Dog’s skin is flaky: what to do?

The dog’s skin is flaking, it has become dry, and dandruff has appeared. These are problems that dog owners often face. The causes are varied. Let’s figure it out.

The dog is scratching, the skin is dry, possibly even inflamed and irritated. Crusts have formed on the skin, and white particles are present in the pet’s fur – this is dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis. That’s what this problem is called in medicine. Dandruff comes from the Latin “pityriasis” translated as bran. It affects both the entire body of our pet and separate areas. In addition, seborrhea varies in color and shade from white, yellowish to red, pink, or black color and shade. This problem always comes with an unpleasant smell. As a result, an image of a dog with an unkempt and unhealthy appearance arises. The question arises: why did dandruff appear and how to get rid of it? Now let’s take everything in order.

Both improper nutrition and care, as well as the presence of diseases, can affect the condition of the skin. It is important first to identify the cause and then proceed to treatment.

Causes of the problem

There are many etiologies for the appearance of dandruff, here are some common ones:

1. Improper nutrition. Quality and balanced nutrition of our pets is the key to health. We also include clean water in this group.
2. Dry air in the house. Sharp temperature drops in winter. Constantly high temperature in summer also negatively affects the skin. All of this can be the primary cause of the problem.
3. The presence of stressful situations. They say that “all diseases are from nerves”, and stress directly affects the level of certain hormones in our pet’s body.
4. External and internal parasites, as well as fungal lesions. Chronic diseases and the presence of allergic reactions.
5. Improper care for the animal. It is not recommended to use human means: shampoos, balms, lacquers, mousses, gels for beloved pets. Special lines of cosmetic products have been developed for animals, which will take care of the quality of the pet’s skin and fur cover much better and safer.

How to combat flaking?

Dandruff is not a disease, but a symptom that requires treatment. The fur has become dull, the dog smells unpleasant. Itching may appear, and since the pet is constantly scratching, a secondary bacterial infection may join if dirt gets into the scratched wound. It is important to correctly diagnose the cause of the disease to eliminate it. For this, it is necessary:

1. To visit a veterinary clinic, to a dermatologist;
2. Submit a scrape;
3. Undergo necessary tests.

For treatment, regardless of the etiology, the sick dog can be prescribed a shampoo with chlorhexidine 4%.

The shampoo is evenly applied to the fur moistened with warm water, at a rate of 0.03 oz per 2.2 lbs (1 ml per 1 kg), rubbed in with massaging movements until foam forms, avoiding contact with mucous membranes. After 5-10 minutes, the shampoo is thoroughly rinsed off with warm water, the fur is dried and combed out.

Antimicrobial shampoo is used for at least 3-4 weeks, every 3-5 days until a therapeutic effect is achieved. The sulfate-free formula, which preserves the active properties of chlorhexidine for a long time, promotes the fastest recovery of the pet’s skin. The shampoo contains lactic acid, which has the effect of the fastest cell renewal, it also moisturizes, maintains the natural pH balance of the skin and hair cover. Skin flaking, its dryness, and dandruff is a common occurrence. Seborrheic dermatitis often cannot be completely cured, but effective prevention is possible and necessary to maintain the health of our pets. For this, a therapeutic antimicrobial shampoo with chlorhexidine 4% is suitable.

Remember, only your treating veterinarian can prescribe the drug. Before using the drug, it is necessary to familiarize yourself with the instructions.

Take care of yourself and your pets.