Home Remedies For Dogs Skin Problems, Scratching & Dandruff

Signs Of Dogs Skin Problems

• White flakes and dry, flaky skin
• Itching and scratching
• Developing red bumps, hot spots, pimples or scabs
• Smelly odor
• Redness
• Patches of hair loss
• Allergies
• Skin infections

Common Causes of Dogs Skin Problems & Dandruff

• Allergies - Dogs can have both food and environmental allergies. Common environmental allergens may include dust, pollen and household cleaners. Food allergens, such as certain meat proteins, corn, milk products, soy or gluten (found in wheat, barley, spelt and other grains) can cause red bumps, hot spots and increased itching and scratching. Dandruff is an unsightly side effect but can be remedied by avoiding the offending allergens. Supplements such as AllerEaze, K9 Yeast Defense in combination with Power Probiotic can help to reduce allergy symptoms and dandruff. Making diet changes along with administering our supplements for allergies and dandruff can help your pet immensely.


• Dehydration - When a dogs skin becomes dehydrated, it can experience symptoms of dandruff. Healthy skin is dependent on water and natural oils to maintain its strength and elasticity. Not getting enough water can lead to itchy, dry skin. Skin dehydration can be exacerbated by drying environments, such as heated or air-conditioned rooms. Increasing the moisture in the air with a humidifier can help alleviate the dryness. If your pet has dandruff, encourage it to drink more water by placing extra water bowls around the house. These simple, natural remedies for dry skin on dogs can be easy ways to help your pet.


• Dry Skin - One of the most common causes of dry skin in pets is over-bathing. It is important when bathing your pet to use shampoos specifically for its skin, as the pH of dog skin is different than the pH of human skin. Brushing and grooming your dog can help with dry skin by spreading natural oils and removing dead skin. Another natural remedy for dry skin on dogs is omega-3s. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for healthy skin and coat, and many commercial pet foods are lacking in them. Amazing Omegas is a powerhouse of omega-3 fatty acids that will give your pet soft, supple skin and the most lustrous, gorgeous coat! Backed by research, it is helpful for itching, scratching, dandruff, skin problems, atopic dermatitis and seborrhea. A high dose of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) can help improve pruritus (unexplained itchy skin) and alopecia.* Amazing Omegas, one of the best dog supplements for itchy skin, helps to strengthen the cell membranes in the skin and reduces skin inflammation.
  *Reference: Veterinary Dermatology September 1994. Double‐blinded Crossover Study with Marine Oil Supplementation Containing High‐dose Eicosapentaenoic Acid for the Treatment of Canine Pruritic Skin Disease.


• Skin Infections - All dogs have germs like staph and strep on their skin as normal inhabitants. Typically, these germs only become a problem when the pet has an allergy or skin problem that allows an infection to set in. All types of fungal, bacterial or parasitic infections can cause increased dandruff in dogs. Pets with skin folds, both genetic and due to obesity, can proliferate yeast and fungal spread due to moist and dark conditions. Skin infections dry out the skin, causing flakiness and dandruff, and disrupt the balance of good and bad bacteria, which can weaken the skin's natural protective barrier. Our dog skin problem home remedies can be used along with skin medications prescribed by your veterinarian. NOT Drops, K9 Yeast Defense and Power Probiotic can help to prevent recurring skin infections and dandruff.


• Medical Conditions - Some endocrine disorders, such as canine hypothyroidism and Cushing's disease, can inhibit skin cell turnover and cause dandruff and skin problems. It is important to see your veterinarian to determine the cause of your pet's dandruff, as some conditions will require medical treatment. Identifying the root cause is essential to knowing how to get rid of dog dandruff.

Dandruff In Cats

Cats can get dandruff just like dogs. One of the most common causes of dandruff in cats is dry skin. Dry skin in cats can be caused by a lack of humidity in the air, poor nutrition or dehydration. When the skin becomes dry, it can become flaky and shed, resulting in dandruff.

In addition to dry skin, cats can also get dandruff due to allergies, parasites, or infections. These conditions can cause the skin to become inflamed and irritated, leading to dandruff as a symptom. Hormonal imbalances can also cause dandruff in cats. For example, if a cat has an overactive thyroid gland, this can cause changes in the skin and coat that can lead to dandruff.

If you notice your cat has dandruff, you can help to alleviate the problem by regularly brushing them to remove loose hair and flakes of skin, and by providing them with a few natural supplements and a well-balanced diet that is high in essential fatty acids to help keep their skin healthy and moisturized. Be careful not to use harsh shampoos or over-bathe your cat as both can dry out the skin and cause dandruff. If cat dandruff persists or is accompanied by itching, redness, or hair loss, it's best to consult with a veterinarian to rule out any underlying health problems.

Power Probiotic, NOT Anti-Infection Drops and Amazing Omegas are natural supplements for cat dandruff. Amazing Omegas does have a lemon scent and many cats will not like the taste. If your cat is finicky, then you will need to be able to syringe in a few drops in order to successfully administer the product.

Skin Conditions That Are Similar To Cat & Dog Dandruff

• "Walking Dandruff" in Cats - Cheyletiellosis, or walking dandruff, is a mite infection that mainly affects cats. The mites "walk" beneath the keratin layer of the skin and leave a dusty surface that resembles dandruff. A pet will react like it has a flea problem, but the skin irritation can lead to infection. These skin mites are contagious, and your pet should be seen by a veterinarian. The Immune Support Kit or NOT Drops can be used during and after treatment to boost the immune system and prevent reinfection.


• Sebaceous Adenitis (SA) in Dogs and Cats - Sebaceous adenitis is a skin disease that causes dandruff, scaling, skin crusting and alopecia (hair loss). It is a dermatologic autoimmune condition that attacks the sebaceous glands and ducts, slowing sebum production. Sebum is an antimicrobial secretion that lubricates the skin and promotes hair growth. Pets with SA will have dry, damaged coats. The coat texture and color can change due to damage (like soft fur turning wiry). Many affected pets have ongoing dandruff as well as bacterial and yeast infections. Natural remedies for dry skin on dogs, such as Amazing Omegas, can help to make skin more resilient to trauma and skin infections. Immune Harmony is the #1 choice for pets with autoimmune conditions and repeat infections. Over time, it helps to balance immune function.


• Canine Seborrhea - Seborrhea or seborrheic dermatitis is a skin disorder in dogs that causes the sebaceous glands to overproduce sebum, which results in dandruff and scaly, flaky, itchy and red skin. The disorder also causes the body to produce an oily or greasy substance that can build up in areas with skin folds, like the ears, belly, armpits, elbows and ankles, creating a yeasty "doggy odor." There are two forms of seborrhea - dry (sicca) and oily (oleosa) - but most dogs have a combination of both. Itching and scratching at the affected areas can lead to hair loss, bleeding and crusting. It is common for dogs with seborrhea to get secondary bacterial or yeast infections. Diet changes are essential for dogs with seborrhea, as certain foods can fuel bacterial and yeast overgrowth. K9 Yeast Defense is a canine seborrhea home remedy that can be used along with Power Probiotic and NOT Drops to help prevent the cycle of recurrent skin infections.

The Best Diet for a Dandruff-Free Pet

Pets that have dandruff and dry skin often are fed diets that lack omega-3 fatty acids. They cannot be produced by the body; they must come from diet. Omega-3 fatty acids can be added to your pet's diet by including a highly therapeutic fish oil. Cats and dogs with dandruff and allergies can benefit from a hypoallergenic, low-carbohydrate diet. When pets are allergic, the allergic response can produce inflammation on their skin, causing itching, flaking and redness. Look at your pet's food label -- a good brand will include an essential fatty acid such as fish oil or flax oil high up in the list of ingredients. Our supplements have been recommended by veterinarians since 2005. When ordering supplements, please be sure to include the food you are feeding your pet along with health issues directly on the order form at checkout. We will include FREE diet suggestions on the packing slip that comes with your order.


Need Help? Please email us at Support@AskAriel.com