How to Get Rid of Dog Dandruff: Roots, Treatments, and Tips

Feb 19, 2026

Terrier mix scratching its ear with its hind leg, illustrating symptoms of Dog Dandruff

Is Dog Dandruff Common?

Yes, dog dandruff is common. Many dogs develop flakes at some point due to dry air, poor hydration, allergies, skin conditions, parasites, or underlying health issues that affect the skin and coat.

What Causes Dog Dandruff?

Dog dandruff develops when something disrupts the natural balance of the skin and coat. That imbalance leads to dryness, irritation, and visible flakes. Several common triggers can set this process in motion.

Dry Skin and Environment

Dry air lowers moisture levels and weakens the skin barrier. Low humidity causes flakes to cling to the coat and increases irritation.

Poor Grooming Habits

Frequent bathing strips natural oils from the coat. Skipping brushing allows dead hair and skin cells to build up.

Allergies and Reactions

Food sensitivities and environmental triggers cause inflammation, redness, and excessive licking. Constant irritation worsens flaking.

Parasites

Mites and other external parasites irritate the skin and create heavy scaling, often called walking dandruff (American Kennel Club — Cheyletiella mites).

Infections

Bacterial and fungal overgrowth inflame the skin and damage hair follicles. Ongoing irritation increases visible flakes.

Underlying Skin Conditions

Seborrheic disorders disrupt oil production and create either greasy buildup or persistent scaling.

Nutritional Deficiencies

Low levels of essential fatty acids weaken the skin barrier and reduce hydration (National Research Council — Nutrient Requirements of Dogs).

Other Health Issues

Hormonal imbalances and immune dysfunction often trigger recurring ear problems, skin irritation, and excessive paw licking (VCA Animal Hospitals — Hypothyroidism in Dogs).

Skin Cell Turnover Problems

Healthy skin continuously sheds old cells through a regulated renewal cycle. When that cycle breaks down, dead cells accumulate on the surface and produce visible flakes (Merck Veterinary Manual — Skin Disorders in Dogs).

Popular Dog Dandruff Treatments

Dog dandruff treatments work best when they target the cause and strengthen long term skin and coat health.

Medicated Shampoo: Controls flaking linked to bacterial or fungal overgrowth and reduces inflammation.
Dietary Improvements: Increase essential fatty acids to support hydration and reduce scaling.

Commercial Supplements: Provide added fatty acids that improve coat quality over time.
Regular Grooming: Removes loose hair and prevents buildup of dead skin cells.
Parasite Control: Eliminates mites and other external parasites that trigger heavy flaking.
Allergy Management: Reduces inflammation, redness, and excessive paw licking tied to sensitivities.
Moisture Control: Adds humidity to indoor air to prevent dryness.
Veterinary Care: A veterinarian identifies the cause and creates a treatment plan that fits the dog’s condition.

When to Visit the Vet for Dog Dandruff

Some flakes improve with basic care, but certain signs call for professional evaluation.

Persistent or Worsening Dandruff

Flakes that return quickly or continue to spread often signal a deeper health concern.

Red or Inflamed Skin

Schedule a vet visit within 48 hours if redness spreads or licking becomes constant.

Signs of Infection

Foul odor, discharge, thick scaling, or repeated ear issues suggest bacterial or fungal overgrowth.

Excessive Scratching or Licking

A vet can run a skin scraping test to confirm or rule out mite infestation.

Hair Loss or Noticeable Skin Changes

Thinning fur alongside flaking warrants blood work to check hormonal levels.

Additional Symptoms

Low energy, weight shifts, or behavior changes alongside flaking can reflect internal imbalance.

Unclear Cause

When the trigger remains unknown, a veterinarian can identify the source and guide care.

Treatment Stops Helping

If flakes persist despite proper care, a professional exam helps adjust the treatment plan.

Related: Holistapet CBD Dog Treats

Best Products to Support Dandruff Prevention in Dogs

These HolistaPet products support skin hydration, coat condition, and overall balance with consistent use.

Product	Type	Primary Focus	Key Ingredients	Use Frequency	Best For
Skin, Coat & Nail Soft Chews	Oral chews	Skin and coat nourishment	Fish oil, biotin, aloe, vitamin C	Daily	Dry or dull coat
CBD Dog Shampoo	Topical cleanser	Cleansing and moisture balance	Hemp extract, soy protein	During baths	Routine grooming
Broad Spectrum CBD Oil	Liquid supplement	Whole body balance	Hemp extract, hemp seed oil	Daily	Ongoing wellness
Probiotics for Dogs	Soft chews	Digestive support	Probiotics, prebiotic fiber	Daily	Nutrient absorption support
Multivitamin Soft Chews	Oral chews	Complete nutrition	Vitamins and minerals	Daily	General health support

HolistaPet Skin, Coat & Nail Soft Chews

Daily soft chews that provide nutrients to support healthy skin and a smoother coat. Choose this chew when your dog shows dull fur and dry flaking but has no signs of infection or parasites.

Key ingredients:

Fish oil rich in DHA and EPA
Biotin
Aloe vera
Vitamin C

How it works:

Omega fatty acids and supportive nutrients help maintain the skin barrier and improve coat texture over time.

Application method:

Give once daily
Follow weight based serving guide

Benefits:

Supports skin hydration
Promotes coat softness
Simple daily routine

HolistaPet CBD Dog Shampoo

A gentle cleanser that helps maintain moisture balance during baths. Use this shampoo if your dog has a sensitive coat that reacts to standard grooming products.

Key ingredients:

Broad spectrum hemp extract. HolistaPet uses broad spectrum hemp extract, which retains naturally occurring plant compounds, including terpenes like myrcene and beta-caryophyllene that research associates with skin-calming properties.
Soy protein conditioner
Mild cleansers

How it works:

The formula removes dirt and buildup while helping preserve natural oils for a softer coat.

Application method:

Wet coat thoroughly
Massage into fur and skin
Rinse completely

Benefits:

Cleans without over drying
Supports coat softness
Suitable for routine grooming

HolistaPet Broad Spectrum CBD Oil for Dogs

Liquid hemp extract designed to support overall wellness and skin balance. This oil suits dogs dealing with recurring skin flares tied to stress or immune imbalance.

Key ingredients:

Broad spectrum hemp extract. The broad-spectrum extract preserves the full plant profile, allowing cannabinoids and terpenes to work together in what researchers call the entourage effect, rather than relying on a single isolated compound.
Hemp seed oil

How it works:

Delivers plant based compounds and fatty acids that support skin condition and coat quality.

Application method:

Add drops to food
Serve daily based on size

Benefits:

Easy to administer
Supports overall balance
Complements daily nutrition

HolistaPet Probiotics for Dogs

Digestive support chews that help maintain nutrient absorption for healthy skin. Pick this chew if your dog eats well but still shows poor coat quality, pointing to an absorption issue.

Key ingredients:

Probiotic strains
Prebiotic fiber

How it works:

Supports gut balance, which helps the body use nutrients that maintain skin and coat condition.

Application method:

Give once daily
Follow weight guidelines

Benefits:

Supports digestion
Encourages nutrient uptake
Promotes overall wellness

HolistaPet Multivitamin Soft Chews for Dogs

Daily multivitamin chews that provide essential nutrients for full body support. Start here if your dog eats a limited diet and needs broad nutritional coverage.

Key ingredients:

Essential vitamins
Key minerals

How it works:

Supplies balanced nutrients that help maintain normal skin and coat function.

Application method:

Give once daily
Adjust by dog size

Benefits:

Supports daily nutrition
Promotes vitality
Easy to serve

Find More Dog Home Remedies Here

Clear Dog Dandruff Quickly with Proper Care

Owners who identify the root cause and maintain consistent grooming, nutrition, and veterinary care give their dogs the best chance at long-term skin health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can dog dandruff spread to humans?

Dog dandruff itself does not spread to humans. However, certain fungal infections or parasites can transfer through close contact and irritate human skin.

Does dog dandruff change with the seasons?

Yes. Dandruff often worsens during colder months when dry air lowers skin moisture levels.

Can stress cause dandruff in dogs?

Chronic stress disrupts cortisol regulation and weakens immune function, which may trigger flaky skin in dogs (American Kennel Club — Stress in Dogs).