How to treat dandruff in dogs naturally

Updated 04/09/2024

Oh, the joys of being a pet parent! Endless tail wags, heart-melting puppy eyes, and the occasional (okay, frequent) bout of rolling in something smelly. But just like us humans, our furry friends can sometimes face pesky problems like dandruff.

As with any health problem, if your dog has dry skin or dandruff, your first step should always be a visit to the vet. But while you wait for your appointment, we’ll be discussing how to treat dandruff in dogs naturally. From diet tips to dog dry skin remedies you can try at home, here’s how to bring back the shine in your dog’s coat.   

Can dogs have dandruff?

Yes, dog dandruff really is a thing! You or your dog sitter might notice little white flakes of dry skin throughout your pup’s coat, but it can also be dull, greasy, itchy, or red – you might even catch your furry friend nibbling at sores or scabs.

Why does my dog have dandruff?

Before getting into how to treat dandruff in dogs naturally, it’s important to understand where it comes from. Dog dandruff occurs when dead skin cells clump together to create those telltale white flakes. If your dog has dry skin, it’s usually a secondary condition with various possible causes and should not be ignored, as it can be a sign of one of the following problems:

Allergies

Environmental allergies to pollen or household products are the top culprits, but food allergies can also cause dog dandruff.

Skin infections and parasites

One of the symptoms of many bacterial and fungal infections is dry and flaky skin which results in dandruff. Tiny white mites called Cheyletiella can also cause itchy skin and dandruff in dogs, along with internal parasites like Demodex. 

Over-bathing 

It’s hard not to wash your pooch pal after they’ve rolled in something stinky, but bathing them too often strips their coat of the natural oils needed for healthy skin and fur. Using harsh shampoos or soaps which are not designed for dogs can also cause dandruff.

Nutrient deficiencies

We’ve mentioned food allergies, but it’s also important to ensure your furry friend isn’t missing any essential nutrients in their diet. A lack of omega-3 fatty acids, for example, can make their skin dry and flaky.

Disease

Seborrhea is a skin condition in which the body produces excessive sebum causing dermatitis and dry, scaly-looking skin. Autoimmune diseases such as hypothyroidism, pemphigus, and Cushing’s disease can also affect the health of a dog’s coat and cause itchy, dry skin and dandruff.

Sensitivity to weather

Like in humans, the weather can have a big effect on your pooch pal’s skin. Cold, dry air and artificial heating can strip the skin of moisture and cause dandruff in dogs.

How to treat dandruff in dogs naturally

In order to understand how to treat dry skin on dogs, you’ll need to speak to your vet to determine the root cause. They may prescribe topical treatments, oral medication, or supplements to address the primary issue, as without this, the dandruff won't go away.

In addition to vet treatments, there are some home remedies and dog skin care tips that can potentially help soothe irritation for mild cases or temporary relief. However, it’s important to remember that these won’t “cure” your dog’s dandruff unless you follow your vet’s instructions and treat the primary cause. 

Bathing

If you bathe your dog regularly, try cutting back on the number of washes you give them. Oatmeal baths are often used as a dry skin remedy for dogs, however, it’s important that you check with your vet first. You can use a mild, vet-approved shampoo that contains natural ingredients like aloe vera and colloidal oatmeal. Avoid products made for humans or those with harsh chemicals, fragrances, sulfates, or parabens. 

Grooming

Regular grooming using a soft brush or mitt can help distribute your pup’s natural oils through their coat and remove dandruff. Always remember to be gentle and don’t overgroom. 

A balanced diet

Feed your furry friend a high-quality diet packed with natural ingredients, whole foods, and animal proteins. After talking with your vet, you might also need to avoid certain allergens like beef, chicken, dairy, wheat, and soy.

Omega-3 fatty acid 

Adding fish oil supplements or increasing the quantity of omega-3-rich ingredients to your pup’s meals can help promote healthy skin and a shiny coat. Fatty fish like salmon and sardines are great sources of omega-3, as well as flaxseeds and chia seeds. Be sure to check with your veterinarian before adding omega-3 supplements, or any other supplements, to your dog’s diet.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E can be used either as an oil to moisturize and soothe the skin or as a supplement in your pup’s food. Foods like salmon, eggs, avocado, and spinach are naturally rich in Vitamin E.

Probiotics

Sugar-free yogurt and kefir can be given to dogs to reduce their chance of yeast infections and irritated skin. If you do decide to give your dog any yogurt or kefir with live cultures, ensure you read the labels to check they don’t contain preservatives or artificial sweeteners that could be dangerous for your dog.

Increase the humidity

To help prevent your furry friend’s skin from drying out in the winter, use a humidifier or place a bowl of water near radiators to add more moisture to the air.

Coconut oil

Still looking for dog dandruff treatment? Home remedies like coconut oil can be applied directly onto their skin to soothe and hydrate. Make sure to check with your vet first before using any topical remedies. 

Remember, if you want to know how to get rid of dog dandruff or how to help dogs with dry skin, start by talking to your vet. Skin problems are often caused by underlying health issues that need to be addressed, so your vet will check your furry friend’s overall health and recommend the best course of treatment.

Meet our veterinary expert, Emma

This article has been checked by veterinarian Emma Chandley, BVetMed MRCVS PGCertSAS. Emma graduated from the Royal Vet College in London in 2011. She has a keen interest in surgery and went on to do a postgraduate certificate in small animal surgery and was then awarded advanced practitioner status in the same discipline.