Normal dogs always have a small amount of dandruff falling off their skin, but excessive dandruff accompanied by itching and hair loss may indicate hyperdandruff.

(1) Squamous epidermis

The main pathological changes are dry epidermis and a large amount of squamous skin, which is fish-like and prone to secondary infection.

The key to diagnosis is to rule out other causes of excessive dandruff, such as Demodex, chiggers, etc.

This disease is difficult to completely cure. You can try the following treatment methods:

1. Bathing the dog with a shampoo containing mineral oil can reduce dandruff. For very dry skin, water-soluble bath oil should be used when rinsing.

2. For dry skin on the abdomen, lanolin and urea derivative ointment can be applied locally.

3. Take appropriate amounts of unsaturated fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins.

(2) Skin hyperkeratosis

Hyperkeratosis of the epidermal layer in dogs can make the skin thicker and harder. It is more common on the skeletal protrusions and feet of dogs. In severe cases, dogs may be infected due to tearing of the corneal layer or lame due to foot pads. The cause of the disease is still unknown. It is unclear, but it has been reported abroad that canine papillomavirus causes hyperkeratosis or digital warts in the dog cortex.

Treatment can be oral or topical corticosteroids to reduce keratinization. Animal or vegetable oil can be applied to soften the tissue, and antibacterial drugs should be used on the lacerations. The foot pads of lame dogs need to be trimmed. If hyperkeratosis is caused by ground friction, the resting place should be improved.

(3) Seborrheic dermatitis

It refers to excessive secretion of sebaceous glands in dogs, also known as seborrhea. Dogs have a special rat odor. Seborrhea in dogs mostly occurs on the back, legs, perineum, neck and inner ears. The affected areas often have light yellow waxy aggregates, accompanied by inflammatory changes such as hair loss and mild itching. Demodex endocrine disorders are also often accompanied by Seborrhea.

The causes of seborrhea are generally believed to be related to genetic factors, endocrine disorders, nutritional deficiencies and skin infections.

Diagnosis is mainly based on clinical experience and laboratory tests to gradually exclude other specific causes. When making a confirmed diagnosis and treatment, the identified cause should be treated first, and then symptomatic treatment should be carried out. Generally, sulfur soap can be used to wash the dog's body. If there is tissue exudation or infection in the affected area, systemic or local antibacterial treatment is required. For more severe seborrhea, antibiotics and corticosteroids can be used for collaborative treatment. For chronically ill dogs, thyroxine can be tried.

(4) Chiggers

Chiggers parasitize on the surface of dogs and feed on tissue fluid. Because the worms are often stuck with eggs and dander, people often see moving "dander". It can be completed on the dog body and takes about 5 weeks. Chiggers are more susceptible to chiggers than adult dogs, domestic dogs, and free-roaming dogs. The main pathogenic effects are peeling and itching, which can cause self-mutilation in dogs.

The diagnosis is mainly based on the examination of the mites. The mites are about 0.4mm. Use a magnifying glass to see the movement of the mites on the skin. Place a piece of transparent tape on the dog's skin. After a period of time, place the tape on a microscope for observation.The adherent insect body can be seen, with a pair of large hooks on the mouthparts of the mite, and insect eggs in the skin grooves. Chiggers, like scabies, can cause red papules on people's skin.

All kinds of insecticides are effective, but they should be maintained for 4 to 6 weeks. Disinfection should include the dog's body and the environment, eliminate sources of animal infection (such as cats), and pay attention to people's own protection.