Content
- what is dandruff in dog
- How to treat dandruff in dogs
- How to prevent canine dandruff
- Dog dandruff: home treatment
- Frequency of bathing in dogs with dandruff
- Dog dandruff: general considerations
Like humans, dogs can also suffer from dandruff and, just like people, dandruff can be related to seborrheic dermatitis (oily dandruff) or it can be dry dandruff. A desquamation can even be related to atopic dermatitis in dogs as well. Each type of dandruff needs different treatment and care to try to prevent its reappearance.
If you noticed that you have a dog with dandruff, so keep reading this PeritoAnimal article because we'll explain about the dandruff in dogs, we will give some advice on treatment and prevention.
what is dandruff in dog
Canine dandruff is the desquamation of the scalp and the consequent formation of white crusts. It is usually accompanied by a itchy feeling and, as dogs do not hesitate to scratch themselves, it is common for it to cause wounds that can become infective. This problem is most evident in cases of dry dandruff and atopic dermatitis.
In addition, the problems of Dandruff in dogs can get worse with stress and with the changes of season. In cases of persistent dandruff, there is usually always a problem with some type of fungus.
How to treat dandruff in dogs
In cases of dog dandruff, the anti-dandruff treatment for your pet should start with some product, usually a shampoo, which includes some active ingredient that fights what is causing the problem.
In turn, it is very important that the veterinarian indicates which type of dandruff is treated, as the products used are different. This is very important, since if the types of dandruff are confused at the first diagnosis, the product applied can make your dog's problem worse, causing him to itch even more.
Once you have started the treatment for the most serious cases, the evolution of your puppy's skin will determine if a milder usual treatment is needed, if it has resolved the problem or if, more usually, you should repeat this treatment between one or twice a year.
The veterinarian usually prescribes hygiene products suitable for your dog's skin imbalance. Dry dandruff or atopic skin products contain less surfactants (detergents) so as not to dry out even more skin, while puppies prone to seborrheic dermatitis will include an active sebum regulator.
How to prevent canine dandruff
Once you've got over your canine dandruff outbreak, you should be on your toes, as it may reoccur. THE dog dandruff prevention it involves the use of products suited to the skin's needs and, sometimes, taking care of the pet's food.
Thus, dogs with dry or atopic skin problems tend to improve their skin conditions when they eat fish-based foods, as it is rich in omega 3 fatty acids. should always consult the veterinarian before making a sudden change in your puppy's diet and that the change should be made gradually.
Also, atopic dermatitis is more than contact dermatitis, appearing in dogs with various allergies. Diets made from fish and rice, or fish and potatoes, are usually hypoallergenic and well tolerated by atopic puppies. There are fish with blue fish options, which are usually best for the skin, but there are also elaborate versions with white fish for dogs with overweight problems.
In cases where there is a clear relationship between dandruff and stress, long walks can benefit dogs. There are also rations with a very mild calming action, completely safe, or even some very mild sedative drugs for use in specific periods. For example, when a new school year begins and the human with whom the dog has a closer relationship is the child.
In the case of pet food, you can offer a package (for 1 month or whatever) and, in the case of special medicinal plant capsules for stressed dogs, just a few days. Some products can be administered to older animals or animals with heart disease, an advantage over conventional sedatives for pets that, in addition to being very strong, leave the animal unable to move.
The latter are used in other circumstances, so before asking for a tranquilizer for your dog, the tutor should always consult your veterinarian and explain the type of anxiolytic effect you are looking for and for what purpose. You can also use homeopathy to avoid using drugs.
Dog dandruff: home treatment
When the dog makes sores from scratching, the tutor can alleviate the discomfort and itchiness of the skin by adding a few drops of lavender essential oil in the shampoo.
IMPORTANT: The concentration of the mixture should not exceed 1%. That is, for a 200 ml bottle of shampoo, you must add 1 ml of lavender essential oil, or at most 2.
Lavender is antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and healing. In addition, it is a good idea to test a small area beforehand because the animal may be allergic to this plant.
Another trick to disinfect areas with dandruff and keep your dog from scratching is to apply some dandruff to them. tea tree oil. But, this only works if the dog notices the unpleasant taste and thus stops scratching. Otherwise, you could end up with gastroenteritis from intoxication by the tea tree oil itself. You can add a few drops of tea tree oil to your dog's regular shampoo in a similar way to applying lavender oil.
Tea tree oil is not as soothing as lavender, but it tends to work well with oily dandruff. As in the previous case, it is very important to do the allergy test in a reduced area before using this shampoo all over your pet's fur.
Frequency of bathing in dogs with dandruff
Dandruff in dogs can be caused by excessive hygiene or the use of inappropriate bath products. Human products should not be used in dogs because the pH of the dog's acid mantle is different from that of humans. There are few exceptions for products that serve both, in general it is better not to use the same product.
Under normal conditions, the tutor must bathe dogs with dry dandruff once a month and, in pets suffering from oily dandruff, twice, always using the products suitable for the type of skin of each one. When the animal needs more frequent baths, special products must be used, those intended for show dogs, and allow a weekly bath without damaging the skin. The range usually has shampoo, conditioner to massage the skin and moisturize it, and sometimes some cosmetic product to prevent hair dryness.
If you use a hair dryer, you should always use it at a low temperature and from a considerable distance. It is best not to use it if time permits and if the animal does not have any disease that makes it unsuitable for exposure to moisture for some time, such as arthrosis or arthritis.
Dog dandruff: general considerations
Finally, some general considerations for taking care of a dog with dandruff:
- The problem of dandruff in dogs can have serious consequences if left untreated (infections or lacerations).
- The first thing is distinguish the type of dandruff of your pet and use products suited to the specific needs of the skin.
- Preventive measures are very logical, respect the balance of the acid on the skin and, when stress is a trigger for dandruff, try to prevent the dog from stressing.
- Feeds rich in fish can be of great help in allergic dogs and dogs suffering from atopic dermatitis.
- When dandruff is suspected, consult your veterinarian, he will be able to help you better than anyone else to identify the type and the appropriate treatment for your dog's situation.
This article is for information purposes only, at PeritoAnimal.com.br we are not able to prescribe veterinary treatments or perform any type of diagnosis. We suggest that you take your pet to the veterinarian in case it has any type of condition or discomfort.