A beautiful coat is a sign of a healthy dog, right? Likewise, when something is not going well with the dog's health, the skin shows some sign right away. Dandruff in dogs is one of the manifestations that usually happens when there is some nutritional deficiency or inadequate hygiene of the animal. Have you spotted some white peels coming off under your pet's hair? Then read onto learn all about dogs with dandruff and how to rid your best friend of this nuisance.

Dog with dandruff: how to identify the dermatological problem

Just like in humans, dandruff is the result of skin peeling. Its traces are small pieces of dead skin, which appear in the form of white peels and come off whenever the animal scratches itself or when we pet it. Since the itching sensation is constant as long as the condition is not treated - and the dog will not deprive itself of scratching whenever it feels like it - it is common toobserve the formation of sores on the skin, which can develop into infections when not given proper attention.

In addition, dog dandruff can present itself in two forms. Dry dandruff usually affects breeds such as Cocker Spaniel, Labrador, Shar-Pei and Basset Hound, for example, as well as breeds with longer hair. Also known as dry seborrhea, this type of dandruff can be caused by the dryness of the dog's skin or as a result of parasite infestation, such as fleas.Oily seborrhea is a complication of dry dandruff and is characterized by the excessive presence of fat on the animal's skin. Only the veterinarian can correctly diagnose the problem.

What are the causes of dandruff in dogs?

To develop dandruff, a dog may be experiencing a number of situations. The biggest of these can be prevented in daily care:

• Lack of bathing and brushing: dirt-covered skin and matted hair are the ideal environment for dandruff to develop;

• Over-bathing: on the other hand, bathing your dog more than necessary can remove the protective layer of the dog's skin and cause the body to work twice as hard to compensate for the loss, what we know as the rebound effect;

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• Inadequate nutrition: proteins, Vitamin A and omega 3 and 6 are some of the nutrients that cannot be missing in the canine diet to ensure skin health;

• Unsuitable products: do not use human soap, shampoo and conditioner on the dog, as the Ph is not suitable for the animal's skin;

• Allergies: Dogs that are exposed to dust can develop a dust mite allergy, which causes a lot of itching and scaling. Lice, fleas and other pests also cause this effect;

• Stress and anxiety: Anxious dogs tend to scratch themselves a lot in an attempt to calm down and can end up starting skin peeling.

How to prevent dandruff in dogs?

Without a doubt, prevention is better than cure also in the case of dandruff in dogs. The first step is to take good care of the pet's diet, serving a rich ration in its formula and suitable for the size and weight of the animal. It is worth investing in Premium and Super Premium versions - the difference is seen in the coat!

Baths should be spaced at least 15 days apart, the water should not be too hot and drying is essential at the end of the process. If you need to use the hairdryer, make sure the temperature is not too high and keep a safe distance from the dog's skin.

Finally, brush your dog, which removes dead hair, eliminates knots, stimulates new hair to grow and leaves the dog very relaxed.

Photos of dandruff in dogs: learn to recognize the skin problem

In addition to the fragments of skin coming loose, with the appearance of a flour, the dog's hair usually suffers a lot in the presence of dandruff. In more severe cases, real hairy holes form in the extension of the animal's skin. See below some photos of dandruff in dogs and its effects:

Dandruff in dogs: how to treat it efficiently

From the moment you discover that your dog has dandruff, the best thing to do is to take him to the vet, preferably to a professional who specializes in dermatology. During the consultation, it will be possible to eliminate other suspicions, such as allergies or fungal action, through anamnesis and blood test.

The treatment includes the indication of the most suitable products for the type of dandruff that the dog has: to regulate the sebum or to prevent the skin from drying out even more. This step should be able to relieve much of the discomfort that the dog with dandruff feels. The ideal frequency of baths may also be suggested by the veterinarian, depending on the physical characteristics and routine of the animal. InIn general, dogs with dry dandruff get one bath a month, while dogs with oily seborrhea get two.

Some medications may also be prescribed to eliminate the cause of the problem, such as antibiotics, antifungals and anti-inflammatories.

Apple vinegar for dandruff in dogs: before opting for home treatment, consult a veterinarian

There are many recipes scattered on the internet to treat dog dandruff with homemade products, but it is important to note that if the natural treatment is not prescribed by a veterinarian, the chances of the problem worsening are enormous.

In the case of apple cider vinegar, for example, the idea is to create an acidic environment in which parasites can't survive. But this culinary ingredient can also cause allergies and cause nausea and vomiting in dogs. It's best not to risk it. With the help of a veterinarian, you can get rid of dog dandruff quickly and safely.