Well it is that time of the year again when we do our annual review of the best dog dandruff treatments options available on the market. This year we are including the term treatment as we have found a great solution that combines a shampoo with a supplement. before we get  into our choice, let’s first discuss how we conducted the evaluations.

To begin with we need to define dog dandruff as there are so many dog skin problems exist it is important to understand our criteria. We consider dog’s dandruff to to include any (not all) of following conditions

What we consider to be dog dandruff symptoms and signs

1. fairly constant dry itchy skin
2. fairly constant scratching in a general area of the body, or on a large portion of the body
3. flaking (much like human dandruff)
4. build up of dead skin cells (the appearance is very similar flaking)
5. dermatitis or eczema

Here is what we do not consider to be symptoms of canine dandruff:

1. Isolated hot spots- typically these are small sores sometimes red, associated with severe loss of fur in the isolated area
2. Dog Yeast Infection – a sure sign of a canine yeast infection is a foul smell
3. Warts, Acne, and Pimples.

The Winner

So for everyone who simply wants to know what the best dog dandruff treatment option is for 2010, it is RenuPlex Medicated Dog Shampoo and SkinPlex Digestive Enzymes available at www.evolutionsupply.com/dog-dandruff.html dandruff treatment options.   Their  remedy includes a great all natural medicated dog shampoo, skin enzymes (which are sprinkled over the dogs food), and a healing & moisturizing silk protein spray; called RenuPlex Silk Protein Spray.

Before we contacted Evolution about the products we tested them individually and then as a group.  We found that the shampoo did a great job reducing flaking, scratching, and itching but is about half of the dogs (we  safely tested on 24 dogs!) some lesser form a dandruff did come back within 2 to 3 weeks.   When we used the shampoo along with the SkinPlex Enzymes the dog dandruff and its symptoms continually reduced and on average by week 3 there were no more signs or symptoms; and they did not return.   With respect to the spray it did a great job providing “ in between bath” skin  moisturizing and healing.

So after our tests we called Evolution to discuss the products and they indicated that they have good success witht the medicated dog shampoo because it contains zinc-pca which is a all natural element very effective and safe at treating dog dandruff. In fact after the call we did our own research on zonc-pca and found it to be one of the best (and safest) remedies for not only dandruff, but also dermatitis, can atopic dermatitis in humans. After making some more calls we found that not many brand name shampoos (human and pet) use zinc-pca because it is so expensive; regardless there are a few manufacturers that do use it.

The medicated dog shampoo RenuPlex also is formulated with aloe-vera juice and almost no water.  That gives it great moisturizing powers.   It also contains Calendula , spearmint leaf extract, peppermint leaf extract, rosemary, lavender, and a few other natural ingredients that are great at healing damaged skin and re balancing the sebum gland, which is the cause of most dog dandruff conditions.

Next we looked at the enzymes, called SkinPlex.  Enzymes have been used for years as a treatment for dog skin problems and have been very effective.  Evolution added Omega 3 and 6 to theirs giving it a boost which appears to be working.  o why do they enzymes provide the permanent relief as opposed to just using the shampoo?  Well, as we found out by speaking with veterinarians, most dog’s have digestive problems absorbing all of the nutrients in there food, regardless of the quality of food they receive.   This is because there lineage is tied to pact animals who ate raw meats.   As a result their  skin and coat suffer deficiencies and dandruff like symptoms.  The enzymes, act to boost the absorption of these nutrients allowing a dog’s skin and their coat to receive the needed nutrients.  The result is that there problems, like dog dandruff go away.

So in conclusion, we recommend RenuPlex Medicated Dog Shampoo and SkinPlex Diegstive Enzymes as the best Treatment for Dogs Dandruff.

We also evaluated Comfy Dog, NuVet, Vetonix, Perfect Coat, and Hartz.  We will be providing our conclusions on these in the upcoming posts.  But in the mean time our clear winner was indeed RenuPlex and SkinPlex as the best dog dandruff treatment choice!

Please let us know what other pet products you would like reviewed in addition to this review on dogs dandruff!

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.

healthy dogs

Dogs can get severe cases of itchy skin and it is nothing that you are doing wrong as an owner.   If you see that your dog is getting really bad cases of itchy skin then there are some things that you need to turn to in order to treat the problem.   Medicated dog shampoo is just one of the treatments that you should consider. This shampoo is alose great at treating dogs dandruff and eczema.    Just because you see that your dog is scratching a lot doesn’t mean that you should instantly think that flees could be the problem.   Often times, flees are not the problem at all.   Your dog can be completely free of flees but still have serious conditions of itchy skin. You have to remember that dogs love being outdoors, any chance they get they are trotting around rubbing their bodies over all sorts of different things.   These things can harmful reactions in their skin and if they’re not treating, things will only get worse.
Consider buying medicated dog shampoo because it can seriously help matters and improve the quality of life that your dog is having. If you actually evaluate how happy they are with their life, you might find that dealing with an itchy skin condition can be as detrimental to a dogs life as it would be to your own. Who wants to deal with constantly scratching their skin, or dog dandruff, in order to have a healthy feeling body? Dogs and humans alike share the same kind of satisfactions that we get from having clean and problem free skin.
Medicated dog shampoo has the right kind of ingredients to effectively rid the kind of itchy skin that your dog is experiencing. Scientists and veterinarians have learned what kinds of things are most effective at treating dog conditions and all of the love and determination to have a good solid product that owners can depend on has gone into these shampoos. Be sure to remember that buying a main brand shampoo is not only important. This goes for humans as well. All manufacturers use the same kind of ingredients in their shampoos and you can simply evaluate the labels on the back to see what they have included that is beneficial to your dog.   Just because you see that the leading brand is available at the store doesn’t mean you should buy it when it costs twice as much as an off brand shampoo that has the same ingredients.   A medicated dog shampoo is perfect for getting rid of the itchy skin your dog has been dreadfully experiencing.   If you can’t find the right kind of medicated dog shampoo your looking for, consider asking the customer service representatives especially if you are ordering online; or also try a search for dog dandruff shampoo.   Most companies will be more than happy to assist you with finding the product that is right for your situation.

puppies dandruff free and happy!

Puppy Dandruff is very common among dogs between the ages of 2 weeks to 4 years of age.   As puppies require extra nutrients and supplements to support the rapid growth that canines undergo, skin problems often develop as a dogs skin is one of the first places health issues begin to show.   As a result dog dandruff and skin flaking occurs.  Another contributing factor of canine dandruff, regardless of age, is anxiety, nervousness, and fear.   In fact, next time your dog becomes very nervous (perhaps during a thunder storm), look to see if dander shows up quickly on his, or her skin – chances are it will.   This is temporary dandruff and will disappear rather quickly.

Getting back to puppy dandruff, another contributing factor to flaking, although not as common as the above, is a dog skin problem such as hot spots, eczema, and rashes.   These skin conditions typically occur in dogs over 2 years of age.   If you notice an irritation, open sore, hot spot, or minor bleeding it is best to take your puppy to a veterinarian immediately for a proper diagnosis.   Chances are it is an issue that can be easily treated such as a skin allergy or a buildup of bacteria.  Dog enzymes and medicated dog shampoo can treat most of these issues, but again let a veterinarian make the determination as it can be a more serious condition.

So how can we best treat puppy dandruff?   The two best solutions are to make sure that you are using a good puppy dog food that is fortified with any nutrients.   It is also a good idea (for dogs of all ages) to provide your dog with enzymes daily with theirmeal.   These enzymes act as a catalyst to make sure that all of the minerals and vitamins in the food your puppy eats is being absorbed and distributed in their body.   As a side note, since dogs are descendants of wild animals, there systems are designed to process raw meats; not processed foods.   This is where the enzymes come in, allowing there digestive systems to get maximum benefit from processed foods that we provide them.   You will also notice an improvement in their mood and energy level.   Once you begin using enzymes for dogs you can expect to see less dog dandruff within 2 weeks, and by week for they should be dandruff free.

Another recommended treatment option is to bath your puppy with a medicated puppy shampoo.   Use a shampoo that is water free, as water will dry out the skin further. Oatmeal shampoo is a great choice and will help end the puppy dandruff.   Also look for ingredients such as calendula, essential oils, and olive oil.   As puppies have sensitive skin make sure that the medicated dog shampoo you select is designed just for puppies and is designed to be an effective dog’s dandruff treatment.   Also be sure not to use a shampoo that is made for humans as this can cause more damage to the skin and hair.

So, if your puppy is experiencing dandruff don’t be to alarmed, you can easily treat it.   Also remember that a little dander is not an issue at all, and most dogs will get it when they are nervous or have anxiety, again nothing to worry about – think of it as similar to when we sweat when we are nervous, for young dogs they develop puppy dandruff.  In closing, if you suspect a more serious skin condition, visit your veterinarian immediately.