Have you ever noticed your dog leaving small white lakes all over the place? In case you are wondering what that can be, we have the most likely answer: dog dandruff! As happens with humans, dogs are also prompt to have dandruff and, when they do, it can be a sign of something that needs to be addressed in regards to your furry friend’s wellbeing.
Fortunately, in most cases, it is just something normal that does not represent a high risk for your dog. Nevertheless, it is an issue that you should be aware of. And you can! There are many different ways to get rid of dog dandruff. Do you want to get to know how you can free your canine buddy from these white sprinkles? Read along to find out more about it!
Why do dogs get dandruff?
Dandruff shows up in dogs when their sebaceous glands produce an excess of sebum, an oil that helps to protect the dog’s skin. When the dog produced too much sebum, this imbalance results in dandruff. Furthermore, as happens with humans who have dandruff, the imbalance in the sebum production can be caused by several factors. Some of the most common causes are:
- An unhealthy diet: not having the proper nutrients can have negative consequences for the dog’s skin
- Allergies: seasonal changes or environmental factors can result in allergies, and the production of sebum is altered, giving way to dandruff.
- Infections caused by bacteria: when the dog’s immune system is compromised by the presence of fungi or bacteria, sebum production can also be affected.
- Grooming habits: bathing your dog more than it really needs to can also alter the sebum production. Thus, it is very important that you are aware of what are the recommended grooming habits for your dog. This varies depending on the breed, as some dogs require more frequent grooming than others.
- Stress: this is always a factor that can affect several body functions, and sebum production is one of them.
How can you tell if your dog has dandruff issues?
As you may probably know, the most common and visible symptom of dandruff is the white flakes that are spread all over the place and on your dog’s skin. When looking at your dog’s coat, dandruff can be very easily spotted in several cases. This is especially true when it comes to dogs with dark furs. It can be a bit more tricky to notice dandruff in white or golden dogs. Despite this, the dandruff is also spread through the spaces where the dog is in, so you may encounter white flakes on the floor, the couch, or the blankets.
Another symptom that can indicate a dandruff issue is itchiness. If your dog is scratching itself more than it usually does, this can also be an indicator of dandruff. However, itchiness can also be caused by other things, so it is always best to consult your vet if you see that your dog is presenting itchiness.
Finally, when there is a skin infection, another thing that can indicate dandruff is red skin or a strong odor. Therefore, keeping an eye on your dog’s skin is always very important, especially when you also notice other symptoms such as itchiness.