Is Head & Shoulders safe for my dog's dandruff and dry skin?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Male | neutered | 7 years and 1 month old | 14 lbs
So my 7 year old chiweenie has dandruff on the bottom of his back up above his tail. It's only in one section and mild flakes. I know it's winter and dry skin is in season. I use a dandruff shampoo for him. I just wanted to know will a conditioner help? Also somebody recommended Head and Shoulders the classic one for my dog I'm wondering if that's okay to use? Thank you so much.
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on December 22nd, 2017
Head and Shoulder is OK but not the best product for this issue. Dandruff is called seborrhea and I would use a dog shampoo made specifically for this issue like this one. It also comes as a mousse that you can apply instead of bathing with a shampoo. http://www.allivet.com/p-6684-douxo-seborrhea-shampoo-for-dogs-and-cats.aspx http://www.allivet.com/p-6678-douxo-seborrhea-mousse-for-dogs-and-cats-68-oz.aspx I, personally would get the mousse since his seborrhea is just in one location. I would use it every 3-4 days until improvement noticed. If no improvement within a few weeks I would get Pokey to your vet for an exam. Hope this helps. Best wishes.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on June 7th, 2019
The dry skin, or dandruff, is called seborrhea. It could just be from dry skin but it could also be due to an underlying disease. I suggest you bathe him with this special medicated shampoo 1-2x per week and use the same brand’s mousse in between bathing. Lather the shampoo, let it sit 10 minutes and then rinse. That contact time is important. ( https://www.allivet.com/p-6684-douxo-seborrhea-shampoo-for-dogs-and-cats.aspx?SearchTerm=Duoxo%20seb+Auto ) ( https://www.allivet.com/p-6678-douxo-seborrhea-mousse-for-dogs-and-cats-68-oz.aspx?SearchTerm=Duoxo%20sebo+Auto ) Also make sure he is on a high quality diet and use a skin and coat supplement like Missing Link for at least a few months. ( https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/the-missing-link-ultimate-skin-and-coat-supplement-for-dogs-283770?ref=dfs ) If all this doesn’t help then he needs a vet exam. Best wishes.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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