What this means
Dandruff is flakes of shed skin. It can be dry and fine, or greasy, sticky and clumped in the hair. It is worth noting which, because that helps a vet judge whether the skin is too dry or, on the contrary, too oily.
Dandruff is rarely the only sign. Watch where it is mostly found: on the back, around the base of the tail, on the face or all over. Also notice whether your dog scratches, whether the coat is thinning or fading, whether there are red or bald patches and whether the skin smells different than before.
Remember whether you recently changed shampoo, food or surroundings, and whether the dandruff began as the season changed. Sometimes it goes away when the air humidity changes, but if it stays, talk to a vet.
Possible causes
These are things that can cause this sign. It is not a diagnosis, and they are not equally likely for your dog.
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Dry or sensitive skin
Dry air, washing too often or the wrong product strips the skin's protective layer. The skin flakes, and your dog may not scratch at all.
About the condition: Sensitive skin -
Inflammation of the oil glands
In dogs of certain breeds, inflammation can damage the oil glands. Dandruff appears and the coat thins, especially over the back and head.
About the condition: Sebaceous adenitis -
An underactive thyroid
Along with dandruff, the coat can become dry, thin out and grow poorly, while your dog seems slowed down and gains weight more easily.
About the condition: Hypothyroidism -
Parasites
Some skin mites and other parasites cause flaking, often together with itching. They cannot always be seen with the naked eye.
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Skin infection or an allergic reaction
Inflammation can show as dandruff, redness, a bad smell and itching. Dandruff here is usually not the only sign.
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Changes in food or surroundings
Sometimes dandruff appears after a new food, shampoo or change of season. If it does not clear up, the cause needs checking.
What else to watch for
These observations help your vet build the picture faster. Note down what you saw and when.
- Whether the flakes are dry and fine, or greasy and sticky
- Which parts of the body have the most
- Whether your dog scratches or licks
- Whether the coat is thinning, fading or has bald patches
- Whether the skin is red or smells bad
- Whether you recently changed shampoo, food or surroundings
- Whether your dog seems slowed down and gains weight more easily
When to book a routine visit
Book a vet visit if the dandruff lasts more than a couple of weeks, if it comes with scratching, thinning coat, red or smelly skin, or if your dog seems tired and slowed down. Say what you changed recently.
Related conditions
Conditions whose entries mention this sign. The list is somewhere to read on, not a way to reach a diagnosis.
- Sebaceous adenitis Skin and coat Sebaceous adenitis is a skin disease in which inflammation damages and over time destroys the sebaceous glands, which make the oils that protect the skin and coat. Without this protective layer the skin dries out and flakes, the hair breaks and falls out, and the skin becomes more prone to infection. The disease is thought to be inherited and is long-lasting, and what lies behind particular skin changes is for a vet to work out.
- Sensitive skin Skin and coat Sensitive skin gets irritated easily: it turns red, itches or flakes, and skin folds that trap moisture can become inflamed. The irritation can come from a food or environmental allergy, parasites, unsuitable grooming products or other causes, and constant itching takes a real toll on a dog's comfort. What exactly is bothering a particular dog's skin is for a vet to work out.
- Hypothyroidism Hormones and metabolism Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland produces too little of the hormones that regulate metabolism. Because these hormones affect almost the whole body, a shortage gradually slows many of its processes. The changes come on slowly, so they are easy to mistake for ageing or simple laziness.
- Skin problems Skin and coat This is an umbrella term for a range of skin disorders, from allergies and parasites to infections, hormonal diseases or growths in the skin. The skin also reflects a dog's overall health, so changes in it sometimes point to a problem elsewhere in the body, and constant itching or soreness takes a real toll on a dog's comfort. What lies behind particular changes is for a vet to work out.
Body systems: Skin and coat Hormones and metabolism