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My dog has dandruff or flaky skin. What causes it and how to treat it?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Male | unneutered | 17 lbs

Hi, i found something like dandruff or fungi in my dog’s fur. I am sure those are not just garbage or dust. What can I do for him? Is there any medicine for his fur and skin problems? We bathed him 2 weeks ago, since it rained and the weather still quite cool so he still hasn’t taken a bath for this week. If there is any medicine for this, please do recommend some. Thank you.

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By David Darvishian

Veterinarian

Published on October 13th, 2017

Hi and thanks for using PetCoach! Sorry to see and hear that Cointhee is having some skin problems. This certainly does look like dry skin or what we call seborrhea sicca. It is in an area that I would be suspicious of a flea bite allergy commonly known as flea allergy dermatitis. So first off, I would recommend that you use a very effective flea/tick product even though the weather is cooling down. It is possible that you have some immature flea stages in the indoor environment (eggs, larvae, etc). Again I am just assuming here due to the location of the trouble spot and knowing nothing of the geographical area where you live. There are other things that you can be doing to help the problem. I would not bathe too frequently. This tends to dry out the skin and strips the oils that are needed to keep the skin and hair coat healthy. So don't bathe too frequently, I would say not more than once a month or so. Do spot bathing if certain areas need to be cleaned but not full baths too frequently. Make sure you are feeding a high quality, well balanced diet since nutrition can play a role. You can certainly supplement the diet with some fish oil and skin supplements designed to aid in keeping the skin and hair coat healthy. I will post a link at the bottom and recommend some products. Dry skin can be caused by a localized bacterial infection, low thyroid problem, intestinal parasites affecting nutrition and health, external parasite problems (fleas, ticks, mites, etc), lack of adequate rinsing when bathing, aroblem persists, you should take Cointhee to your vet and let them advise you based on the history and physical exam findings. Treating the underlying cause is key and your vet can discuss how to get to that point. Possible tests could be skin scrape, fungal culture, blood tests, etc. Here's the link for some very high quality supplements- http://www.vrshealth.com/canine-products/?petcoach=1977951 Check out the fish oil Canine Omega Benefits and the Cutaneo TruBenefits. Good luck

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Thanks for visiting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! IT appears that Cointhee may have a seborrhea skin condition. This is usually treated with oral fish oils and medicated shampoo and conditioner from your veterinarian. You can also try Duoxo shampoo (available through online merchants) to help with this condition. Pet formulated fIsh oils (ie. from your local pet store-Petco) are helpful because they contain Vit E and also help treat for skin inflammation. The medicated shampoo will help flush out the hair follicles and remove the build up on the skin. It is also important to treat for any underyling conditions as well, such as Thyroid disease, skin allergies, fleas, etc. I hope this helps! Best wishes and take care.

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