Dog dandruff is very similar to the dandruff that people get and in most cases is easily treatable.

Dandruff is just a pile up of dead skin cells that the body has shed and because a dog is not usually bathed every couple of days the dandruff can build up and be more noticeable.

In most cases daily brushing and regular baths can help minimize the dandruff. Using a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner made especially for dogs are also helpful.

Some people have suggested rubbing a small amount of olive or vegetable oil on the dogs skin once a week. Keeping the dog’s skin moisturized and brushing out the dandruff that is accumulating seems to be the best way to combat the problem. Making sure your dog is getting enough fluids and the humidity isn’t too low is also another way to help with excess dandruff.

Although most dog dandruff is usually just from a regular build up of dead skin cells, it can also be a symptom of other problems too. Dogs who have fleas tend to have higher levels of dandruff. When the dog is constantly scratching to try and get at the fleas, it is pulling at the skin and flakes are coming off. By the dogs tail is one of the most common areas for fleas to be hanging out and the most common place to see dandruff on dogs with fleas. Brushing the area above the dogs tail with a sturdy brush and a spray to get rid of fleas is the fastest way to ease your dog’s discomfort.

Another cause for dog dandruff is an infestation of mites. One of these mites is called Cheyletiella mite. When a dog is infested with these mites it can lead to cheyletiellosis, which is a skin disease that is not only very itchy, but produces very scaly skin. This disease is commonly known as ”walking dandruff”. The disease is spread by close contact with other affected pets. The mites can live several days off of the host pet without dying, this makes the disease very contagious, but with quick treatment it can be cured using topical medications.