If your dog looks like the “before” picture in a dandruff commercial, he may suffer from scaly skin. A few skin flakes are normal, but excessive dandruff is more than embarrassing—it can indicate a problem.
Causes
Your pet’s flakes may be a byproduct of scratching, a sign that usually points to such skin problems as fleas, allergies, scabies, mites, or infection. Other causes of scaly skin include demodectic mange, ringworm, hypothyroidism, Cushing’s syndrome, dry winter air, a poor diet, and over-bathing. And Cheyletiella mites are the source of “walking” dandruff, a common condition in puppies.
Certain dog breeds develop scaly skin simply because they produce too much keratin, the primary protein component of skin, hair, and nails.
What you can do at home
Feed your dog a high-quality diet to ensure he gets all essential nutrients; brush him frequently to spread surface oils; and bathe him using special products that soothe dry flaky skin, including moisturizing shampoos, cream rinses, and conditioning sprays.
Dry winter air can zap the moisture out of your dog’s skin as quickly as it does yours, so consider using a humidifier.
When to call the veterinarian
If moisturizing baths just don’t do the trick, call your veterinarian. Take your dog to the hospital if his skin is excessively scaly or if you notice scratching, hair loss, or sores with his dry skin. Seek immediate help if your dog shows signs of illness, such as decreased appetite or lethargy.
What your veterinarian will do
Your veterinarian likely will take skin scrapings, fungal cultures, or skin biopsies to determine what’s causing the scales, and he or she may recommend allergy testing or blood tests to check for adrenal or thyroid gland problems.
Dogs suffering keratin disorders need lifelong therapy with special shampoos to control those pesky flakes. Your veterinarian also may recommend topical treatments or medicated shampoos and dips to combat mites.
Antibiotics may help clear up a skin infection. And your pet’s doctor can manage adrenal or thyroid gland diseases with certain medications, such as thyroid hormone replacement for hypothyroidism.
Scaly skin is not a life-threatening condition, and dogs usually respond well to treatment. Once your veterinarian identifies and treats the underlying condition, those embarrassing flakes should disappear.
