Dandruff isn't just a problem for humans. You may have begun to notice white flakes in your dog's coat. These flakes are just small pieces of dry skin. This condition isn't serious. In fact, your dog probably doesn't even realize that he has it, but it's still good to know how to get rid of dandruff on dogs.
There are a number of reasons that your dog may have dandruff in his fur. Allergies, dry skin or weather conditions could all be the culprit. None of these are serious concerns. Unfortunately, dandruff can also be a sign of a major health problem such as an endocrine disorder (like Cushing's Disease), skin infections or malnutrition.
It's important to have your veterinarian examine your dog when you begin to notice dandruff. They can help you rule out any underlying conditions and give you some guidance on how to get rid of dandruff on dogs. If you've ruled out anything serious, these tips will help make your dog's skin and coat healthier to clear up the dandruff problem.
How To Get Rid of Dandruff On Dogs
1. A Better Diet
Nutrition will directly impact your dog's overall health and well-being. Food could be the cause of your dog's dandruff problem, but it could also be the solution. Studies show that adjusting your dog's diet with specific guidelines in mind can positively affect his skin and coat health. Even if your pet's skin irritation is not due to food allergies, a diet change adjusted to prioritize a healthy and shiny coat may help.
Poor quality food is made with ingredients that can actually harm your dog over time. If the food you feed doesn't provide proper nutrition for your dog's unique needs, you're going to start seeing negative effects as time goes on. One of the first signs you'll notice is the deterioration of his skin and coat health.
You may not even need to completely change your dog's diet. Adding supplements for skin and coat health may be an easier option. Your veterinarian can help guide you in making the right decision for your dog's nutrition.
2. Use a Humidifier
Does dry winter air make your skin dry and crack? The same thing can happen to your pets. Dry skin will increase the amount of dandruff on your dog. If it is common to have low humidity in your home, try adding a humidifier that will kick on when the air is too dry.
Place the humidifier in a common area where your dog spends a lot of time. Maybe next to his bed or in a room that he likes to sleep in. If possible, you may want to put small humidifiers in multiple rooms of your home. The moist air will benefit your human and furry family members.
3. Regular Grooming
Keeping your dog well brushed and groomed can help spread the natural oils that their skin produces. It also messages the skin for better distribution of these oils and helps to stimulate blood flow.
4. Get the Right Shampoo
An easy way to learn how to get rid of dandruff on dogs is to switch your traditional dog shampoo with oatmeal or anti-dandruff shampoo. Oatmeal shampoo has been shown to not only reduce dandruff, but also to comfort and soothe a dog’s itchy skin.
DO NOT attempt to use human dandruff shampoos, as this can make the situation worse. The pH level of your dog's skin is different than that of a human's. Using human shampoo on your pet can actually dry the skin out even more and make the dandruff worse.
5. Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements
I mentioned adding supplements to your dog's diet already. Omega-3 fatty acids, easily given through fish oil supplements, have been shown in studies to support coat and skin health. Just remember, always consult a veterinarian before adding any vitamins or supplements into your dog’s diet.
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