Dandruff in dogs - how to treat a scurfy coat

19 April 2018
Updated: 21 September 2022
Posted by Hannah in Pet Care

Dandruff is an uncomfortable and unsightly condition that affects as many dogs as it does humans. Like humans, some dogs are more prone to dandruff and dermatitis-related problems than others, but often there is an underlying cause that is triggering the dryness and scurfy coat.

Essentially, dandruff is just the surface layer of skin that has flaked off due to excessive dryness. Dry skin can be caused by a number of different things, including diet, allergies and climate. Some breeds are more susceptible to skin and coat complaints and will have regular bouts of dandruff without obvious cause.

What should you do if you notice dandruff?

If you’re concerned about your dog’s skin, your first port of call should always be your vet. If the dandruff is accompanied by hair loss then it is definitely worth investigating, as Cushing’s disease may be to blame.

Otherwise, your vet will probably consider allergies and diet. Allergy tests may be conducted to pinpoint the particular allergen that is causing the problem. Once this has been done, you can remove the problem from your dog’s environment or diet (if it’s a food allergy).

Switching to a hypoallergenic or grain-free food may help, especially if your dog has digestive sensitivity or an intolerance. Your vet will be able to advise on this.

You may also consider introducing a skin and coat supplement containing zinc, vitamins A and E and Omega oils. Combined, these ingredients will help nourish and protect the skin, improving its overall health and appearance. Yumega is a popular product formulated to reduce itching, scaling and sensitivity and improve skin health and coat shine.

Regular grooming is recommended to help combat dandruff as, not only does it aid the hair renewal process, it stimulates the hair follicle to secrete its natural oils, helping to nourish and moisturise the skin. Be careful not to brush too hard though as this can irritate dry skin further.

Likewise, bathing your pet can help remove dead skin, but doing it too often will strip the skin of its natural oils and make the problem worse. Try to choose a shampoo that is gentle, soap-free and pH balanced, and make sure you rinse your pet thoroughly afterwards and dry your pet off.

By following these steps and getting the advice of your vet, your pet will be in top condition in no time! Please share your own advice if you have any :)

Written by: Hannah

Comments

24th Apr 2018

Alison Taylor Barnes

Customer Since: July 2015
From: Suffolk, United Kingdom

I rescued an 8 yr old snow dog cross breed from Romania and his coat and skin were in a dreadful state. His coat was harsh and dry yet had a dreadful greasy feel along the neck, shoulder and spine. Strangely he had very very dry skin - and he smelled awful - like vomit! It's taken 3 years of trying different things (food, supplements, oils) to get his coat shining, non greasy, non smelly and clear skin with very little skin cell shedding. I've now found the answer. Bathing is a no-no for this boy, he's only had two baths in 3 years - he's terrified. So, DAILY grooming using a tool that gets right to the skin surface when shedding (a chore but SO worth it) the best cold pressed diet I could afford/plus RAW lamb bones or duck necks once a week, and daily cold pressed organic COCONUT OIL. Starting with just a 1/2 teaspoon building over several weeks to 1/2 dessert spoon. It takes about 6-8 wks to have an effect.He is now the picture of health with a shining sweet smelling coat, bright eyes, clean teeth and clear skin.

24th Apr 2018

Pamela Johns

My chocolate labrador bitch has developed dandruff and the only way we can keep it under control is regular grooming. She has a grain-free diet and, although I have tried supplements which have been quite expensive (why are they so much dearer for dogs?), the problem remains. I have to put it down to her age, eleven, as otherwise she is fighting fit and her weight is excellent. The dandruff apart, she has only ever been to the vet for problems other than yearly injections, twice in her life. Not bad going.

25th Feb 2019

John Board

Customer Since: June 2015
From: United Kingdom

I feed my Pug Monty on nature diet food mixed wit a small amount of small bite mixer his treats are grain free once a day he has the advised dose of yumega itchy dog this has been a great help with his dry skin he doesn't hardly scratch at all now.

26th Feb 2019

Mayke Case

Customer Since: February 2017
From: East Sussex, United Kingdom

Our Dobermann Meg is on a gluten-free all natural human grade raw food diet, with the addition of oily fish several times a week. We spent a lot of money on all sorts of shampoos and supplements to get rid of her dandruff, all to no avail. After some further research about a year ago I added a high grade Vitamin E oil to her food, and the dandruff disappeared within 10 days - never to be seen again.