Mary Allen
Does your dog have white scales on its fur?
The skin is also the largest organ in our dogs and we should make sure that it is intact and healthy.
So what does scales tell us about our dogs health?
In this article you will find out what the causes of dry skin and scaly fur in dogs can be. We also give you tips on what helps against dandruff and tell you when you should go to the vet!
It’s great that you care about your dog’s health! We hope you enjoy reading.
In a nutshell: What helps with dandruff in dogs?
Dandruff in dogs can indicate, among other things, a weakened immune system or malnutrition.
A balanced diet and thus a supply of essential omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, such as those found in salmon oil, is essential for dogs to survive. High-quality fatty acids ensure healthy skin and a shiny coat for your dog.
3 possible causes: Why does my dog suddenly dandruff?
If your dog has flaky fur, you should get to the bottom of the cause. In most cases, it is harmless in nature and can be fixed quite easily.
But can dandruff also indicate diseases?
We’ll tell you!
1. Deficient or wrong nutrition
If your dog is covered with white flakes of skin, this can indicate malnutrition due to an under- or oversupply of nutrients. Your dog needs vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids to stay fit and vital.
The formation of scales, dry skin, and itching are quite common in dogs as a result of poor or incorrect nutrition.
A blood test at the vet can determine whether your dog is malnourished (this is often the case with dogs from abroad).
Together with the veterinarian or a dog nutritionist, you can change your four-legged friend’s diet so that he is supplied with all the important nutrients from now on.
2. Heated air and frequent bathing disturb the pH value
We know it ourselves: With dry heating air in winter, the skin also tends to dry out and flake. We humans shouldn’t shower every day either, because that disturbs the natural protective barrier of the skin.
Our dogs are no different. The pH of her skin got messed up from frequent bathing. Especially if no special dog shampoo is used for Fiffi’s bath!
Please bathe your dog as seldom as possible and then with a mild dog shampoo. An air humidifier or a diffuser with pleasantly scented oil could help you against dry heating air!
3. Infestation with parasites or mites
Some parasites, such as cheyletia, cause dandruff in dogs. This type of parasite is also called “walking scales” because of their scaly appearance. But other parasites can also be behind it!
White scales on your dog’s coat can also indicate a mite infestation. Demodex mites settle on the hair follicle and cause hair loss, dandruff on the back and severe itching.
If you suspect your dog might have mites, you should definitely take it to the vet. Firstly, some of these parasites are contagious and secondly, they are very uncomfortable for your dog. However, your dog can usually be treated well with special preparations.
In addition to these three causes, there are a number of other reasons for dandruff in dogs. They might indicate, among other things:
- Diseases of the liver, kidney or intestines
- Skin infections caused by yeast or bacteria
- Ill-fitting harness or collar
- Psychological problems (anxiety and stress)
- allergies or intolerances
- Disturbed gastrointestinal environment
- thyroid problems
- Dermatophytes (skin fungus)
- Cushing’s Syndrome
- leishmaniasis
- seborrhea
- diabetes
- giardia
Good to know:
Of course, with all these causes, dandruff is not the only symptom. But it can be an indication of what could be wrong with your dog.
Dandruff in dogs – that helps!
First of all, of course, it should be clarified why your dog sheds like a fish. If you have found the cause together with your veterinarian and it is not a serious illness, you can also help your fish to get rid of the scales at home.
As?
So:
- Make sure the harness and collar fit snugly. Sometimes they are responsible for dandruff on the neck and back. Always take them off at home and for the night.
- Place a humidifier or a few bowls of water directly on the heater. This helps against dry air in winter and is not only good for your dog, but also for you!
- Make sure that your dog is fed species-appropriate and is adequately supplied with all nutrients. Feel free to consult a nutrition professional here if you are unsure!
- Less is often more! Don’t bathe your dog too often and if you do, please use special dog shampoo. Otherwise you will destroy his natural skin protection barrier!
- Brewer’s yeast and propolis have a positive effect on skin and coat.
Which oil helps against dandruff in dogs?
If it can be ruled out that the white skin cells on your dog’s coat are symptoms of illness, a high-quality oil can also be beneficial!
We recommend salmon and/or coconut oil!
While you can use coconut oil internally and externally, we don’t recommend it with salmon oil. We haven’t tried it yet, but salmon oil in the fur doesn’t sound so tasty at first.
You can mix coconut oil with your dog’s food as a supplement or gently rub it into dry skin areas. Not only does it help fight dandruff, but it also makes the skin elastic and protects against ticks!
You are welcome to alternately mix a dash of salmon oil with your dog’s food one day and a dash of coconut oil the next day. A supply of essential omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids is vital for dogs!
Tip:
There are also many other high-quality oils that are good for feeding your dog. To prevent dandruff, we recommend that you regularly mix oils – and preferably different ones – under the food. Due to their perfect composition, suitable are for example: hemp oil, cod liver oil, evening primrose oil, borage oil and linseed oil.
Do I need to go to the vet for dandruff?
Yes, especially if they occur frequently or for a long time, are accompanied by itching or other symptoms that indicate that your dog is not well!
You don’t need to panic right away, because the flakes can be harmless and easily treatable diagnoses. However, before you start rubbing coconut oil on your dog at home, it is important to understand why they dandruff.
Conclusion
White scales on the fur and dry skin can indicate a whole range of diseases. But they don’t have to.
Dandruff is often a side effect of malnutrition, dry heating air in winter or too frequent bathing. In these cases, the problem can be dealt with relatively easily.
But since you never know for sure whether diseases such as skin fungus, seborrhea, giardia, Cushing’s syndrome or psychological problems are behind them, you should definitely take your dog to the vet!