What is dog dandruff?
Dandruff is a common condition that is caused by excessive accumulation of dead skin cells. These can make dry flakes on the dog’s skin. Other symptoms that a dog experiences include itching, bumps, open sores and hair loss that can worsen the condition. When a dog scratches due to itchiness, it causes rashes and scars that increase the risk of an infection. Even if your dog seems healthy, you have to get rid of your dog from dandruff for good.
Common symptoms of dog dandruff
- Formation of many dry flakes on dog’s skin
- Itchiness
- Development of bumps and pimples due to dog’s scratching
- Bad odor
- Hair loss of that area of skin due to scratching
Main causes of dandruff on dog
The only way to treat the dandruff is to figure out the cause behind the problem. Once you have found the cause, you can change your dog’s environment and also check your dog to the veterinary doctor. There are 4 main causes leading to dandruff on dogs:
Infections
Bacterial infection such as impetigo and fungal infection such as yeast infection can tend to increase allergies and cause itching. The mites present on your dog’s skin are responsible for hair loss, dry skin and dandruff.
Allergies
There are some allergens such as pollens, chemicals and foods that can cause different allergies for the dogs. The most common signs of allergies include dandruff and itching in the dog’s skin.
Environmental factors
Dry weather is an environmental factor that can strip the dog’s skin moisture. It may be drying the dog’s skin that can cause dry flakes on the skin.
Nutritional deficiencies
Your dog needs proper nutrients to maintain good health. The nutritional deficiencies commonly come up in the skin with dandruff and dry skin. Dandruff is caused due to low omega 3 fatty acid. If your dog takes food which is low omega 3 fatty acid, the risk of developing dandruff on the skin increases. Always purchase good quality products that have omega 3 fatty acid for your dog’s food.
Ways to treat dog dandruff naturally
When treating the dog dandruff, it is necessary to keep in mind the main cause of it. If the symptoms of dandruff are severe, it is best to visit the veterinarian. It is important because parasites, allergies and other skin conditions cause dry, flaky skin. Dandruff affects the dog with dry skin but it also occurs in excessive sweating which is seborrhea. There are some natural ways to get rid of dog dandruff. Here are 11 naturally or through supplements to help fix dandruff on dogs the natural way.
Coconut oil
Coconut oil is very effective to soothe itching and dry skin. You have to apply coconut oil on the dog’s skin. You can also make another treatment by adding 10 drops of coconut oil in the warm water. If your dog has pancreatitis, do not give coconut oil orally.
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Use of dandruff shampoo
Here we are not talking about dandruff shampoo available for humans, that’s not for dogs. There are dog skin care shampoos that are especially made to help treat dog dandruff. Therefore, if the problem is severe, you can add dandruff shampoo to the dog’s bath. It helps to get rid of dog dandruff and make skin smoother.
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Use a right brush
Brushing the dog’s skin makes it smooth and shiny and it also helps to distribute the dog’s natural oil all over the skin. You have to choose the right brush for your dog. If the brush is too soft, it’s not clean the skin. If the brush is too hard, it can aggravate rather than help. Right brush for the dog depends upon the type, coat and your dog’s tolerance.
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Oatmeal for dog’s bath
Oatmeal is used for the treatment of many skin conditions. It helps to treat dandruff and balance the skin oils. You can get oatmeal soap from the pet store. Moreover, you can prepare an oatmeal bath for your dog.
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Use of Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is very useful for treating dandruff and also soothing the itch. The simple method is mixing the apple cider vinegar with water and directly applying it on the dog’s skin. There is no need to rinse, let it dry. Do not apply it in excess because it can make conditions worsen.
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Omega 3 fatty acid supplement
Adding a bit of fish oil in your dog’s food can enhance the omega 3 level. Omega 3 fatty acid supplement helps to eliminate the dandruff and treat dry skin. You can easily get the fish oil capsule from the drug store and pet store and use it in the dog’s food.
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Baking soda
Another famous ingredient is baking soda, which has antifungal properties and removes dandruff in dogs. You can mix baking soda with water and apply it on the dog’s skin. Use a hard brush and remove the dead flakes from the skin. When the treatment is done, you can wash your dog’s hair with shampoo.
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Humidifier
If the dandruff is seen in the winter, you have to buy a humidifier and place it in the main living area. The extra moisture in the air helps to improve this skin condition. Humidifiers are helpful especially in cold climates.
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Regular bathing
Regular bathing helps to remove dead skin cells. But excessive bathing and using wrong bathing products can cause dry skin and dandruff. Brushing helps to remove dandruff from the skin and stimulates skin’s own natural oils.
Antifungal shampoo
When dandruff is due to yeast infection, it is better to use topical creams and shampoo that contain selenium sulfide or benzoyl peroxide in it. Anti-fungal shampoo is used to remove dandruff from the dog’s skin.
Olive oil and apple cider vinegar
Mixing the olive oil with apple cider vinegar and water helps to fight against the dog dandruff. It’s recommended to mix 40% apple cider vinegar, 60% water and 3-4 spoons of olive oil. Apply it on the dog’s skin and leave it for an hour. Then, wash the dog with anti-dandruff shampoo. It helps to remove dandruff and also reduces the growth of fungus.
