Scaling

Causes of dandruff in dogs

The most common causes of dandruff in dogs are

• Dry skin: this can be caused by too little moisture in the air, too frequent bathing or the wrong grooming products. Dry skin is often flaky and cracked and prone to irritation.
• Allergies: Dogs can have allergic reactions to various substances, such as pollen, dust mites, food or flea saliva. Allergies can lead to reddening of the skin, swelling, rashes or dandruff.
• Parasites: Fleas, mites or fungi can settle on your dog's skin and lead to itching, hair loss or dandruff. Parasites are often difficult to detect and can also transmit other diseases.
• Hormone imbalances: Some hormones, such as thyroid hormones or sex hormones, affect the health and growth of your dog's skin and coat. A deficiency or excess of these hormones can lead to dandruff or other skin problems.

Treatment of dandruff in dogs

The treatment of dandruff in dogs depends on the underlying cause. You should therefore always consult a vet to get an accurate diagnosis and the right treatment for your dog. Possible treatment methods are:

• Moisturizing: To care for your dog's dry skin, you can use special shampoos, conditioners or oils to moisturize and soothe the skin. However, you should make sure that the products are suitable for dogs and do not contain any irritating ingredients. You should also avoid bathing your dog too often, as this can destroy the skin's natural protective layer.
• Allergy therapy: To alleviate your dog's allergic reaction, you can give him antihistamines or corticosteroids to reduce the inflammation and itching. However, you should also try to avoid or minimize contact with the allergen, for example by changing food, cleaning the living area or using flea medication.
• Parasite control: To eliminate the parasites on your dog's skin, you can give him special medication or shampoos that kill or expel the parasites. However, you should also make sure that you regularly clean and disinfect your dog's environment to prevent re-infection.
• Hormone therapy: To treat your dog's hormonal imbalance, you can give him hormone supplements to balance hormone levels and improve skin function. However, you should always consult a vet before giving your dog hormones as they can have side effects.

Prevention of dandruff in dogs

The best prevention of dandruff in dogs is good care and nutrition for your dog. You can take the following measures to reduce or prevent dandruff in your dog:

• Brush your dog's coat regularly to remove dead dander and hair and stimulate circulation to the skin.
• Bathe your dog only when necessary and use mild, moisturizing dog grooming products.
• Feed your dog a high quality food that contains all the essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals needed for healthy skin and a shiny coat.
• Give your dog plenty of water to hydrate and moisturize the skin.
• Protect your dog from extreme temperatures, sunburn or wind, which can dry out or irritate the skin.
• Check your dog regularly for parasites and use preventative measures to prevent infestation.
• Have your dog examined regularly by a vet to detect and treat any hormonal imbalances or other diseases at an early stage.