Itchy scalp and white flakes on your furry friend is a sign of dandruff. Like humans, dogs also get dandruff which is to be treated soon. You cannot share your anti-dandruff shampoo with your pup as it is not suitable for it. There are other options to make your pup dandruff free.
This article helps you know the various causes, symptoms, and treatment that make your beloved pet free from this irritating situation.
Common Causes of Puppy’s Dandruff
Dandruff is officially known as seborrhea which is of two types that are primary and secondary. Primary seborrhea is very rare and is inherited, whereas secondary seborrhea is common.
Some common causes for secondary seborrhea are:
- Allergic reactions.
- Various bacterial, fungal, and yeast infections.
- Endocrine disorders like Cushing’s disease and hypothyroidism.
- Obesity.
- Some of the environmental factors like humidity.
It is not recommended to neglect dandruff, as it is connected to other medical issues. You must have an appointment with your vet to get rid of dandruff.
Common Symptoms of Dog’s Dandruff
How can you get that your pet has dandruff? Some symptoms help you identify that your pet has dandruff. Let’s have a look at those,
Discomfort: The dog feels irritated and due to the constant scratching, can’t participate in regular activities.
Itchy and dry skin: Increased scratching can be observed.
White flakes: White visible scales spread throughout your dog’s skin, and it loses its fur.
Red skin and scabs: Red spots appear due to too much scratching.
How to Treat Your Dog’s Dandruff?
The first step in treating your dog’s dandruff is identifying the underlying cause. This makes it easy to treat your dog’s dandruff by treating the cause.
An allergy test is a preliminary test to be done that helps to identify if any allergens are affecting your pet’s skin.
5 Simple Home Remedies To Treat Dog’s Dandruff
Here are some quick relaxing home remedies for treating your dog’s dandruff
1. Groom and Brush Your Dog Regularly
To remove loose flakes and mats, grooming is the simple and best way to keep your pet free from dandruff.
2. Use Good Anti-Dandruff and Moisturising Shampoos
Select good shampoos for dry skin like oatmeal shampoos for your pet or any other medicated shampoos. Washing your pet’s hair (fur) is a good practice that can reduce the dust and dirt which causes itching. Make sure that these shampoos are made for dogs and suit the pH of your dog’s skin. Never use human shampoos for your pet; this may worsen the condition.
3. Use Humidifiers
If your pet has dry skin due to low humidity, use humidifiers to add moisture to your pet’s dry skin. High humidity helps to soothe your pet’s skin, thus keeping away dandruff.
4. Good Rinsing
You should rinse your dog well after applying shampoo because left off dried shampoo may cause itchiness. Try a coconut oil massage and add apple cider vinegar to the water, for giving a bath. They are the best alternative available for rinsing.
5. Good Diet
You should include Omega 3 fatty acids in your pet’s diet as they keep your pet’s skin and hair healthy. A good diet always helps your pet be healthy but keeps in mind not giving those foods that may be allergic to your pet.
If your pet has any skin infections or allergies, you must give medications too, which your vet perceives.
Allergies: Medications may help come out of allergies by environmental factors. In the case of food allergies, you must change your pet’s diet by taking advice from your vet.
Skin infections: If your pet has any skin infections, it should be identified first and then it is treated with some of the antiseptics or any oral medications.
Endocrine disorders: Common disorders are hypothyroidism (fewer thyroxine levels ) or Cushing’s disease (high steroid production). This can be treated by increasing thyroxine levels and decreasing the levels of steroids produced by the dog’s body by using certain oral medications.
FAQs
Is Dandruff Related to my dog’s breed?
Yes! Dog dandruff is also related to the type of breed. The breeds which are at a high risk of allergies are more likely to develop dandruff.
The following breeds are more prone to dandruff:
Poodles,
Maltese,
Terriers,
Greyhounds.
Can Dog Supplements Help to Get Rid of Dandruff?
Along with consulting your vet regarding dandruff, you can add a skin and coat supplement to your dog’s daily routine for better results. All supplements are not made equal, and you’ll need to keep an eye on their ingredients.
Fish oil from salmon or sardines, Probiotics, Kelp, Flaxseed oil, and Vitamin E are pretty helpful in getting rid of dandruff.
When To Call Vet About Dandruff?
A few flakes, particularly in the winter months, aren’t anything to worry about. However, if you find any of these, it’s better to consult a vet immediately.
A sudden excessive number of flakes.
Your dog is itchy or uncomfortable.
The skin is very red.
The odour associated with dandruff.
We hope the lovely furries will be happier considering the minor precautions to prevent and eliminate dandruff. Read on My Furries to know more about such skin issues among the puppies; subscribe now.
