Dog Dandruff: What Causes It and How to Stop It NOW!

Did your dog get stuck in a blizzard? Or is it just dog dry skin? Jokes aside, this skin condition is a pain for you and your furry friend! The little white flakes dusting your dog's coat aren't just gross, they could indicate a serious health issue. You can brush and bathe all you want, but until you address the underlying cause, dandruff will stick to your dog (and your hands, and your furniture)!

 

 

What is Dog Dandruff?

Dandruff is dead skin cells that get stuck in your dog's coat. It looks like little white flakes in your dog's fur that seem to generate endlessly. Dandruff flakes can also be yellow if they're oily, or reddish-brown if they're mixed with scabs. Dandruff is typically an indication of another health condition, so other symptoms like itchiness, skin irritation and foul odor often accompany dry skin on dogs.

 

 

Why Does My Dog Have Dandruff?

Your dog can develop dandruff for a myriad of reasons. A careful review of your pooch's health, environment, and lifestyle will provide clues about the source of their flake issue.

 

 

Seborrhea

Also known as seborrheic dermatitis, seborrhea occurs when the sebum glands in your dog's skin overproduce oil. The excess oil causes the skin to flake and become irritated. Signs of seborrhea include redness, itching, foul odor, lesions, and of course, dandruff flakes. This condition usually occurs on the back, flanks, face, and skin folds.

 

 

Mites

Mites are gross, no question about it. These little parasites set up camp in your dog's fur and feed off their skin every day. It's perfectly normal for all dogs to host some critters, but these organisms do not help your dog at all. Dandruff is a typical result of a mite infestation, so avoid mite exposure at all costs. Here are some conditions that mites cause.

 

• Cheyletiellosis: Cheyletiella yasguri mites cause skin irritation in dogs that often lead to dandruff. You can see these mites crawling across your pet's skin, which is how they earned the nickname "walking dandruff.” They are highly contagious and can even jump across species - cats, rabbits, and people are all prime targets for these parasites.
• Demodectic Mange: Demodex mites are another unsavory pest that can wreak havoc on your dog's skin. An infestation of these mites leads to demodectic mange, which causes swelling, hair loss, and flaky skin. All dogs have some Demodex mites, but the mite population can grow out of control in dogs with weak immune systems.

 

 

Skin Infections

A skin infection may cause your dog's skin to become irritated and shed abnormally. A veterinarian can accurately diagnose which condition is affecting your dog's skin.

 

• Ringworm: Ringworm is a fungal infection that presents itself as a red, round, raised area of skin. It's caused by a fungus that lives on the top layer of the skin and within the hair follicles. Your dog contracts ringworm via direct contact with the fungus, so either another infected dog or a contaminated object.
• Yeast Infections: Also referred to as yeast dermatitis or Malassezia, yeast infections on your dog's skin are another culprit for dandruff. Like ringworm, yeast infections are caused by a fungus. However, unlike ringworm, these infections aren't contagious. Signs of a yeast infection include itching, odor, and ear infections. Flaky, hyperpigmented, or thickened skin are common symptoms as well.

 

 

Endocrine Disorders

Endocrine disorders, or hormonal disorders, are a major cause of dandruff in dogs. Hormones play a key role in regulating the skin's function. When your dog is under or overproducing certain hormones, their skin's health can suffer. Here are some endocrine conditions that can cause dandruff on dogs:

 

• Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland, which regulates metabolism, doesn't produce enough hormone. The deficiency of thyroid hormone results in your dog's metabolism slowing. Hypothyroidism causes hair loss, weight gain, lethargy, and dry skin. A dog with dry skin is likely to develop dandruff.
• Cushing's Disease: Cushing's disease develops when your dog's adrenal or pituitary glands produce too much cortisol. Symptoms include increased thirst and appetite, reduced activity, a swollen abdomen, hair loss, and skin infections. Dandruff can result from skin infections caused by Cushing's disease. This condition is serious - bring your dog to the vet if you believe they are suffering from this disease.

 

 

Allergies

Allergic reactions can cause your dog's skin to itch. You might be inclined to think allergens have to touch your dog's skin to cause dandruff, but that's not the case. Food allergies are often the cause of itchy, dry skin on dogs.

 

 

Genetics

If your dog's parents have skin conditions that cause dandruff, your dog is more prone to developing dandruff. Some breeds are more prone to developing skin conditions than others, so be sure to research what conditions could run in your dog's genes.

 

 

Symptoms of Dandruff in Dogs

Symptoms of your dog's skin health failing can be obvious or subtle, depending on how severely your dog is affected. Not every symptom will be present, but if you notice that your dog (or furniture) is in distress, it's important to intervene and address the issue. Be on the lookout for these dandruff symptoms:

 

• An excessive amount of skin flakes on your dog's coat
• Itchiness
• Redness or irritation on your dog's skin
• A foul odor on your dog's skin
• Thinning hair or bald patches
• Unusually oily or dry skin

 

Related Article: The Best Dog Itchy Skin Home Remedy – Full List

 

 

How to Get Rid of Dog Dandruff

The appropriate treatment for your dog's dandruff will depend on its cause. Once you've determined what's contributing to your dog's dandruff, you can choose a treatment designed for that specific issue.

 

Shampoos for Dandruff on Dogs

Special shampoos formulated to treat skin conditions like seborrhea or ringworm will combat dandruff. These shampoos contain antifungal ingredients or fatty acids to combat the underlying cause of dandruff.  Consult your veterinarian for an accurate diagnosis and the best shampoo recommendation.

 

• CBD Shampoo (for Dogs): If you want a gentle shampoo to support your dog's skin, CBD dog shampoos are worth looking into. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a cannabinoid derived from the hemp plant. This compound complements the functionality of your dog's endocannabinoid system (ECS) through interaction with receptors on their skin.
• Oatmeal Shampoo (for Dogs): Oatmeal shampoos tend to soothe and moisturize the skin simultaneously. Always make sure the shampoo is made for canines because a human shampoo can cause more damage or irritation if you use it on a dog. Oatmeal aids the skin due to its anti-inflammatory attributes.

 

Related: Holistapet CBD Dog Treats

 

Omega-3 Fatty acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are especially beneficial for skin health. Omega-3 is also used topically in some shampoos to support the skin barrier and help the epidermis retain moisture. Our CBD tincture oils for dogs are made with hemp seed oil and CBD. Hemp seed oil is a great source of omega 3, 6, and 9 for dogs. Plus the CBD may help soothe minor irritations and help your pet to relax.

 

Diet & Hydration

Changes to your dog's diet can promote their skin health. Always ensure your dog receives a full nutritional profile in their food. Feeding your dog more omega-3 fatty acids will benefit their skin. It's also very important to keep your pet hydrated because dehydration can lead to dry skin and dandruff in dogs.

 

Find More Dog Home Remedies Here

 

 

Final Thoughts

Don't fear! Though it's concerning, canine dandruff can be defeated! All it requires is some detective work to discover the cause. Once you've nailed down the source of the issue, treatment should be a breeze. Don't keep your pet suffering needlessly - if you notice their quality of life is deteriorating, take them to the vet for the best care. Read more here about Holistapet.