Flaky Dandruff and a Dull Coat on a 12-Year-Old Dog
by A reader
His hair has mostly grown back but now there is a flaky dandruff like issue. This has been seen by the vet but it isn't better. There doesn't seem to be a rash but it is very heavy and he scratches a lot. His coat has become dull as well. I cant afford to continue going to vets and nothing happening..help
Heavy flaking with a dull coat after a long bout of itch and skin infection is common. The skin's barrier was damaged and it can take months to recover. But flaking and itch that continue after treatment can also mean there's still something going on: a lingering yeast or bacterial infection, a mite that causes heavy dandruff, an allergy that is still active, or in older dogs, a hormone problem such as low thyroid, which commonly causes a dull coat and flaky skin.
Things that help many dogs: bathing weekly with a gentle, soothing or anti-dandruff shampoo made for dogs and rinsing well, brushing daily to spread the skin oils, an omega-3 fatty acid supplement (ask your vet which kind and how much), a quality diet, and a humidifier in dry weather.
If cost is the problem, ask your vet about the cheapest useful next step. A skin scraping, tape test and a thyroid blood test are often more useful than repeat courses of medicine. Some vets will also give advice by phone after a recent visit. If cost is a worry, ask your vet about a payment plan, or look for a low-cost clinic, humane society clinic or veterinary school near you.
See dry skin in dogs, dandruff in dogs and seborrhea in dogs.
This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.
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