What causes dogs to have dandruff? You need to know these four reasons!

Sep 22,2024
5Min

Dog dandruff is mostly scaly and dry epidermis

The main pathological change is dry epidermis and a large amount of dandruff in the shape of fish scales, which is 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 topically.
3 Take appropriate amounts of unsaturated fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins.

Dog dander is mostly due to hyperkeratosis of the skin

Hyperkeratosis of the dog epidermis will make the skin thicker and harder. Commonly seen on dog's bony protrusions and feet. Severe cases of canine keratoderma infection or lameness due to paw pads are unclear. However, there are reports that canine papillomavirus causes hyperkeratosis or finger warts in dogs abroad.

Treatment can include 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 footpads of lame dogs need to be trimmed. If hyperkeratosis is caused by ground friction, the resting place should be improved.

Dog dandruff is mostly caused by 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.

Currently, it is generally believed that the causes of seborrhoea are related to genetic factors, endocrine disorders, nutritional deficiencies and skin infections. Diagnosis is mainly based on clinical experience and laboratory tests to gradually exclude specific causes. Diagnosis and treatment should first be based on the identified causes, and then symptomatic treatment. Usually, the dog's body can be washed with sulfur soap. If the infected site becomes infected, systemic or topical antimicrobial treatment is required. Severe seborrhoea can be treated with antibiotics-corticosteroids. Thyroxine can be used in chronically ill dogs.

Dog dander is mostly caused by chiggers

Chiggers parasitize on the surface of dogs and feed on tissue fluid. Because the worms are often stuck together with eggs and dander, it is rare for people to get it. The entire life cycle of chiggers can be completed on the dog body, which lasts about 5 weeks. Chiggers are more susceptible to chiggers than adult dogs, domestic dogs, and free-roaming dogs. The main pathogenic effects are sloughing, Itching, which causes self-mutilation in dogs.
The main diagnosis is the examination of mites. The mites are about 0.4mm and can be seen moving on the skin with a magnifying glass. Put a piece of transparent tape on the dog's skin. After a period of time, When the tape is placed on a microscope for inspection, you can see the adherent insect body. There are a pair of large hooks on the mouthparts of the mite, and there are eggs in the skin grooves. Like scabies mites, chiggers can also cause red papules on human skin.
All kinds of insecticides are effective, but they should be maintained for 46 weeks. Disinfection should include the dog's body and the environment. Eliminate animal pollution sources (such as cats) and pay attention to people's own protection.
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