Did you know that just like humans, dogs can have dandruff? Not only can they have dandruff, but there are actually two forms of dandruff that dogs can suffer from. Those two types of dandruff are dry dandruff (Seborrhea Sicca) or greasy dandruff (Seborrhea Oleosa).
When it comes to dogs dealing with dandruff, there are a few things that can be a cause. As the BeChewy blog points out, it can be related to an underlying health condition or skin conditions. It really just depends on the dog and the breed. In particular, there are certain dog breeds that have genetic conditions that might cause them to have dandruff. Both American Bulldogs and Golden Retrievers are two of the dog breeds that can suffer from dandruff thanks to skin conditions.
But as pet parents, you might be wondering what is causing your dog to have dandruff. And while there are a few different reasons, we are giving you three to be mindful of if your dog is looking a bit flaky.
What could be causing your dog’s dandruff?
Allergies
Both food allergies and environmental allergies can have an impact on your dog’s skin. Allergies can lead to them itching, getting dry skin, and flaking. Having an allergic reaction being a cause of dandruff makes perfect sense and it is always a good idea to pay attention to any symptoms that might be present with allergic reactions.
An infection
“Dandruff could be one of the signs there’s a bacterial infection” on your dog’s skin. And while bacteria and yeast are normal on a dog, it can in fact lead to an infection that can be seen through the flakes of dandruff that are a symptom of the problem.
Their diet
If your dog is suffering from a deficiency in the nutrients they are consuming, it can actually cause problems with their skin. A diet that isn’t well rounded can be a problem for our dogs. And skin conditions can of course turn into a problem that will lead to dandruff. And we already know that a poor diet can lead to hair that is less lustrous, so it makes sense that it would also impact their skin, causing the flakes we associate with dandruff.
Dandruff might seem relatively harmless, but it could be a symptom of a bigger problem. So it is always important to talk to your veterinarian and figure out if the dandruff is innocent or the sign of something that needs to be handled.