Dog Dandruff

Causes of Dandruff in Dogs

• Allergies (environmental, food and flea)^1,10
• Parasites: Cheyletiella, fleas, lice and other mites^6,5
• Yeast and bacterial infection, which make scaling worse^5,6
• Hormone disease such as hypothyroidism and Cushing's disease^6,1
• Diet: diets low in omega-3 fatty acids, and rarely zinc or vitamin A problems^6,11
• Environment: changes in temperature or humidity⁶
• Obesity or joint problems that stop a dog from grooming⁶
• Inherited seborrhea in breeds such as Cocker Spaniels, Basset Hounds and West Highland White Terriers, usually starting before age 2. See seborrhea in dogs.^5,1

Walking Dandruff (Cheyletiella Mites)

Cheyletiella are large, whitish mites that crawl across the skin and fur.¹² As Merck explains, "The dandruff that is seen 'walking' is actually the mites moving about on the skin of the dog."³ Signs include heavy scaling along the back and itching that ranges from mild to severe. Some dogs don't itch at all but can still spread mites.^4,3 Dogs usually catch them from other animals at shelters, breeders and groomers.¹²

• Diagnosis: tape tests, skin scrapings, flea combing and sometimes a stool test, because dogs swallow mites while grooming.⁴
• Treatment: parasite medicines from your vet, given to every pet in the home at the same time, because pets without signs can carry mites.^4,12 Ordinary flea sprays and powders rarely work.¹²
• Cleaning: wash all bedding and clean the home. Mites usually die within 48 hours off the dog, though some females survive up to 10 days.^4,3

People: mites can cause very itchy red bumps on the arms, trunk and buttocks. People are accidental hosts, and human signs usually clear within about 3 weeks once pets and the home are treated.^4,12

Dry vs Greasy Dandruff

• Dry (seborrhea sicca): loose white to gray scales and a dull, dry coat⁵
• Greasy (seborrhea oleosa): a smelly, greasy coat with yellow-brown waxy material on the neck, skin folds and feet, often with ear infections and yeast^5,6

Most dogs have a mix of both.⁶

How to Get Rid of Dog Dandruff

• Find and treat the cause, including mites, allergies, infections or hormone disease.^2,1
• Use the right shampoo: moisturizing shampoos for dry flakes, sulfur or salicylic acid for heavy scale, and benzoyl peroxide or selenium sulfide for greasy scale. Follow with a moisturizing rinse.^5,1
• Bathe regularly: typically 2 to 3 times a week until the skin improves, then about once a week. Flaking can briefly get worse in the first 2 weeks of a scale-removing shampoo.^1,5
• Ask about omega-3 fatty acids, which can take about 2 months to show an effect.^11,6

Use dog products only, and don't use human dandruff shampoos without your vet's approval.²

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my dog suddenly have dandruff?

Common reasons are allergies, mites, fleas, skin infections or a change in weather or humidity.

Can walking dandruff live on humans?

Mites can bite people and cause itchy bumps, but people are accidental hosts and signs clear once pets are treated.

Can I use human dandruff shampoo on my dog?

Not without your vet's approval.

Does coconut oil help dog dandruff?

There's no good evidence that it does.

Is dog dandruff contagious?

Ordinary dandruff isn't, but walking dandruff (Cheyletiella mites) is very contagious to other pets and can affect people.