6 Ways to Help Prevent Dog Dandruff

Does your dog have dandruff? Are you looking for ways to help alleviate his itching and cut down on the flakes in his fur at the same time? Naturally, we all want our pets to look their best with a shiny healthy coat.  Dandruff is not an uncommon problem in dogs that can definitely affect how your dog looks.  If your dog is dealing with dandruff, it’s important to get to the bottom of the issue.

6 Tips to Help Get Rid of and Prevent Dog Dandruff

In the article below, you’ll find out more information about some of the best ways to prevent or completely get rid of dandruff on your dog. Read through this list to see if any of these solutions may work well for your needs.

Below are tips that can help get rid of or completely prevent dog dandruff:

Consider Food Allergies

Food allergies are one of the most common causes of dandruff in dogs. Dogs who have food allergies may have poor skin health and poor coat condition, and dandruff may be a symptom associated with these issues.

The good news is that once food allergies are diagnosed, they can often be easily treated. Event without a food allergy, a simple change in your dog’s regular diet to a healthier option with higher-quality ingredients can help eliminate dandruff.  If a food allergy is the cause, your veterinarian will guide you toward feeding a different type of main protein for your pet instead. Either of these solutions can take care of food allergies and get rid of dandruff associated with them.

Check for Fleas

Fleas don’t usually cause dandruff, but if your dog already has dry skin and is scratching a lot due to a flea infestation, there’s a chance you may notice more flakes than normal. Part your dog’s hair in several places on his body and look closely for signs that he might have fleas.

In severe instances, you may notice the fleas themselves crawling or hopping around on your dog. You might also see flea droppings that look like coffee grounds at the roots of the hair, or you may find flea eggs and larvae in the bedding. It can be tough to spot fleas, so if you suspect them, it’s a good idea to wash everything your dog comes into contact with.

Brush Your Dog

Sometimes, regular brushing is all it takes to help your dog’s dandruff ease up. Brushing with the right type of comb or brush for your pet’s hair type is an important part of taking care of your canine companion.

If you’re unsure about the type of brush to use, ask your veterinarian or a professional groomer for a recommendation. Keep up with frequent brushing, at least once a week, to cut down on the risk of dandruff returning.

Try an Oatmeal Bath

Another thing that can help prevent and/or get rid of dog dandruff is an oatmeal bath. Oatmeal baths can soothe irritated skin and nourish dry skin at the same time. You can purchase over-the-counter oatmeal bath solutions for dogs, or you can mix up your own with uncooked oatmeal, baking soda, and warm water. Either way, lather your dog well with the bath and then rinse it all off before drying him thoroughly.

The more often you give your dog an oatmeal bath, the less likely she or  he will be to suffer from skin irritations. This treatment may get rid of dandruff, and it may also help reduce the risk of hot spots and other skin conditions.

Use a Humidifier

Humidifiers can be great for dogs with dry skin as well as humans dealing with the same problem. During the colder months, it can get very dry in households where heaters are running, and a humidifier can add a little bit of much-needed moisture back into the air.

If you do choose to run a humidifier for your dog, make sure you keep it secured on a high shelf away from the reach of your pet. Tuck the cord out of the way, too, so there is no risk of your dog knocking the device over while it is in operation.

Consider Supplements

Finally, consider giving your dog supplements to help the skin and coat health. Fish oil supplements are often recommended for this purpose, but your vet may suggest another option as well. It’s important to always work with your veterinarian’s recommendations when it comes supplements, as your dog may have underlying health problems that alter the effectiveness of certain supplements.

If you do need to give your dog supplements, ask your vet for more information about where to find high-quality supplements that are safe for your pet to eat. Many times, human-grade supplements and vitamins are recommended, but this isn’t always the case.

Contact Heart + Paw for More Information about Dog Dandruff

There are many potential underlying causes of dandruff in dogs, but most of them are easily resolved. However, you may need to work with a vet to figure out what’s causing the problem, especially if some of the easier methods of treating it have not worked.

Talk to your vet about recommendations for your dog’s specific needs. The vet can help you diagnose the root cause of the dandruff and figure out the best solution to get rid of your dog’s flakes and keep him flake-free in the future, too.

If you have any questions about dog dandruff, or are wanting to scheduling a grooming appointment for your pet, contact our team at Heart + Paw today! With multiple locations that provide grooming services, our team has all the necessary skills and knowledge to make sure your pet as healthy as possible, in every aspect. Don’t wait, book an appointment with us now.