Jones is shedding her undercoat like mad right now, and I’m picking out the fur in clumps (anyone else find this so satisfying?). As part husky, this is totally normal, and something that happens with the seasons. Any dog parent with a pup with a double coat knows what I’m talking about.
But what isn’t normal, at least for Jones, is the dog dandruff I’ve noticed this time around. Not a lot, but enough flakes that made me go, “oh, better to get to moisturizing.”
Dog dandruff is fairly common, and can be a result of environmental factors, things like allergies, or a sign of an underlying health issue. It’s nothing to just “brush off”, if you will.
So, today, I’ll walk you through what we recommend to deal with dog dandruff naturally to help moisturize and protect the skin and relieve any itch that may accompany it.
What Causes Dog Dandruff?
Just like us, dandruff in dogs is the shedding of dead skin cells that appear as white flakes on the coat. Some dogs may also develop dry, flaky patches or an oily, greasy feel to their fur. While occasional flakes aren’t usually a cause for concern, persistent dandruff could indicate dryness, allergies, or an underlying skin condition.
There are several reasons why your dog may be dealing with dandruff:
- Dry Skin – Low humidity, especially in the winter, can dry out your dog’s skin, leading to flakes.
- Allergies – Food sensitivities or environmental allergens (like pollen, dust, or cleaning products) often show up in the skin.
- Poor Diet – A lack of essential fatty acids, vitamins, or minerals can affect coat health.
- Parasites – Fleas, lice, and mites (such as cheyletiella, also called “walking dandruff”) can irritate the skin.
- Underlying Skin Conditions – Conditions like seborrhea or fungal/bacterial infections may cause dandruff-like symptoms.
- Stress – Just like people, stress in dogs can lead to changes in skin and coat health.
- Overbathing or Harsh Shampoos – Too-frequent washing or products with harsh chemicals can strip natural oils from the skin.
With so many different causes, it’s worth really thinking about what might be behind your dog’s dandruff. For Jones, I know it’s a combination of a bit of dry skin and the pollen in the air right now (it’s bad where we are). For your own pup, it might be other things, so just consider what may be at the root.
Natural Ways to Help Get Rid of the Flakes
The good news is that many cases of dog dandruff can be improved naturally with a few simple changes:
1. Regular Grooming
You might think brushing would lead to more dandruff, but the opposite is true. Especailly in times of shedding, regular brushing can helps distribute natural oils, removes dead skin, and stimulates circulation. Aim for daily brushing, especially in breeds with thick coats.
2. Skip the Bath
Yes, you read that correctly. You might think regular bathing will moisturize the skin and get rid of the dandruff, but that’s not actually the case. Instead, bathing actually removes the necessary oils and bacteria from the skin microbiome – and these are things you WANT on the skin. Plus, once your dog gets out and dries off, the skin starts to dry out too.
If you have to bathe your dog, use a mild, moisturizing shampoo with natural ingredients like oatmeal or aloe vera. Avoid harsh chemicals, fragrances, or human shampoos. Find things to watch out for in this post: Is Your Dog Shampoo Safe??
3. Add Healthy Oils to The Diet
Several healthy oils can really help moisturize from the inside out (as well as doing many other things.
- Omega fatty acids are crucial for healthy skin. Adding supplements like algae oil (a sustainable source of omega-3s) is always a great idea. (Also great for joints, brain, eyes, heart… you get the picture!)
- MCT oil can also help reduce dryness and inflammation. MCT oil comes from coconuts, but it’s a refined version of coconut oil that contains only MCTs (medium-chain triglycerides).
Jones (and Indi too) is getting both daily.
4. Humidify the Air
Just as with us, dry indoor air can dry out the skin and worsen dandruff. A humidifier adds moisture to the environment, keeping your dog’s skin hydrated. Even placing bowls of water near a sunny window will release moisture into the air.
5. Support Gut Health
This one is often forgotten about in the quest for healthy skin, but it’s important!
A healthy gut often means healthier skin. Probiotics nurture the skin’s microbiome, which strengthens the skin’s barrier and defends against environmental damage. Consider adding probiotics or fermented foods (like kefir or goat’s milk) to support digestion and immunity. And of course, don’t forget to feed those probiotics with prebiotics!
6. Moisturizing Massage
We suggested MCT oil internally to help moisturize, but coconut oil externally is also a great idea. Applying a small amount of coconut oil to your dog’s skin can help moisturize dry skin and reduce irritation naturally.
Probiotics work here too. Make a probiotic mask to really give the skin microbiome a boost! We use 1/2 TSP Love Bugs and 3 TBSP organic kefir or yogurt. Mix well and apply topically – do your best to leave it on for half an hour, then rinse with warm water.
Dog dandruff is common, but it shouldn’t be ignored. While most cases are caused by dry skin or minor irritations, dandruff can also signal deeper health issues, so consider all the causes. Supporting your dog with a balanced diet, regular grooming, and natural skin care can go a long way in keeping their coat shiny and flake-free.
