When a dog develops dandruff, the owner usually asks himself two questions: what is the cause and how to get rid of it effectively? In simple cases, the cause can be eliminated on its own, however, sometimes specialist treatment is necessary. Experienced dog owners know that dandruff in a dog is not only an aesthetic problem, it can often be a symptom of a serious illness.
In the process of skin regeneration, dead epithelial cells fall off and are replaced with new ones. They usually appear in small amounts. Cellular metabolism is considered normal and occurs almost imperceptibly. The formation of dandruff (visible to the naked eye) indicates a violation of the balance of the work of the sebaceous glands. The particles resemble flour grains or flakes. The epithelium is dry or clumps together. Its location on the dog's body can be different: it appears all over the body or is concentrated in certain parts (most often on the ears, tail and abdomen). In addition to white, dandruff sometimes takes on other colors, e.g. black, pinkish, yellow. Dandruff can also be accompanied by other symptoms, such as itchy red, irritated skin, unpleasant body odor, hair loss.
The most common causes of dandruff in four-legged friends are:
Due to the fact that there can be many reasons for the appearance of dandruff in a dog, it is usually impossible to determine them without the help of a specialist. Therefore, before taking any action on this matter, you should contact a veterinarian who will carry out an examination of your pet and help diagnose the underlying disease.
The therapy is primarily symptomatic and is accompanied by the elimination of the factor that contributes to the formation of dandruff. Treatment is aimed at alleviating the disease, including: eliminating itching, reducing the rate of scales formation, normalizing metabolic processes in the skin and body of the animal, increasing immunity, restoring the proper pH of the skin. The key to success is consistent therapy, i.e. in addition to treating the underlying disease (if any), preparations that eliminate external factors of dandruff occurrence are used: therapeutic shampoos (containing salicylic acid and sulfur), preparations with anti-inflammatory, anti-seborrheic and antifungal properties. In addition, steroid medications are recommended to reduce inflammation.
If dandruff was caused by the appearance of mites, a whole series of measures is required. You should wash all the things your pet has come into contact with. Accessories and toys of the dog should be washed with hot water and detergent. Then daily baths with the use of a special shampoo are applied. When internal parasites are detected, vets prescribe drugs with an antiparasitic spectrum of activity. as well as supplements that help to strengthen the immune system and normalize the condition of the skin from the inside. In some cases, home remedies are perfect, such as herbal infusions, applied externally in the form of masks, compresses, lotions. Chamomile, linden, nettle, burdock soothe inflammation and irritation.
To prevent dandruff in dogs, it is worth taking preventive measures:
Dandruff in dogs is easily treated if detected fairly quickly and therapy, based on a proper diagnosis, is instituted without delay. In advanced cases, treatment may take up to several months and require significant financial outlays. In addition, over time, it is much more difficult to detect the causative agent of the disease, so the key to your pet's health and peace of mind is to be attentive and act quickly, immediately after the onset of symptoms.
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