We humans aren’t the only ones who can suffer from a flaky, itchy scalp. Our dogs can too, only they get dandruff all over! Aside from being uncomfortable and shedding flakes all over dark surfaces, this skin condition can be indicative of some other underlying problems that shouldn’t be ignored.
Common Causes of Dandruff in Dogs:
1. Allergies
Whether environmental or food-related, allergies can affect skin by making it itchy, irritated, and yes, dry and flaky.
2. Dry Air
If the surface of your pooch’s skin starts to look like a snowstorm in the dry winter air, his dandruff could be caused by a lack of moisture and humidity in his environment.
3. Mites or Fungal / Bacterial Infections
As always, it’s safest to consult your vet with any sort of health issues. If your dog’s dandruff is sudden, extreme, or unrelenting, you should definitely make an appointment with the vet.
4. Lack of Nutrients in the Diet
It’s also possible that your pup’s skin issues are the result of a lack of nutrients in her diet. In this case, your pup may not be getting enough omega fatty acids and could use a boost!
Although dry skin is one symptom, a deficiency in these essential nutrients can lead to other health problems. Excessive itching, hot spots, and ear infections are just some of the painful and uncomfortable issues that can result from a lack of omegas.
How Can I Treat My Dog’s Dandruff?
As with any symptom, the trick to treating it is to first determine the cause. For instance, if an allergy is causing your pup to scratch, removing the allergen will certainly help, and your vet may want to prescribe a specific medication. Certain shampoos can also help hydrate skin and reduce flakes, and brushing helps pull natural oils through the fur. What’s more, a high-quality coconut oil applied topically and/or given by the spoonful can also support skin and coat health.
But one of the most effective ways to help Fido if he’s prone to getting flaky is to add an omega supplement to his diet. Omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids are essential for our dogs, yet they’re not bioavailable in dog kibble (despite claims on many packages) because they get destroyed during processing. These nutrients support skin and coat health, joint health, heart health, immune system health, cellular health, and brain and eye development and maintenance, and dandruff is a common sign that your dog’s body could use more of these omegas.
The iHeartDogs Omega 3-6-9 chews are made by cold-press extrusion to preserve those delicate nutrients. These supplements, which include omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids, provide a well-rounded boost in your dog’s health. The grain-free formula ensures that it won’t aggravate common allergies and sensitivities while nourishing your pooch from the inside out. What’s more, each purchase provides 14 meals for hungry shelter dogs!
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified healthcare professional.
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via Whisker Therapy