Dandruff in Dogs – What Can It Mean?
Have you noticed small white or yellowish flakes in your dog's fur from time to time? These are likely skin flakes. Although dandruff itself is harmless, it can indicate that something is wrong.
Just like in humans, dandruff is a common sign of dry skin. This →itches your four-legged friend and the scratching causes white, dead skin flakes to fall off. Unlike us humans, however, you cannot simply wash your dog with anti-dandruff shampoo and expect everything to be back to normal. Find out what causes dandruff in dogs and how you can help your furry friend.
Bei Haut- und Fellproblemen:
Futter zur Stärkung von Haut und Fell
Common Causes of Dandruff in Dogs
Sometimes the reasons for dandruff are harmless, like overly dry heating air. However, there can also be more serious underlying issues such as a skin disease or a nutrient deficiency.
The most common reasons for dandruff in dogs are:
- Parasite infestations like →fleas, mites, or lice
- Infections caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses
- →Allergies, e.g., to grasses or food
- A nutrient deficiency due to poor nutrition
- Hormonal changes
- Metabolic changes, e.g., due to liver disease
- →Stress from the environment
As you can see, the causes of dandruff are diverse, and it is usually a symptom of something else.
[TRANSLATION ERROR] Das Fell ist eine Art Sprachrohr der Gesundheit bei Hunden. Vor allem zum Fellwechsel können vermehrt Schuppen auftreten.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Dandruff is usually quite easy to recognize in dogs. Most of the time, it simply lies on the fur or falls out when you pet or brush them. Frequent scratching is another sign of flaky skin. You can also brush your dog against the direction of the fur to see how many flakes they actually have and whether they are dry and white or yellow and greasy.
However, the fact is that only a veterinarian can tell you exactly why your four-legged friend has dandruff and how "serious" the infestation is. They will conduct a more thorough examination in practice. Through a dermatological examination, the veterinarians can quickly determine if your dog might be suffering from a parasite infestation or fungus. Hair, skin, possibly particularly flaky areas, and the itching will then be examined and analyzed more closely.
You will also likely be asked about your pet's living conditions. This means what food you provide, how much stress your dog experiences, whether other pets or children live in the house, and if there are any known allergies. If the examination and conversation do not lead to a clear cause for the dandruff, a skin biopsy may help to analyze the cells and glands of the deeper skin layers in the laboratory.
When Should I See a Veterinarian About Dandruff?
If your dog has dandruff, you do not always need to go directly to the veterinarian. Just observe your four-legged friend for a few days. Is their behavior otherwise normal, or do they show other abnormalities like frequent scratching, hair loss, or bald spots? What do the flakes look like? Are they dry and white and can be easily removed with light brushing? Or are they more yellowish and greasy or oily and difficult to get out of the fur?
If you are unsure, the flakes are not decreasing, are yellowish-greasy, or your dog shows other abnormalities, you should seek veterinary advice!
[TRANSLATION ERROR] Anhand einer dermatologischen Untersuchung können Tierärzte herausfinden, wieso dein Hund Schuppen hat und wie man ihm helfen kann.
Treatment for Dandruff in Dogs
Dandruff can be quite annoying for your dog and is often associated with itching. Depending on the cause of the infestation, appropriate treatment can provide relief. For simple dandruff, for example, due to shedding or dry skin, regular, gentle brushing can help. You should also take a closer look at the grooming products for your four-legged friend. Natural products like those from our Pets Deli CARE line support your pet's skin health. Our [→Deep Clean Shampoo](/products/deep-clean-shampoo-mit-wegerich-sanddorn-und-frauenmantel-fur-hunde) with plantain, sea buckthorn, and lady's mantle, for example, has antibacterial properties, reduces odors, and helps with fungi, bacteria, or lichens. Ideal for sensitive fur babies!
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If your dog has a fungal infection or a parasite infestation, your dog will certainly be prescribed a →suitable remedy for it. However, it is not advisable to treat your dog on your own with the leftover ointment from the last flea infestation! Additionally, other animals living in the household, such as cats, should also be treated**, as fleas or mites can be contagious among pets. Keep in mind that parasite treatments for dogs must never be used on cats.
If the dandruff is due to poor nutrition or nutrient deficiency, a →diet change may help. Consult your trusted veterinarian regarding this. Still unsure? Our experts →are happy to provide free advice on your pet's nutrition. A special food like our hypoallergenic food can also be beneficial in cases of possible allergies or intolerances.
Ideal for Allergies and Intolerances - Hypoallergenic Food
Preventing Dandruff in Dogs
To prevent severe dandruff in your dog, the →right food is very important. A →species-appropriate diet lays the foundation for a healthy and long life for your dog. Regular coat care is also worth mentioning. However, this does not mean that you should bathe your dog frequently! On the contrary: To avoid overstressing your dog's skin and destroying the natural oil film that serves as a protective layer, the rule for washing and shampooing is: as often as necessary, as rarely as possible! Instead, reach for a brush suitable for your dog's coat type and comb your four-legged friend's fur several times a week!
