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.