Dandruff in dogs isn't just a cosmetic issue; it can also pose a threat to your pet's overall health. Dandruff is caused by accelerated cell death, which can indicate serious health issues. If you notice your pet shedding dandruff, don't rush to the store to buy anti-dandruff shampoo.
First, you need to contact a specialist who will determine why your dog has dandruff on its back and other parts of the body.
It's not recommended to bathe your dog immediately before visiting the veterinarian. It's best to do this the night before.
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Causes of dandruff in dogs
The accelerated process of dying off of cells in the upper layer of the epidermis can occur for the following reasons:
molting;- stressful situations;
- unbalanced diet;
- hormonal disorders;
- various diseases (for example, parasitic);
- food allergy.
molting;MoltingDuring this period, many pets experience dandruff, but only in small amounts and on specific areas of the body. However, the animal experiences discomfort in any case. Typically, the problem resolves immediately after the shedding period ends, along with the itching and overall improvement of the coat. The shedding process is particularly noticeable in Spitz dogs.
Dry skin — one of the most common causes of dandruff. Dry skin can be caused by temperature changes (for example, the start of the heating season). In this case, there's no need for special treatments; a humidifier, regular brushing, and moisturizing with special products are sufficient. Moisturizing the skin promotes proper regeneration, and brushing is excellent for regulating blood flow.
Unbalanced diet An improperly balanced diet, various food allergies, and poisoning can also contribute to dandruff. Dogs are very sensitive to food, and if your pet's diet consists of cheap dry food, this is something to consider. In this case, dandruff may signal an allergic reaction.
More often Allergies in dogs are caused by the following products:, such as soy, chicken eggs, poultry (except turkey), milk, and dairy products. Furthermore, an allergic reaction can be caused by consuming salty and smoked foods, seasonings, and sweets. These foods are generally contraindicated for animals.
It is necessary to change the dog's diet and give it only boiled water to drink.
Presence of parasitesFleas, hair mites, and other parasites also contribute to dandruff in dogs. Bites from these insects cause intense itching, which is extremely uncomfortable for the pet and leads to scratching, which can harbor various bacteria. Hair mites (Cheyletiella) infest a dog's fur, causing cheyletiella infection.
Another name for the disease is "wandering dandruff." These insects resemble small yellowish-white scales, approximately 0.5 cm in size. The parasites feed on the tissue fluid and lymph of animals. The activity of hair mites causes superficial skin inflammation and hair loss.
Stressful situations can also cause dandruff. In this case, eliminating the source of stress will help, and once the animal's psychological state returns to normal, the dandruff will disappear.
Hormonal imbalanceA normal balance of substances produced by a dog's endocrine glands promotes the stable functioning of all vital processes. A deficiency or, conversely, an excess of a particular hormone causes hormonal imbalance, leading to various health problems.
DiseasesDandruff can signal the onset of a medical condition, such as dermatitis, eczema, diabetes, or hormonal imbalances.
Dandruff Treatment for Dogs
Dandruff itself isn't a disease; it's merely a sign of certain issues in your dog's body. A veterinarian can determine the cause of the flaking and prescribe treatment.
If the appearance of scales is caused by an unbalanced diet, it is recommended to review the pet's diet and stop feeding low-quality food and feed Economy class. It's best to provide your furry friend with natural food rich in vitamin A. This will help relieve any inflammatory processes on the dog's skin, and within 3-4 weeks, all adverse effects will disappear.
Dandruff caused by stress or shedding No treatment is required. The problem will resolve itself after some time. In this case, it's only necessary to provide your pet with appropriate care, bathe and brush it regularly, and try to minimize stressful situations.
If the problem is caused by a hormonal imbalance or illness, treatment is prescribed by a veterinarian.
If parasites are found, it is necessary to thoroughly treat the pet’s kennel, rugs and bedding, as well as your own things - after all Parasitic insects can survive without a "host" for up to 10 daysAll combs and brushes must also be treated or discarded. The dog should be bathed daily, using special antiparasitic shampoos.
What products should be used to eliminate dandruff?
If scales are detected, the doctor may recommend the following remedies:
- stop-itch;
- stronghold;
- Doctor shampoo;
- frontline.
Doctor shampoo is used for skin diseases (seborrhea, demodicosis, bacterial dermatitis). The action of the shampoo is to suppress inflammatory processes, eliminating unpleasant odors, normalizing sebum production, and eliminating dandruff. Using this shampoo will relieve your pet's constant itching.
For dogs prone to skin conditions, a special shampoo called "Doctor" with birch tar has been developed. It is non-irritating and completely hypoallergenic. The shampoo is suitable for regular use.Excellent results in the fight against parasites were shown drug "stronghold"Apply the product to the dog's dry skin at the base of the neck and between the shoulder blades. Do not rub in! The product is easily absorbed. Dosage is determined based on the dog's body weight.
The analogue of "Stronghold" is the spray "Frontline", which will also help rid your pet of hair mites and fleas. The product can also be used as a preventative measure. Frontline is completely safe for your pet.
If dandruff is found in the animal’s fur and itching is observed, Your veterinarian may recommend using a stop-itch spray.This product relieves skin irritation and eliminates pain in dogs. After using "Stop-Itch," the dog stops scratching.
However, you shouldn't choose a product on your own; it's best to consult with a specialist. Dandruff can be caused by a serious medical condition, and using cosmetics won't solve the problem, but could actually make it worse.
Prevention
To prevent your pet from developing problems associated with accelerated death of epidermal cells, it is necessary to follow certain rules for caring for the animal:
- Regular inspection allows for timely detection and elimination of parasites.
- A balanced diet. Your pet's diet should include natural foods and high-quality dry food, as well as vitamins and minerals. Drinking water should be filtered or boiled.
- When combing, frequent use of hard brushes (slicker brushes) is not allowed.
- Try to protect your pet from all kinds of stressful situations.
So, having identified the cause of dandruff in a dog and By contacting the clinic in time, you can help yourself and your pet avoid many problems., associated with the dog's discomfort and the development of any diseases.
