Labrador Puppy Dandruff: 11 Causes, 9 Remedies

Wondering if that’s actually Dandruff on your Labrador’s fur? Well, Yes, this annoying, unsightly skin condition can often hit your dog, and it should never be taken normally.

Just like humans, dogs too can struggle with the pain of Dandruff. These embarrassing white flakes atop your precious Labrador’s hair, though rather on the head, usually appear on the dog’s back, face, and flanks.

However, is there anything alarming about Dog Dandruff? Dandruff is pretty common in Adult Labs and puppies. Some Reasons Include Seborrhea, Fungal Or Bacterial Infections, Dry Air Or Less Humidity, Allergies, Parasites Or Mites, Poor Diet, Endocrine Disorders, And Improper Grooming. We will discuss them in detail later in this article.

Is it normal for puppies to have Dandruff? Is Dog Dandruff alarming?

Puppies are prone to Dandruff more than adults or older dogs since the puppy’s sebaceous glands are still developing. Sebaceous Glands basically produce oil that aids in keeping the coat shiny and sleek. Since the oil development is less, the puppy’s skin likely gets dry more often, giving way to issues like Dandruff and flakes. However, once the dog gets older, the dandruff issue will probably end or at least slow down to a great extent.

Similarly, dog dandruff isn’t always alarming, and before looking for an expert solution, it is essential to look out for many other symptoms. For instance, the situation goes alarming when your dog develops pimples and scabs and experiences excessive itching and hair loss.

Such symptoms, along with visible Dandruff, can be a sign of any serious underlying issue. Therefore, upon observing the same with your dog, it is better to reach a Veterinarian soon. The Vet will suggest your dog for some tests, including Blood tests, bacterial and fungal checks, and potentially a skin scrap test as well.

Are Labradors prone to Dandruff?

Labradors or dogs, in general, are prone to Dandruff and flakiness. However, not all Labradors but Black Labs are more prone to catching skin conditions like Dandruff.

When Labs suffer from Dandruff, the flakes of their dead skin will fall out or completely hang into their hair.

Besides that, you may also notice tiny white flakes on their blanket, your clothes, or other common surfaces where your dog usually rest or stay active.

Dandruff on your Labradors appears very similar to that on humans. 

Why does my lab puppy have Dandruff?

Dandruff on Labradors can appear due to a variety of reasons.

As with humans, Dandruff in dogs can be a result of many physical and as well as external factors.

From yeast infections to allergies, dog dandruff can appear due to endless reasons. Here we will get into some of the most common causes.

11 Causes of Lab Puppy Dandruff and How to Get Rid of It

1. Seborrhea

Seborrhea is an extremely common cause of Dandruff in Labradors or dogs in general. Seborrhea is a medical condition categorized as Primary and Secondary. In this condition, the skin’s sebaceous glands produce an excessive amount of sebum which further results in scaly, flaky, and red skin. It is when your dog’s greasy/ oily glands are more active.

While Primary Seborrhea is majorly genetic and less likely to hit many dogs. It is commonly Secondary Seborrhea that leads to skin conditions like Dandruff. The latter is often a result of underlying skin conditions or allergies.

2. Skin Infections (Fungal Skin Infections)

Either dogs or humans can suffer from Skin Infections regardless of how careful a life they lead. Skin conditions like bacterial and fungal infections create a vicious cycle harming the skin’s ability to protect and repair itself. Dandruff, though, is a by-product, but such infections will primarily lead to greasy patches, hot spots, rashes, and sometimes even painful wounds.

3. Yeast Infections and Bacterial Infections

Dogs may often suffer from yeast infections, and you may probably observe them scratching or licking that infectious part. Though less likely but in some cases, yeast infections too can lead to irritated, itchy, or flaky skin.

Similarly, bacterial infections like impetigo and folliculitis can also lead to heavy Dandruff in dogs. The former develops near the abdomen, likely on a hairless portion and is common amongst puppies. Whereas the latter appear on the hairy portion of the dog’s body, inflaming the hair follicles. It may cause sores, bumps, and scabs on the skin and eventually lead to flaky and irritating skin. 

4. Cheyletiella Mites

Cheyletiella Mites is a genus of mites also commonly known as Walking Dandruff. An infestation of mites often causes this skin disease. The small mites find comfort in a dog’s coat and skin and later lay eggs. However, since the mites are visible to the naked eyes, one can spot them appearing like Dandruff. Due to excessive itchiness, Cheyletiella Mites can lead to flaky skin, making a dog’s life highly miserable. 

5. Endocrine disorders

Endocrine disorders are hormonal disorders, and dogs commonly suffer from their Cushing and Hypothyroidism variants. The disorder leads to creating too much cortisol in the dog’s body which further results in difficulty of blood-glucose level maintenance, power to fight infections, and weight disorders. In many cases, the heavy effects of such disorders can also lead to Dandruff and other clinical signs. Or, Hypothyroidism is another condition that leads dogs to secondary infections such as Dandruff.

6. Parasitic infections

Parasitic infections such as fleas which are often caused by mites can also lead to Dandruff in dogs. In addition, due to constant itching, the dog’s skin will start losing flakes which also appear as Dandruff. 

7. Environmental and Food Allergies

Dogs can develop both environmental and food allergies, which can lead them to skin problems like Dandruff. In dogs, allergies usually lead to skin issues, including dry, flaky skin.

Therefore, doing a patch test of products or a special hypoallergenic diet trial is better before introducing something new to your canine buddy.

8. Low Humidity or Dry Air

Low humidity means the air around in the environment will probably strip more oil from your pet labrador’s skin, leaving it dry, flaky, and likely with conditions like Dandruff. 

9. Poor Diet

Dogs who aren’t receiving enough water and fat in their daily diet might suffer from dry skin. In addition, it will probably make their coat suffer, causing dull hair, hair loss, and Dandruff.

Fatty acids such as omega-3s and omega-6s are some essential supplements for keeping skin and hair healthy. Therefore the absence of such ingredients in the diet can lead to Dandruff. 

10. Under or Over-Grooming

Under or Over-Grooming in dogs can contribute to dandruff development, dry skin, and other skin-related conditions.

11. Genetics

Not Labradors, but some specific dog breeds, including Golden Retrievers, Cocker Spaniels, etc., are prone to developing Dandruff.

How do I get rid of Dandruff on my lab puppy?

If you observe Dandruff on your Labrador puppy, it isn’t something you must think to ignore. A couple of flakes once in a long while may go on their own. However, a settled dandruff condition that has been there for a long and prominently needs medical and medicinal assistance. 

Here are some Symptoms of Dandruff amongst Labradors that may ask for quick action:

• Itching or discomfort

Dandruff means itching, which eventually leads to discomfort. Flaky skin often initiates itching or behavior, signalling discomfort.

• Redness

If you are observing redness on your dog’s skin, it is because the canine has scratched Dandruff very harshly.

• Lots of flakes

The dog’s skin isn’t usually very flaky unless he is suffering from Dandruff. If you notice a few flakes, try brushing them out. However, if the flakes persist, it is an alarming situation.

• Odor

Dandruff, due to allergies or infections, can sometimes behave stinky too.

• Hair loss

In some cases, especially when Dandruff is long living on your dog’s skin, it may also lead to hair loss.

Puppy has dandruff and itching: Labrador dandruff treatment.

Your Labrador’s Dandruff can often be treated at home with simple remedies, given how severe the case is. The ones that appear due to climatic and environmental conditions usually go on their own as the weather changes.

Dandruff due to food allergies, too, goes as and when the allergy gets treated. However, in many cases, especially if the underlying cause is an infection or so on, Dandruff can persist in your Labrador. You can prevent or remove this type of Dandruff either at home or by visiting the Vet.

Here are 9 tips and tricks for the same:

1. Regular brushing and combing help in keeping the coat of Labradors (or any other dog) shiny. Doing so may prevent dandruff generation in the first place. 
2. Bathing is another crucial part of grooming that helps in dandruff-causing conditions like seborrhea or bacterial and fungal infections. Shampoos that are formulated for a dog’s pH levels also help in keeping their skin moisturized, thus keeping Dandruff far away.
3. Using a humidifier at home will increase air moisture content and potentially counter seasonal Dandruff.
4. An oatmeal bath or anti-dandruff shampoo can also help fight Dandruff amongst dogs. For an oatmeal bath, take 1 cup of raw powdered oatmeal, 1 quart of warm water, and 1/2 cup of baking soda and mix them in a large bowl. Now wet your dog and rub the mixture generously all over his body, especially the areas infected with Dandruff. Later rinse the mixture before it dries out and sticks to your dog’s fur. Repeat the process once every week until you notice improvement.
5. Incorporate omega-3s, omega-6s, and other fatty acid supplements into your dog’s diet. Ensure your dog is getting a balanced and nutritious diet.
6. Treat any underlying health conditions that are leading to Dandruff and flaky skin problems in your dog.
7. Ensure no food, environmental, or medicinal condition is triggering Dandruff in dog. Rule out all the possibilities and work on improving them.
8. Feed your dog yoghurt or kefir, basically probiotics.
9. If Dandruff isn’t due to any allergic reasons, soothe your dog’s skin using some organic cold pressed coconut oil. However, before you rub oil all over the dog’s body, do perform a patch test for any kind of allergic reactions.

Which shampoo should I use for my Labrador puppy dandruff?

8 Best Dog Shampoo for Dandruff Control in 2022

1. BioSilk for Dogs Combo Pack Whitening Shampoo with Dog Detangling Spray
2. Jungle Pet Aloe Oatmeal Shampoo for Dogs
3. Burt’s Bees for Dogs Natural Shed Control Shampoo with Omega 3 and Vitamin E
4. Burt’s Bees for Dogs Oatmeal Dog Shampoo With Colloidal Oat Flour & Honey
5. Wahl Dry Skin & Itch Relief Pet Shampoo for Dogs
6.  Honest Paws 5-in-1 Oatmeal Shampoo and Conditioner for Allergies and Dry, Itchy, Skin.
7. Oatmeal Dog Shampoo and Conditioner – for Dogs with Allergies and Dry Itchy Sensitive Skin
8. Pet MD – Benzoyl Peroxide Medicated Shampoo for Dogs and Cats

Wrapping up…

This was all for Labradors and their Dandruff sufferings. We hope the information and ideas shared above will come in handy to many pet parents (if not all).

Though the above suggestions don’t seem to help your dog’s dandruff condition, it is probably an alarming situation that calls for Vet’s assistance. A quick once-over will help you find the underlying cause of the condition and treat it rightfully (and, of course, immediately).