How to Cure Puppy Dandruff
Dandruff is found on many puppies. The glands in the skin that provide lubrication are still underactive in puppies younger than four months. As the puppy gets older and these glands become more active, the dandruff and dry skin will resolve themselves. There are no real risks to the puppy, though the dog might scratch a bit because of mild itching caused by the dry skin. Occasionally puppies will lose hair, but this is rare. Until the puppy outgrows dandruff, you can take a few steps to make your pet more comfortable.
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Things You'll Need
- Fatty acid supplement
- Dog brush
- Olive oil
- Dog shampoo with colloidal oatmeal
- Moisturizing dog conditioner or rinse
Instructions
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Add a fatty acid supplement to the puppy's food. This will increase the oils available for a healthy coat and decrease the puppy's dandruff.
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Add one to three tablespoons of olive oil to your puppy's food each day. If your puppy develops loose stools as a result of the oil, decrease the amount you give him.
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Brush your puppy every day. This circulates natural skin oils.
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Bathe your puppy with a dog shampoo that contains colloidal oatmeal, but only do this once a week. More often may cause the skin to become even drier and more itchy.
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Follow the bath with a rinse or conditioner that is designed to moisturize the dog's skin.
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Tips & Warnings
Do not use human shampoo--even human baby shampoo--on your puppy. Because the pH of dog skin and human skin differ, the human shampoo is likely to make your puppy's condition worse.
