Why does my dog have dandruff? How to stop it?

Answer 1

Its called dander. Go to your local pet store and purchase some dog shampoo for dry skin, that should solve your problem.

Answer 2

I don't know what breed your dog is, but lots of shorter hair dogs, like Labs, are suseptable to this. It's called dander, and it's a bit like human dandruff. First your dog probably needs a supplement in his food. Easiest way, .. add a tablespoon of oil to his food every day. (Olive Oil, Sunflower Oil, Canola Oil). That will help his skin battle the dryness. Second, start him on a regular bathing cycle. Use a shampoo for dry coats, or for dogs with allergies (because it may be an allergy too). Bath him once a month and see if these two things don't help. If it continues or gets worse, ... then your dog is probably allergic to something. Most likely his food. Try changing it... and seeing your vet for an allergy medication.

Answer 3

Dander is common in the winter-dry heat being the main cause. Evaluate the food you feed. Is it a good quality food with things like Omega3 Fatty Acids? Some food will even say on the bag that they can help the coat. Try a good food-my dog is doing well with one that is for coat health and contains oatmeal as a 3rd ingredient (chicken is 1st, then chicken meal). I get it at the market for about $10/8 pound bag. Also try a supplement to the food. My dog gets one cod liver pill every other day with her breakfast. I also brush her several times a week (to distribute natural oils in the coat) and give fewer baths in the winter but use a shampoo for dry skin when I do. I have a Brittany and they are prone to dry skin. Her current regiment has been in place for 3 months and her coat looks much better and she sheds less and has less dander. Diet really will make a difference-but you don't have to go broke buying food at speciality stores. You can find quality foods at the market. Good luck to you!

Answer 4

My sheltie before had dander. It could be a couple of things....... are you using people shampoo when you bath him?..... the food he's eating. Always, wash your dog in dog shampoo, as their ph level is different from humans. You shouldn't bath your dog more than 4 - 6 wks in between as they don't need it, this drys out their skin! Pet wipes are very good in between with a good brushing! The other may be the food, the old saying, "junk in, junk out". This goes not just for their poop, but their coat too! I feed my dog only the all natural dog foods and treats. If I want to spice it up the odd time I add fruit or plain meat to it or all natural canned food. My Aussie I have now has a very shiney coat, a good sign of good health.
If these don't resolve your issue it could be an allergy to something, in which you will need your vet's input.

Answer 5

First brush your dog everyday even twice a day. Dogs have oils in their coat that help to moisturize their skin and when you rub their coats it encourages them to release these oils into the coat. I have seen dander resulting from insufficient brushing.

Second consider an essential fatty acid supplement such as fish oils. You can also just add codfish oil to their food. It really can't harm the dog (unless your dog is struggling with obesity).

You can also try giving a water shower once a week. Avoid soaps and shampoos unless directed by your vet. They will remove essential oils from the dogs coat and long term can worsen the problem.

Last possibility is his food, as other have said allergies or a poor quality food can worsen or cause problems in the coat. Try adding the oil. If that doesn't work you can try a high quality dog food meant for dogs with allergies. Talk to your vet they can recommend the best food for your dog.

Good luck I hope this helps. I believe that you will get this under control. My dog is a shedder with lots of dander but on the above regime people don't seem to struggle with allergies to him and he has beautiful coat.

Answer 6

Most dogs get dandruff in the winter. It can also be caused by bathing too often. Get the oatmeal doggy shampoo to help moisten skin, plus use a conditioner. A raw egg poored over their food once a week will also help.

Answer 7

If your dog has naturally sensitive skin, I'd get something for his food. I would also have to ask how often you wash your dog? If you wash the dog more then when he just stinks, it could be that. I had a friend who's dog had really dry skin, and she simply put lotion on him. I wash my dog frequently because he gets smelly often. So when I wash him, I just go over his coat with conditioner every now and then. Sometimes, I even soak his coat in baby oil to replenish anything lost, and then I'll let it sit for awhile and then wash it out really well.

I'd say consult with an expert. This works for my dog, but not all dogs have the same skin type.

Answer 8

"Dandruff" for our Dachshund is a result of dry skin. We got a humidifier in our home and have greatly reduced that problem in the winter months when it is so dry.

Answer 9

Our pets are just like humans, they get dry skin too.

You can pick up a special shampoo that may help at a pet store or your vet.

He also may have severe allergies and need medication.

Answer 10

There is a shampoo that is specially made for dry skin and skin allergies. It's called Oatmeal Shampoo, and you can get it in your local pet store.