Go to the Vet Clinic for Severe Dog Dandruff

Veterinarian Dr. Usha Kappagantula of Banfield Pet Hospital, a Vet Clinic in Carmel, Indiana recommends antiseborrheic shampoo to remove scaly dog skin. That's a fancy name for anti-dandruff formula. She notes that people-shampoo may have too much alcohol in it. Dr. Usha often prescribes shampoo with salacylic acid or chlorehexedrine for severe cases. But she emphasizes that severe dog dandruff always has an underlying cause that a vet needs to diagnose. Among such causes are allergies, parasites, thyroid/endocrine problems and hormonal imbalances. The rates at Vet Clinics such as Banfield Pet Hospitals may be lower than your local veterinarian's.

Experts say dog dandruff is usually the result of dry skin. According to Tracie Hochner, "Some reasons for poor skin on a dog can be poor nutrition (especially a deficiency of Omega-3 fatty acids), not brushing frequently, not bathing often enough, or using the wrong shampoo. In addition, medical conditions such as thyroid or hormone imbalance, fleabite reactions or bacterial dermatitis are all skin problems that a vet can correct." Radio show host and pet expert Tracie Hotchner is the author of The Dog Bible and The Cat Bible.

Hopefully, treating your dog's dandruff will only require simple changes in diet and grooming schedules. But if itching and flaking persist, you know what to do: Take Bowser to the vet, vet clinic or vet hospital for a check-up.

Does Dog Dandruff Have to Mean a Trip to the Vet Clinic?

Before assuming there is a medical condition causing dog dandruff, try treating it yourself. Tom Kortie, owner of Healthy Hounds in Indianapolis, tells dog owners they can treat dog dandruff from the inside out, from the outside in, or both.

Inside-out treatment of dog dandruff: Start with diet.

If your dog's food does not contain Omega 3 oils, switch to one that does. "The good dog foods will contain this ingredient," Tom says. His store carries Eagle Brand dog foods made in Mishawaka, Indiana. Eagle is sold only in pet and health food stores; you can't find it at the grocery. Call 1 800 225 0904 for a store near you. The 40 pound Adult original brand in the big blue bag is $34 at Healthy Hounds. Eagle also makes an entire line of Holistic Select pet foods for all ages and breeds of dogs and cats. Check them out at eaglepack.com.. Also, you can add supplements to your dog's diet. Healthy Hounds sells Grizzly Salmon Oil, which is rich in Omega 3 fatty acids, for $14.00. Grizzly Pet Products are sold at many pet stores, and also online at the Grizzly Pets website.

Outside-in treatment of dog dandruff: Start with hygiene.

It bears repeating that external causes of dog dandruff from dry skin include over-bathing and not brushing frequently. When people ask Kortie how often they should bathe their dogs, he laughs and says "When they stink." But actually, especially in winter, bathe no more than once a month and completely dry the dog before allowing him to go out. Healthy Hounds has a dog spa, which is a dog wash with special shampoos and conditioners, warm water massaging sprays, and blow dryers. To find one in your area, google dog wash spas.

Severe and persistent dog dandruff requires diagnosis by your vet or vet clinic.

Remember, severe dog dandruff always has an underlying cause. If itching and flaking persist, get your dog to the vet or vet clinic to find out why.

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