Dog Health

How to get rid of dog dandruff naturally

What is dog dandruff?

Dandruff is a common condition that is caused by excessive accumulation of dead skin cells. These can make dry flakes on the dog’s skin. Other symptoms that a dog experiences include itching, bumps, open sores and hair loss that can worsen the condition. When a dog scratches due to itchiness, it causes rashes and scars that increase the risk of an infection. Even if your dog seems healthy, you have to get rid of your dog from dandruff for good.

Common symptoms of dog dandruff

  • Formation of many dry flakes on dog’s skin
  • Itchiness
  • Development of bumps and pimples due to dog’s scratching
  • Bad odor
  • Hair loss of that area of skin due to scratching

Main causes of dandruff on dog

The only way to treat the dandruff is to figure out the cause behind the problem. Once you have found the cause, you can change your dog’s environment and also check your dog to the veterinary doctor. There are 4 main causes leading to dandruff on dogs:

Infections

Bacterial infection such as impetigo and fungal infection such as yeast infection can tend to increase allergies and cause itching. The mites present on your dog’s skin are responsible for hair loss, dry skin and dandruff.

Allergies

There are some allergens such as pollens, chemicals and foods that can cause different allergies for the dogs. The most common signs of allergies include dandruff and itching in the dog’s skin.

Environmental factors

Dry weather is an environmental factor that can strip the dog’s skin moisture. It may be drying the dog’s skin that can cause dry flakes on the skin.

Nutritional deficiencies

Your dog needs proper nutrients to maintain good health. The nutritional deficiencies commonly come up in the skin with dandruff and dry skin. Dandruff is caused due to low omega 3 fatty acid. If your dog takes food which is low omega 3 fatty acid, the risk of developing dandruff on the skin increases. Always purchase good quality products that have omega 3 fatty acid for your dog’s food.

Ways to treat dog dandruff naturally

When treating the dog dandruff, it is necessary to keep in mind the main cause of it. If the symptoms of dandruff are severe, it is best to visit the veterinarian. It is important because parasites, allergies and other skin conditions cause dry, flaky skin. Dandruff affects the dog with dry skin but it also occurs in excessive sweating which is seborrhea. There are some natural ways to get rid of dog dandruff. Here are 11 naturally or through supplements to help fix dandruff on dogs the natural way.

Coconut oil

Coconut oil is very effective to soothe itching and dry skin. You have to apply coconut oil on the dog’s skin. You can also make another treatment by adding 10 drops of coconut oil in the warm water. If your dog has pancreatitis, do not give coconut oil orally.

Raw Paws Organic Virgin Coconut Oil for Dogs...
  • BENEFITS OF VIRGIN COCONUT OIL FOR DOGS AND...
  • SKIN ALLERGY ITCH RELIEF FOR DOGS AND CATS:...
  • TASTES GREAT: It's edible! Coconut oil should...
  • 100% SAFE: All natural coconut oil for dogs,...
  • WE VALUE YOU: We stand behind our brand and...

Use of dandruff shampoo

Here we are not talking about dandruff shampoo available for humans, that’s not for dogs. There are dog skin care shampoos that are especially made to help treat dog dandruff. Therefore, if the problem is severe, you can add dandruff shampoo to the dog’s bath. It helps to get rid of dog dandruff and make skin smoother.

Pet MD - Benzoyl Peroxide Medicated Shampoo...
  • Relief of Scaling and Itching from...
  • Medicated Shampoo for Relieving Dry Itchy and...
  • Peroxide, Micronized Sulfur for Powerful...
  • Soap and Paraben Free. Contains Skin...
  • Made in the USA in our Federally Regulated...

Use a right brush

Brushing the dog’s skin makes it smooth and shiny and it also helps to distribute the dog’s natural oil all over the skin. You have to choose the right brush for your dog. If the brush is too soft, it’s not clean the skin. If the brush is too hard, it can aggravate rather than help. Right brush for the dog depends upon the type, coat and your dog’s tolerance.

Chris Christensen Big G Dog Slicker Brush for...
  • ‘THE’ DOG BRUSH – you’ve found it!...
  • DESHEDDING BRUSH – removes trapped...
  • DETANGLING BRUSH – this slicker brush is...
  • POODLE BRUSH – the long, dense pins are...
  • THOUGHT-OUT DESIGN – every pin is angled...

Oatmeal for dog’s bath

Oatmeal is used for the treatment of many skin conditions. It helps to treat dandruff and balance the skin oils. You can get oatmeal soap from the pet store. Moreover, you can prepare an oatmeal bath for your dog.

John Paul Pet Oatmeal Shampoo - Grooming for...
  • Luxurious botanical shampoo: specially...
  • Relieves dry, itchy, flaky skin irritations...
  • Pure oatmeal, aloe, and chamomile cleanse...
  • Sweet almond oil conditions fur and imparts a...
  • Made-in-the-USA from the same all-natural...

Use of Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is very useful for treating dandruff and also soothing the itch. The simple method is mixing the apple cider vinegar with water and directly applying it on the dog’s skin. There is no need to rinse, let it dry. Do not apply it in excess because it can make conditions worsen.

Burt's Bees for Pets Naturally Derived...
  • DID YOU KNOW DOG SKIN DIFFERS FROM HUMAN'S -...
  • NO. 1 PET GROOMING BRAND IN THE USA*-See why...
  • WITH APPLE CIDER VINEGAR AND ALOE FOR HOT...
  • NO SULFATES, COLORANTS, ADDED FRAGRANCE OR...
  • SAFE FOR ALL DOGS AND PUPPIES - This shampoo...

Omega 3 fatty acid supplement

Adding a bit of fish oil in your dog’s food can enhance the omega 3 level. Omega 3 fatty acid supplement helps to eliminate the dandruff and treat dry skin. You can easily get the fish oil capsule from the drug store and pet store and use it in the dog’s food.

Zesty Paws Omega 3 Alaskan Fish Oil Chew...
  • Joint, Heart & Immune Support – These grain...
  • Rich Omega-3 Support – Zesty Paws Omega...
  • Features AlaskOmega – Derived from Wild...
  • Healthy Skin = Happy Dog! – This formula...
  • Soft & Shiny Coat – These daily soft chews...

Baking soda

Another famous ingredient is baking soda, which has antifungal properties and removes dandruff in dogs. You can mix baking soda with water and apply it on the dog’s skin. Use a hard brush and remove the dead flakes from the skin. When the treatment is done, you can wash your dog’s hair with shampoo.

Veterinary Formula Smart Coat Complex...
  • FOR DIRTY, SMELLY DOGS – Deodorizing dog...
  • SOOTHES AND HYDRATES – This oatmeal shampoo...
  • LONG-LASTING SCENT – With a cucumber...
  • FORMULATED FOR DOGS – Made for a better dog...
  • EFFECTIVE & AFFORDABLE – Our dog products...

Humidifier

If the dandruff is seen in the winter, you have to buy a humidifier and place it in the main living area. The extra moisture in the air helps to improve this skin condition. Humidifiers are helpful especially in cold climates.

Sale
Homasy Cool Mist, BPA-Free 22dB Quiet...
  • PECFECT SIZE FOR YOUR NEEDS: This is a cute...
  • ULTRAL-LONG RUNTIME WITH FINER ADJUSTABLE...
  • 22DB WHISPER QUIET: The air humidifier for...
  • LIGHTWEIGHT AND EASY-TO-CLEAN HUMIDIFIER: You...
  • BPA-FREE HUMIDIFIER FOR YOUR CHILDREN: Made...

Regular bathing

Regular bathing helps to remove dead skin cells. But excessive bathing and using wrong bathing products can cause dry skin and dandruff. Brushing helps to remove dandruff from the skin and stimulates skin’s own natural oils.

Antifungal shampoo

When dandruff is due to yeast infection, it is better to use topical creams and shampoo that contain selenium sulfide or benzoyl peroxide in it. Anti-fungal shampoo is used to remove dandruff from the dog’s skin.

Olive oil and apple cider vinegar

Mixing the olive oil with apple cider vinegar and water helps to fight against the dog dandruff. It’s recommended to mix 40% apple cider vinegar, 60% water and 3-4 spoons of olive oil. Apply it on the dog’s skin and leave it for an hour. Then, wash the dog with anti-dandruff shampoo. It helps to remove dandruff and also reduces the growth of fungus. 

Quick tips for getting rid of dandruff on dogs.
Quick tips for getting rid of dandruff on dogs

Pinterest Graphic Design by Canva.com and I am Using TailWind to Schedule Pin.

blogthatdog.com is a participant of several affiliate programs. The list includes (but not limited to) the following: ShareASale, Chewy and Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a mean for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. blogthatdog.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. All published articles are meant for informational purposes only and not substitute the professional veterinary consultation.


Last update on 2024-12-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Sharing is caring!

About the author

Walter Perez

My name is Walter, and I'm a huge dog lover, I have made this blog to share my experience and help dog owners make better decisions in term of improving the quality of their pet's life. I have shared my life with pets since childhood, and I currently own a golden retriever named Bailey.

6 Comments

Leave a Comment