Most animals with hair get dandruff. In dogs in is usually more visable in breeds with shorter coats, howver long haird dogs will also get it. Dog dandruff typically comes with dry and itchy skin, but also occurs temporally when a dog becomes nervous or anxious.
As skin is living it is always turnover, meaning cells die and are replced with new ones. These dead cells tend to build up into dander. Added to to this this build up often results is bacteria growth, further casuing more skin issues and more dog dandruff. And lastly, when dandruff occurs the skin cells and hair follicules are stripped of their natural mositurizing and healing powers casuing dry skin.
In almost cases dandruff is not a serious health issue, it is more of a irritation and of course it does not look good at all.
Dog dandruff can, however, be an early sign of more serious ksin issue such as hot spots, demodectic mange, or mites. So, if you are having trouble eliminating the dogs dandruff, it is a good idea to make a visit to the veternarian to be on the safe side!
Many people ask what is the best dog dandruff treatment? We recommend using a medicated dog shampoo that is specifically formulated to treat dandruff and or dermatitis on pets. Do not use human shampoo as this can actually cuses more harm than good. It is also a good idea to make sure your dog is receiving plenty of fatty acids and supplements in his diet on a regualr basis. If you notice excessive shedding and dandruff, you should switch to a higher quality dog fodd and also provide your pet with a daily supplement, salmon oil, as well as digerstive enzymes. These will eliminate the dnadruff and boost the overall health of your dog substantially.
Lastly, as mentioned before nerves will result in tempory dog dandruff. If you have an anxious or nervous dog you will notice dander and flaking during stressful situation such a thunder storms. Not to worry this will go away soon!
The presence of dandruff can, however, indicate that the onset of serious health problems such as skin infections, allergies or an invasion of nasty parasites. mange is caused by tiny, eight-legged troublemakers called mites. There are three varieties of mange, each caused by a different species of mite.
Demodectic mange is caused by a microscopic mite that strikes puppies in their first year of life. The mite is present in all dogs and most times will cause no symptoms while living deep in the animal’s skin. In serious cases, the mites become numerous, sometimes hundreds in scarcely a square inch, and clog the hair follicles. The dog’s skin becomes sore and oozes secretions and weakened hair will often fall out. If widespread on the dog’s body the condition can be lethal and a veterinarian’s attention is critical.
Sarcoptic mange is caused by another microscopic mite, a female, burying under the skin to lay its eggs. The eggs hatch and the new mites repeat the process in less than a month. this mange, also known as scabies, is extremely irritating and the will prompt aggressive itching and biting by the infected dog. Although sometimes difficult to diagnose, sarcoptic mange is extremely treatable.
The mite that causes Cheyletiella mange lives on the skin surface and is large enough to be captured with a fine flea comb. It’s presence can be verified by examining the skin scraping from the comb under a microscope or magnifying glass. If present this reddish mite, often called a “kennel mite,” can often be killed with a topical preparation. This “walking dandruff” is short-lived and will cause mild itching until it disappears.
Some unlucky pets are born with dandruff-type skin disorders and many of these can be breed-specific. It is important to make certain before you conclude that your dog’s problem dandruff is just that – dandruff.