Did you know that dogs, just like humans, can get dandruff too? However, rather than on their heads, dogs get dandruff on their back, face and flank.
And while dandruff in dogs is common, it’s not normal for them to have it. But there’s no need to panic! In most cases, dog dandruff can be very manageable.
You can get rid of it and help your dog’s coat regain its health and shine with a number of home remedies. And below, we have listed the best home remedies to help you get rid of dog dandruff before it gets worse!
What Is Dog Dandruff?
Dog dandruff is simply dead skin cells on your dog’s fur. And it appears as small, white, dry and flaky skin.
It is triggered by sebaceous glands, which are the glands responsible for producing the oil that keeps the dog’s skin moist.
And when these glands produce too much oil (also called Seborrhoea), it causes an imbalance in the dog’s skin that results to the small flakes of dried skin.
Furthermore, dog dandruff can be an indication of other problems. So, if you ever notice flaky dandruff on your dog’s coat, it’s best to figure out the reason behind it and get rid of it immediately.
Why Does My Dog Have Dandruff?
Dog dandruff can be caused by various reasons. It can be something from the environment or an underlying health problem.
But among these, the most common factors include:
Improper & Unbalanced Diet
Like us humans, nutrition also plays a critical role in our furry friends’ overall well-being. If your dog doesn’t get the right amount of water, vitamins, fatty acids and minerals, it’ll show up on their coat as dandruff.
Allergies
Dogs can be allergic to certain foods, molds or pollens. And usually, such allergies show up as skin problems and cause dry, flaky and itchy skin.
Bacterial & Fungal Infections
Dandruff in dogs can also be caused by different infections. For example, yeast infections can mimic allergies and cause itchy and flaky skin.
Excessive Grooming & Bathing
Bathing and grooming is essential for dogs. However, too much of it can strip their coat of their natural oils. For example, since Great Danes are prone to dry skin, they ideally only need to be bathed twice a month.
Underlying conditions
Some health problems’ symptoms, such as Hyperthyroidism or Cushing’s disease, include excessive dog dandruff, shedding and even hair loss.
Dry air
When the air becomes dry, especially during the winter season, it can strip your dog’s skin of its natural oils, resulting in dry and flaky skin.
5 Home Remedies To Treat Dog Dandruff
Now that you’re familiar with some of the most common causes of dog dandruff, you’ll be able to deal with and get rid of it easily. And if your dog is suffering from mild dog dandruff, these 5 home remedies can help treat it.
1. Proper Grooming & Bathing
Grooming might be one of the easiest home remedies in treating dog dandruff.
Proper grooming should include brushing your dog’s coat daily. This is because brushing helps remove dandruff and distribute the skin’s natural oils evenly through the dog’s coat.
Meanwhile, bathing should not be done daily. This should depend on your dogs’ size, coat and how active they can get. Generally, you should bathe your dog at least once every two to three months.
Furthermore, when bathing your dog, you should use a mild and/or natural dog shampoo. Avoid using human shampoos since these are not formulated for dogs and can actually dry out the dog’s coat.
Here’s one of our favorite natural dog shampoo to use that helps get rid of dog dandruff:
2. Oatmeal Baths
Oatmeal baths are a well-known remedy to itchy skin and dandruff. This is because oatmeal helps soothe, nourish and moisturize the dog’s skin.
There are a lot of Oatmeal bath recipes out there, but generally, you just need to blend plain and unflavored oatmeal until you get a very fine, consistent oatmeal powder.
After that, mix the powder into a tub of warm water. And then pour and gently rub the oatmeal directly to affected areas.
Alternatively, you can buy natural oatmeal dog soap bars to help give your furry friend a nice oatmeal bath. Here’s one of our recommendations:
3. Balanced & Healthy Diet
As we’ve mentioned, nutrition plays an important role in your dog’s overall well-being, including their coat’s health.
If you suspect that your dog’s diet is what’s causing dandruff, then it’s time to switch things up. Whether it’s dry, wet or raw food, make sure that your dog is getting all the necessary nutrition from the food they eat.
If you must, consult with your dog’s veterinarian to ensure that your dog’s diet is balanced and healthy.
4. Omega 3 Fatty Acids Supplements
Omega 3 deficiency is a common cause of dandruff and dry skin. And adding Omega 3 supplements to your dog’s food will help keep their coat shiny and healthy.
Of course, before proceeding, it’s best to consult with your dog’s veterinarian what fish oil supplements are best for your pooch.
5. Humidifiers
Since dry air can largely impact your dog’s skin and coat, it’s best to have humidifiers at home.
They increase the moisture in the air inside your home, which can help the skin from drying out. To ensure this happens, place the humidifier in the room where your dog sleeps.
Furthermore, a humidifier is not only good for your dog’s skin, but also for yours!
Here’s a humidifier we love that can definitely help you and your pooch’s skin stay healthy:
Conclusion
There are a lot of natural and home remedies you can use to help get rid of dog dandruff, but not all of them will solve the problem.
If you notice that your fur baby is suffering from mild dandruff, then with patience, determination and the remedies we listed above, you’ll be able to get rid of it in no time!
However, if you see that your dog is excessively itching and getting raw spots and rashes due to their dandruff, then it’s best to consult with a veterinarian.
