TREATING DANDRUFF IN DOGS By Ryder Kennel

Can dogs get dandruff? Yes, dogs, just like us humans, are susceptible to this skin condition. There are many possible causes that can cause distress to the dog as well as the owner. 

Dogs, just like people, can get dandruff — which is an annoying, uncomfortable skin condition. Dandruff is dry flaky skin. It’s made up of dead skin cells that fall from the skin. When it clumps together, it looks like white flakes. Simple things such as daily brushing, a balanced diet and dietary supplements can go a long way to sorting out the problem.

Here are 6 main causes of dandruff in dogs:

1. Cheyletiella mites – Also called “walking dandruff”, these are white mites that make themselves comfortable in a dog’s skin and coat while they lay eggs. The result is dryness, itching and skin infection. These mites are contagious, and your dog can get them during a visit to the vet, a play in the park, living in a commercial dog kennel, meeting other dogs etc.

2. Allergies - Common allergens range from dust and pollens to household cleaners to certain foods. Be careful what household cleaners you use. Try changing cleaners if possible. Certain food items can also cause skin reactions. 

3. Existing Skin Infections - If your dog has an underlying skin condition, it could affect his whole body instead of a localized area.

4. Low Humidity (or Dry Weather) - If you live in a dry area, the air in your home might be stripping your dog’s skin of moisture, which means he will scratch frequently. This scratching will only worsen existing skin conditions.

5. Poor Diet - If your dog isn’t getting enough water to drink or enough vitamins, food supplements, minerals and fat from his food, his coat will probably suffer. The result is dryness, flaking, itchiness and dandruff. 

6. Frequent Bathing – Dogs don’t need very frequent bathing, and many commercial dog shampoos make their skin very dry, causing itching and flaky skin which can be the cause for dandruff. Too much swimming in chlorine treated water or sea water can also cause dandruff. (Remember : DO NOT use human dandruff shampoo on your dog) 

Prevention

Prevention includes taking into consideration all the above six points. In addition regular brushing helps reduce dandruff and hair falls all over the house. Ensure your dog has a good diet, avoid salts, sugar, any kind of chocolate and alcohol based products. Include Omega-3 fatty acid in your dog’s diet. 

Use of specialized shampoo to hydrate and condition his coat and one that kills parasites is essential. Some parasites are so small that you would need a visit to the vet for a thorough check up. 

About Ryder Kennel

Ryder Kennel is one of India’s leading kennels, owning, breeding and showing top quality Rottweiler’s and Labrador Retrievers. With over 2 decades of experience owning, showing and breeding Labrador Retrievers, Rottweilers, Boxers and English Cocker Spaniels, Ryder Kennel is the ONLY kennel in India that has a dedicated team of canine nutritionists, veterinarians and canine health and behavioral experts. 

Top show quality puppies from the best lines in the world are available. Send in your questions about your dog and our team would be glad to assist. 

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Dental Hygiene for Dogs

Just like you need a good brush of your teeth every day, your dog too requires dental care. Not that you need to brush his teeth daily, but regular dental care and a few tips can help your dog have a fresh mouth and a sparkling set of teeth. In fact it has been found that proper dental hygiene goes a long way in maintaining and preserving the health of your dog into old age.

By the time most dogs are about four years old, many tend to show early signs of gum disease. This is simply because they have hardly or even NEVER received any serious dental care. Prolonged bad breath is usually an early warning sign of gum disease.

Simply because the mouth is warm and moist and has sufficient quantities of nutrients present, makes it easy for organisms to grow and this gives rise to all kinds of bacteria. Toxins from periodontal diseases get absorbed into the blood stream and over time affect sensitive organs like the kidneys, liver and brain, causing permanent and at times fatal organ failure.

Here are 5 Top Tips to ensure your dog gives you the freshest of kisses!!

1.    The Breath Test

Dog’s love licking, so it isn't that difficult to get them to come licking near your face. Doggie breath doesn't smell like a bunch of fresh red roses, but it should not smell highly offensive either. If it literally smells like a pile or garbage, try lifting up your dog’s lips and checking the gums. Do they appear torn, bleeding or swollen?  Does your dog also suffer from loss of appetite, frequent urination and/or vomiting? If yes, it could be early signs indicating gum disease – rush to your vet ASAP.

2.    The Canine Tooth Brushing Kit

Yes, there is a kit that you can find at leading pet stores across the country. Some of them come with toothpaste and a proper tooth brush while some come with a brush that can be attached into your finger and inserted into your dog’s mouth and rubbed to simulate the brushing motion.

Most dogs may not like having their teeth brushed, so be gentle, it takes time and patience to get them accustomed to it. Also in some cases you may use just a Dental Gel – like the Pet Dentagel ™ by PIL Animal Healthcare which just needs to be applied in the oral cavity and keeps their teeth and gums fresh and healthy.

3.    Start Today!

I can’t stress enough the importance of starting today. It’s always easier if you have a puppy and getting them used to things like teeth brushing, having a shower or getting their nails clipped. For an older dog it can be uncomfortable or even as much as TERRIFYING!

Start slowly and gently. You can try simply by putting your forefinger into your dog’s mouth and moving the tip in gentle circular motions over their teeth and gums. Just get your dog used to this feeling, once they are comfortable you can try using a doggie toothbrush instead. Be sure to be gentle, as your dog’s gums could bleed easily if they have any infection or mild gingivitis.

Gradually get them used to the flavor of a toothpaste or tooth gel. Ensure you have patience and that they treat the whole activity as fun and not something to be scolded over.

4.    Chewing Is Good!

Almost every dog loves chewing. Be it their toys, a stone, your furniture or just about anything they can lay their teeth on. This is great news because certain non-toxic toys and chew treats are a great way to keep your pooch gnawing away to good oral health. At Ryder Kennel chew sticks and chew toys are an important part of the dental hygiene program for our dogs because they are known to remove tartar and keep the mouth clean, while at the same time reducing stress levels in dogs and catering to their natural need to chew. Ask your vet or a responsible breeder for advice on choosing a treat that is safe for your dog.

5.    Maintaining the Right Diet

Diet plays a crucial role in creating an environment for good oral health. Several scientific foods and dry kibble available now days help in maintaining the pH levels in a dogs mouth, while removing tartar and plaque. Avoid feeding too much of human food and leftovers as these are not good for the overall health and well as oral health of your dog. A meal rich in meats also helps in maintaining dental health, compared to a pure vegetarian meal.

Well, that’s about it for now in this article about Dental Hygiene for your Dog. It’s not all that difficult, but it is definitely important. So remember if you haven’t been giving time to check your dog’s dental hygiene, NOW is the time to get started. It’s never too late. With proper care - discomfort and infection to your dog can be drastically decreased and you'll have a very contented pooch with a dazzling smile!

Shaun Ryder

About the Author

Shaun is the owner of Ryder Kennel, and one of the most reputed breeders in India. He has extensive experience of owning, showing and breeding Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Rottweiler, English Cocker Spaniels, Boxers & Beagles.

He is a graduate from St Stephens College, Delhi and a Post Graduate from NMIMS, Mumbai. He has appeared on many TV shows, and has written articles and columns for several top dog based magazines and journals across the globe. He is a member of the Kennel Club of India, the ADRK Germany & the Labrador Retriever Club.

Shaun is actively involved in dog welfare activities, and has been working to prevent the menace of puppy mills & illegal dog training centers in India.