Dog symptom
Dandruff or flaky skin in dogs
White flakes and dry, scaly skin. Often from dry air, poor grooming, or diet — but it can also point to parasites (including 'walking dandruff' mites), allergies, or skin disease.
Common causes of dandruff or flaky skin in dogs
- Dry indoor air or low-humidity seasons
- Skin mites (cheyletiella, 'walking dandruff')
- Allergies or skin infection
- A diet low in essential fatty acids; over- or under-grooming
Who's most at risk
- Dry-air seasons and homes
- Overweight or arthritic pets that can't groom well
- Pets with allergies
- Young or group-housed pets (mites)
What you can do at home
- Brush regularly to distribute natural oils
- Ask your vet about omega-3 supplements or a skin-support diet
- Keep up parasite prevention
When to see a vet
- Flakes with itching, hair loss, redness, or sores
- Flakes that seem to 'move' (possible mites — can spread to people)
- No improvement with grooming and diet
- An older cat grooming less and looking unkempt (can signal illness)
When it's more serious
- That can be 'walking dandruff' mites, which spread to people — see your vet.
- Flaky skin with these signs needs a vet workup for the cause.
What your vet may do
- Skin exam and tests for mites, yeast, or infection
- Check for an underlying allergy or disease
- Recommend diet, supplements, or a medicated shampoo
- Treat parasites if found
Questions to ask your vet
- Could this be mites, and are they contagious?
- Would a diet or supplement change help?
- Is there an underlying skin condition?
- Which shampoo is right for my pet?
Frequently asked questions
What causes dandruff or flaky skin in dogs?
White flakes and dry, scaly skin. Often from dry air, poor grooming, or diet — but it can also point to parasites (including 'walking dandruff' mites), allergies, or skin disease. Common causes include: Dry indoor air or low-humidity seasons; Skin mites (cheyletiella, 'walking dandruff'); Allergies or skin infection; A diet low in essential fatty acids; over- or under-grooming.
Is dandruff or flaky skin in dogs an emergency?
Book a veterinary visit soon. See a vet right away if: Flakes with itching, hair loss, redness, or sores; Flakes that seem to 'move' (possible mites — can spread to people); No improvement with grooming and diet; An older cat grooming less and looking unkempt (can signal illness).
What can I do at home for a dog with dandruff or flaky skin?
Brush regularly to distribute natural oils. Ask your vet about omega-3 supplements or a skin-support diet. Keep up parasite prevention.
Sources
Reviewed by the Webvet Veterinarian Team
This guide is general information, not a diagnosis, and does not replace an exam by your veterinarian. If your pet is in distress, contact your vet or an emergency clinic right away.