of dog dandruff. Additionally, your dog’s skin can smell strong and nasty.
White flakes:
White flakes of dry skin are the most typical sign of dog dandruff. The flakes collect in the skin creases and on their back, face, and abdomen in the area around their back legs. Dogs that are itchy from the flakes frequently groom or scratch themselves excessively, which results in hair loss and even skin scabs.
Reasons for Dog Hair Loss
Multiple factors cause dog dandruff. Among them are:
Allergies:
Dogs with environmental or dietary allergies frequently develop dog dandruff as one of their many health problems. When your dog chews on their paws or grooms excessively, it could be an indication that food allergies or environmental triggers are the root cause of its dandruff.
Diet:
Protein and vitamin E are two vitamins and nutrients that help keep skin healthy. Dandruff is frequently the result of a dog’s diet lacking these vital components. Dandruff and other skin health issues can affect dogs who are obese due to eating unhealthy or high-fat dog food.
Conditions:
Dog dandruff may also be the result of a variety of health issues in dogs. Itchy skin is frequently a symptom of serious immune system disorders such as Cushing’s disease, which is brought on by excessive hormone synthesis, or hypothyroidism, which causes underactive thyroid glands.
Infections:
Bacterial or fungal infections can cause dandruff, oily skin, and itching spots. Because they can result in subsequent skin infections, these illnesses present an additional risk to your dog.
Parasites:
External parasites called Cheyletiella mites can cause severe itching in dogs, cats, and other domestic animals. In rare instances, they can even induce severe allergic reactions in humans. Because the mite infestations resemble white dandruff flakes, they are frequently referred to as “walking dandruff.”
Four Ways to Get Rid of Dog Dandruff
Dog dandruff can be removed at home using a number of methods. Among them are:
Food:
Including specific nutrients in a dog’s food helps alleviate dog dandruff. Omega-3 fatty acids lessen skin irritation and help the body produce more oil. Fish oil or omega-3 fatty acid supplements, which are available in pill or liquid form, can be added to your dog’s food.
Environment:
Another typical cause of dog dandruff is dry air or low humidity in a house or apartment, particularly in the summer and winter. For dogs that sleep in rooms where their skin dries up, use a humidifier.
Grooming:
Two of the simplest methods for getting rid of dog dandruff are bathing and frequent brushing. To get rid of loose hair, dead skin, and extra skin oil, brush your dog’s coat once a week. Regular dog washing also helps to keep fleas and other biting parasites away, as well as prevent bacterial and fungal illnesses. For dry skin disorders, use coconut oil or oatmeal shampoo; if your dog needs medicated shampoo, see your veterinarian. Don’t ever give dogs human shampoo: These human items’ ingredients exacerbate scaly, itchy skin disorders.
Vet:
Bring any questions you may have about pet health to your veterinarian. They can do testing to find out whether allergies are the root of your dog’s dandruff or if there’s a more serious issue. Additionally, veterinarians can recommend medicated shampoo to treat the majority of dandruff cases.