dealing with dandruff and dry skin

Flaky, itchy skin on pets can be caused by diet, skin infections, dry air, and more.

If your dog’s or cat’s skin is producing greasy clumps or flurries of flakes, it’s worth doing some detective work to help your pet — and your veterinary team is here to help.

What’s the difference between dandruff and dander?

Dandruff refers to pieces of dead skin that have peeled or flaked away. Unlike dander, which is made of almost microscopically tiny flecks, dandruff is typically visible flakes or clumps on your pet’s skin or fur.

What causes dandruff in dogs and cats?

Dandruff is usually caused by your pet’s body producing abnormal amounts of a natural oil, called sebum, that normally keeps their skin healthily moist. When something — like dry air (including forced-air heating at home), parasites, illness, or dietary imbalances — causes your pet’s sebaceous glands to get out of whack, it can lead to overly dry or oily skin that sheds off in those familiar dandruffy flakes.

The difference between oily dandruff and dry dandruff

Dandruff has two types: wet and dry. Dry dandruff is light and flaky. Oily dandruff is greasier, often slightly yellow, and tends to clump. Each kind of dandruff can be a symptom of different health concerns and needs specific care.

Some dog breeds (not so much for cats) may be genetically prone to different kinds of dandruff. For example, German Shepherds and Dachshunds may have dry skin that leads to dusty dandruff, while other breeds, like Basset Hounds and Cocker Spaniels, may have oiler skin that produces greasy flakes.

Causes and solutions for pet dandruff

A few occasional flecks can benefit from a good grooming session, but sudden flurries of skin flakes or patches of sore skin may point to more serious health concerns. Here’s what to do and know to help your pet.

Environmental causes of dandruff in pets

Dandruff is sometimes a seasonal problem caused by dryness. For example, indoor pets may develop dandruff in winter when home central heating systems suck moisture out of the air. Other at-home causes for dandruff include too many baths, or baths with water that’s too hot. A shampoo that isn’t designed for pets can also cause dry skin, since human shampoos aren’t always pH balanced for pets.

A home humidifier can help with dry air. Fewer baths, plus using lukewarm water and a pet-safe shampoo, can also help your pet’s skin stay healthy. Tried these solutions without success? It’s a good idea to explore other causes and solutions with your vet.

Allergies can cause skin issues in dogs and cats

Symptoms of food and environmental allergies (atopy) can include skin issues like dry skin and dandruff. Because allergies are also often itchy, they may cause constant scratching that can damage pet skin and lead to infections. Allergies in pets often need lifelong support to help your pet be both more comfortable and less dandruffy.

Pet allergies can be difficult to decode. If you think your pet is allergic to food ingredients, seasonal pollen, or other allergens, your veterinary team is here to help. We can identify your pet’s symptoms and work with you to help treat their itchy, irritated, or flaky skin.

A lack of quality nutrition can affect pet skin

What your cat or dog eats can make a difference to their entire body, including the health and appearance of their skin and coat. Even if they don’t have a food allergy, pets can develop dry, itchy, flaky skin — as well as other health problems — if their meals aren’t nutritionally balanced.

Your vet is a great resource when switching up your pet’s diet. We may recommend a food with a balanced fatty acid ratio, supplementing with omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, and other possible solutions based on your pet’s size, breed, age, and lifestyle.

Parasites like fleas, ticks, and more can cause dandruff

A flea or tick infestation can lead to your pet developing dandruff. That’s because parasites cause pets to scratch, which can cause skin inflammation, which can then lead to skin flakes. Intestinal parasites can also cause an inflammatory response that can result in itchy and flaky skin (as well as other issues).

Year-round prescription parasite control is a great way to help your pet avoid cooties on their skin and in their ears and innards. It may even help your pet avoid inflammation from immune responses that can lead to other health issues, including dandruff.

Red and inflamed skin patches plus dandruff can mean seborrhea

If your pet has dandruff, take a look to see if you can spot red, scaly, or inflamed patches of skin. These can be a sign of a skin disorder called seborrhea. 

Seborrhea is a chronic condition that causes your pet’s sebaceous glands to overproduce moisturizing sebum on their skin. The result is red, itchy, inflamed skin that can shed peeled-off flakes. These patches can also easily become infected and lead to bigger health concerns. 

Like allergies, seborrhea is an immune response that can require long-term management to help your pet. Your veterinary team is here to help with appropriate skin treatments plus recommendations for special foods and medicated shampoos that may help your pet.

Skin infections can cause inflammation and dandruff

Skin infections (pyoderma) and inflammations (dermatitis) can cause skin symptoms like redness, swelling, crustiness, sores, and dandruff. These types of issues are often caused by bacteria or yeast, both of which can take advantage of compromised skin or a weakened immune system to spread.

Pyoderma and dermatitis need quick veterinary treatment. Untreated patches of skin can grow larger and become more difficult to treat. Regular grooming and bathing can help you keep an eye on your pet’s skin so you can identify problem spots sooner rather than later.

Hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and other hormonal problems can cause symptoms, including dandruff

Hypothyroidism is a hormonal disorder, mostly seen in dogs, that can affect your pet’s entire body. Look for lethargy, weight gain, skin and ear infections, and behavior changes as well as bald patches and dandruff. This kind of illness requires consistent hormonal therapy monitored by your veterinary team. We can also help to treat any secondary infections that jump in to take advantage of your pet’s weakened system.

Download more about seborrhea

Download more about bathing your pet

Mentioned in this article