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Dog Dandruff

Veterinarian Reviewed on March 29, 2014 by Dr. Janice Huntingford

Dog Dandruff

Dandruff is a condition that has been around for many years. It is a condition in which the skin flakes and eventually falls off, causing white specks to appear all over one’s clothing. The same condition can appear in any animal, but in dogs the condition can be a bit different.

Cheyletellosis

This is a condition that is caused by mites in the dog’s hair. Adult mites are nearly microscopic at about 0.385 millimeters long and have eight legs. Unlike other insects these will live in the keratin level of the skin and have a life cycle of approximate 21 days.

The condition is known as ‘Walking Dandruff’ because these mites will actually tend to pick up the flakes of skin and move them to various locations. From an outside view it actually looks as if the dandruff is walking around, hence the name of the condition.

Transmission

This condition IS contagious and can be passed on to other animals or even humans. The condition can be passed on through direct contact, making it vital that any affected individuals or dogs be quarantined until the appropriate action can be taken. Take note that this condition primarily affects younger puppies, though it is not unheard of for mature canines to suffer from it.

Treatment

There are a number of different treatments. However many people and veterinarians suggest Pyrethian shampoos along with sulfer dips. Make sure you follow the directions and treat each week for six to eight weeks. There is no guarantee that this treatment will work and if it does not, then it would be wise to seek a veterinary consultation. In addition to that it would be a good idea to spray your canine’s hind quarters with an appropriate flea-killing substance for at least two weeks during the treatment. Most Dog Fleas product can help with dandruff by killing fleas and Dog Mites.

This is not a condition that you want to ignore by any means. If it is left to fester it could cause serious issues for your dog, the least of which is discomfort. If left for too long it could even make your home unlivable, which is not acceptable under any circumstances. All in all this is one of the cheaper conditions to take care of when compared to other complications that could occur in dogs. It would be smart to set a small amount of money aside in the event that this or any other issue occurs in your four legged friend. Dogs can be very expensive, and the conditions they suffer might become tiring at times, but the love they give back to you in exchange for all the trouble definitely evens the playing field! So hope for the best, but expect the unexpected as you never know when it might strike.

Read also: Dog Kennel Cough
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Our Expert

Dr. Janice Huntingford
Janice Huntingford, DVM, has been in veterinary practice for over 30 years and has founded two veterinary clinics since receiving her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at the Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph. She has studied extensively in both conventional and holistic modalities. Ask Dr. Jan

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