Causes of Dog Dandruff and How to Get Rid of It Fast

You notice that your dog has dry, white flakes on his back and/or has been leaving flakes on his favorite dog bed. It could be dog dandruff. If this flaking is just an isolated incident and he seems otherwise comfortable, it isn't something to worry about, but persistent flaking and/or itchiness may indicate that something else is going on.

Can Dogs Get Dandruff Like Humans Do?

Yes! Just like in humans, dog dandruff occurs when flakes of dead skin cells start falling out of place and hanging out on the hair and in your dog's surrounding area. While human dandruff usually only affects the scalp, dog dandruff is commonly seen on a dog's back (especially toward the tail).

The official name for dandruff is seborrheic dermatitis. Your dog's skin includes sebaceous glands that produce sebum, an oil that helps to keep the skin moist and flexible. When these glands produce too much sebum, it causes an imbalance in the skin. There are two forms of seborrheic dermatitis: seborrhea sicca (dry seborrhea) and seborrhea oleosa (oily seborrhea). Dogs can have a combination of the two.

What Causes Dog Dandruff?

Dog dandruff has a variety of causes, and can affect any breed. In some cases, it is a genetic condition such as primary seborrhea (most commonly found in cocker spaniels, West Highland white terriers, and basset hounds) or ichthyosis (golden retrievers, Cavalier King Charles spaniels, and Yorkshire terriers). But usually, dog dandruff has an environmental cause.

Dry Air

Just like humans, dogs can be afflicted by dry skin in the winter months when the air is drier than normal. Forced-air heating can exacerbate the issue. If you only notice dandruff on your dog during the winter months, lack of humidity in the air may be to blame.

Walking Dandruff and Other Parasites

Cheyletiella mites are large enough to be seen with the naked eye, and look very similar to white dog dandruff flakes. Like other external parasites such as fleas, ticks, and Demodex and Sarcoptes mites, these unwelcome guests live and feed on your dog's skin, which will cause him to be very itchy.

Obesity and Nutritional Issues

An improper diet can cause your dog to miss out on nutrients that he needs to keep his skin and coat healthy, which could lead to dog dandruff. Make sure that your dog is eating a high-quality, balanced dog food. Fatty acids such as omega-3s and omega-6s play a role in skin health, and some dogs benefit from additional supplementation of these in their diets. It's important to check with your vet before introducing anything new to your dog's diet, however.

Additionally, obesity puts your dog at risk for a wide variety of health conditions. Poor skin health is just the tip of the iceberg.

Skin Infections

Bacterial and fungal infections on the skin can also cause dog dandruff to occur. These tiny invaders may also take advantage of your dog's weakened skin and cause a secondary infection. Whether the dandruff or the skin infection came first, bacterial and fungal infections require appropriate treatment to get your dog's skin back to normal.

Allergies

Food and environmental allergies in dogs usually manifest as skin problems. Affected dogs may be itchy during particular times of the year, suffer from chronic ear and skin infections, or constantly lick their paws. Dog dandruff is usually just one of multiple allergy symptoms.

Hormonal Conditions

Diseases such as hypothyroidism and Cushing's disease can cause changes in your dog's skin. Additionally, a weakened immune system caused by such hormonal conditions will make him more vulnerable to secondary infections.

Idiopathic Seborrhea

Sometimes we don't know what causes seborrheic dermatitis, hence the use of the term 'idiopathic,' or spontaneous. When the cause of a dog's flaky skin is unknown, it most likely will be treated symptomatically, and additional management care can be provided if the problem persists.

When to See the Vet for Your Dog's Dandruff Problem

If your dog just has mild seasonal or sporadic dandruff, it's probably nothing to worry about. But you'll want to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian if your dog is experiencing any of these symptoms in addition to dog dandruff:

• Itchiness
• An odor to the skin
• Excessive amounts of dandruff
• Hair loss
• Red, irritated skin
• Other signs of illness or discomfort

Diagnosing the cause of your dog's dandruff will require a physical exam. Additionally, your vet may do a skin scrape to look for parasites, a culture test to check for fungal and bacterial infections, or blood work to check for underlying systemic disorders.

Dog Dandruff Treatment and Home Remedies

Depending on how severe the case is, your pup's dandruff can often be treated at home/on your own. Incorporate some of these tips into your dog's routine care routine to help get your dog's dandruff under control.

Grooming

Regular grooming is the cornerstone of skin and coat health in dogs, and plays an important role in managing dandruff. Brushing your dog helps to disperse the excess skin oils throughout his coat so that they aren't pooling on the skin, and also removes dead hair. Brush daily while your dog is having an outbreak of dandruff, and weekly for general maintenance grooming. Misting with water can help to decrease static for long haired dogs, or you can use a conditioning spray intended for dogs, though you'll want to consult with your veterinarian first to make sure that any grooming product you use won't impact other treatments your dog is receiving.

Bathing

Giving your dog a bath is often beneficial for seborrhea outbreaks and bacterial and fungal infections. Once your vet has diagnosed the cause of your dog's skin problems, she may prescribe an appropriate medicated shampoo. Follow the directions on the bottle carefully. Some shampoos need to be left on the dog for several minutes to work their magic. Also pay attention to how often your dog should be bathed, as bathing too often can dry out your dog's skin and either make the current symptoms worse or cause additional problems. Rinse thoroughly after all baths, whether you are using a medicated shampoo for a dandruff outbreak or regular shampoo for maintenance grooming, as many shampoos can be irritating if they are not rinsed off.

Supplements

Your vet may recommend giving your dog fatty acid supplements such as omega-3s and omega-6s. Always be cautious when choosing a supplement, as these products are not as heavily regulated as medications. Look for a product with the National Animal Supplement Council Quality Seal, or one your vet recommends.

Healthy Diet

Be sure to feed your pooch a balanced diet that meets your dog's nutritional needs. Choose a diet that has an AAFCO Statement on the label indicating that the food meets the nutrient profiles for your dog's life stage or that it has undergone feeding trials.

Humidifier Usage

It may be beneficial (for you and your pets!) to use a humidifier in your house or apartment during the winter or if you live in an arid climate. The steam can help soothe and hydrate his dry skin to make your dog more comfortable and less itchy.

Treating Other Health Conditions

As well as at-home care for dog dandruff, your dog will need to be treated for any underlying conditions that he may have. This may include antibiotics for bacterial infections, antifungals for fungal infections, steroids and/or immunosuppressants for immune-mediated disorders, as well as allergy testing and medications. Once the underlying condition has been addressed, your dog's skin will be much healthier, and they'll be much more comfortable!