Dog Dandruff Explained: What It Is and How to Manage It

Common causes of dog dandruff

Although diet is a major cause of dandruff, there are also other environmental and genetic factors at play. The most common causes of dog dandruff are:

• Parasites. Any parasites that irritate the skin can cause dandruff, such as mites, fleas and lice. There are also mites that resemble dandruff themselves, called Cheyletiella and informally known as ‘walking dandruff’. Some of these parasites can be contagious to humans, so watch out for symptoms in yourself and your family.
• Allergies. Food and environmental allergies can cause dandruff. Environmental allergies may be to things like pollen and mould (atopic dermatitis), or to something they are regularly in contact with such as a food bowl (contact dermatitis).
• Poor diet. Nutrition is very important for all bodily functions. When dogs have a suboptimal diet, the skin and fur are often the first bodily system to suffer as the body prioritises more important organs.
• Breed. Some breeds of dog, such as poodles and retrievers, are more prone to dandruff.
• Medical problems such as seborrhoea or hormonal problems.
• Lack of grooming.
• Fungal infections.

Addressing dog dandruff at home and when to see your vet

If you think your dog has more dandruff than normal but they are still acting relatively normal, there are a few things you can try at home before seeing your vet.

1. Grooming. Some breeds of dog need more grooming than others. Dogs also need more regular grooming in the summer months when they are shedding most, and older dogs or those with mobility issues may not be able to groom themselves like they used to and will need a bit more help. Grooming also helps stimulate the natural oils in your dog’s skin and is a good time for you to have a good look at your dog’s skin and coat in general.
2. Bathing. Your vet may be able to recommend an anti-dandruff shampoo, but just bathing your dog occasionally can help to get rid of dead hair and skin. Be careful not to bathe them too often, as this can upset the natural balance of the skin or cause dryness.
3. Change of diet. You may find that changing dog foods to one that is high quality helps sort out the issue; additionally, there are foods available that are aimed specifically at improving the skin and coat. These typically have high omega fatty acids, added vitamins, and antioxidants. Always discuss a change of diet with your veterinarian before switching foods, and always introduce the new food gradually over at least a week.

When to see your vet about dog dandruff

Dog dandruff requires a trip to the vet if:

• Your dog is itchy and scratching more than normal
• Your dog is losing hair or has red patches or scabs
• The excess dandruff hasn’t improved after 1-2 weeks
• You suspect your dog has parasites.

Your vet may want to do a number of tests including skin scrapes and hair analysis, fungal culture, microscopy, and tests for environmental or food allergies. Management will then depend on the cause and could involve one or more of the following:

• Medicated shampoos
• Food elimination trial
• Anti-parasitic treatment
• Anti-fungal treatment
• Change of diet
• Hyposensitisation for atopy
• Treatment for an underlying medical problem.

While dog dandruff is usually nothing to worry about, as you can see, there can be more serious causes. Be careful of trying to solve these problems at home, as you could delay diagnosis and allow your dog’s dandruff to get worse. Your vet would always rather be safe than sorry, so don’t hesitate to contact them if you’re worried. That way, your furry friend stays furry, not flaky!

Dog dandruff FAQs

What causes dog dandruff? 

Dog dandruff can be due to a number of things, such as poor diet, lack of grooming, parasites, allergies, fungal infections or even the breed of dog.

How can I get rid of my dog’s dandruff? 

If your dog is bright and well and not itchy, you can try grooming them more or bathing them to get rid of dead skin and hair.

Is dog dandruff serious? 

Usually, no, but there can be some more serious causes, some of which are contagious to humans, so always seek help from your vet sooner rather than later.

Can I use human dandruff shampoo on my dog? 

No. It’s best never to use anything on one species that is labelled for another.

What is the best dog shampoo for dandruff? 

This will depend on the cause. Always ask your vet what shampoo, if any, to use. Remember that overgrooming and bathing too often can worsen skin rather than help it. Your vet will be able to advise you best for your individual dog.

Written by Emma Milne BVSc FRCVS and reviewed by Karen Shenoy, DVM.