Labrador Puppy Dandruff: Why It Happens and How to Get Rid of It

Labrador Puppy Dandruff

Dandruff is very common in Labrador and Labrador puppies. There are quite a few reasons why adult Labradors and Labrador puppies have dandruff and dry flaky skin.

It can be due to stress, overfeeding, poor diet, environmental factors, Seborrhea, and humidity.

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What Causes Dandruff in Labrador Retrievers?

There are a variety of things that can cause dandruff in Labrador retrievers and other breeds, In some cases, it happens due to a genetic condition like seborrhea, or ichthyosis. 

For the most part, it is a secondary condition brought by another cause such as food allergies and environmental allergies.

Dandruff Causes in Labradors as well as other Breeds

1. Seborrhea

It is a medical condition where small cells travel too fast to the surface.

The “glue” which holds these cells is weak. So they flake away like dandruff.

The dead skin then falls off around the neck and the labrador collar appears as white flakes.

2. Low humidity

Low humidity also can be a reason for dandruff and dry skin for your puppy. Especially if you live in a dry area.

3. Poor Diet

If your dog is not eating a proper diet it will miss out on the essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and fat from its daily food. Their coat may suffer.

Without proper nutrition, skin becomes “unwell”, which will cause dull hair and dandruff. Make sure you are providing a properly balanced diet for your Labrador. Fatty acids such as omega-3s and omega-6s play a vital role in skin health.

4. Overfeeding

Yes, overfeeding can also cause dandruff as well as dry and flaky skin.

5. Walking Dandruff and other Parasites

Look closely at your dog’s dandruff. I suggest you use a magnifying glass for a closer look to see if the dandruff is moving.

If it is moving, then it might be walking dandruff, the medical term is Cheyletiellosis. So, in this case, I would suggest you visit a vet as soon as possible. It needs to be treated by the vet.

6. Dry Air

Just like humans, dogs can also be affected by dry air in the winter season when air is drier than normal. If you see dandruff on your labrador or lab puppy during the winter months lack of humidity in the air may be to blame.

Is Dandruff Normal In Puppies?

Yes! Dandruff occurs in dogs just like in humans. Dandruff in humans usually affects the head.

But, in dogs and puppies, dandruff is seen on the back (especially towards the tail).

What are the Symptoms of Labrador Puppy Dandruff?

Dandruff is very common in Labradors and also in other breeds. Dandruff is the presence of dead cells on your puppy’s coat. 

Here are some of the symptoms which are commonly seen in dogs.

1. Redness or Odor

You may see redness on some parts of your puppy. If they have an allergy or skin infection skin can often be red.

2. Itching or Discomfort

You may notice any kind of discomfort behavior in your puppy, also itching.

3. Allergies

Every experienced Vet always says that environmental allergies are common in dogs, but we cannot neglect food allergies.

4. A lot of Flakes

If you are seeing a lot of flakes on your puppy’s coat you should visit a Vet.

5. Skin Infection

Skin infection can also be a reason for dandruff. Such as yeast, or bacterial infections.

There can be some other reasons too, such as excessive licking and lack of nutrition.

Puppy Dandruff Home Remedies

There are a large number of dandruff remedies that can be done at home. You don’t need any expensive equipment to do so.

Regular Grooming

You can easily groom your Labrador at home. It’s a simple way to maintain your puppy’s coat and keep dandruff away.

Pets are the same as a human, if we don’t wash our hair on a regular basis then we can easily get dandruff. It is the same for puppies.

Omega 3 Fatty Acid

Adding omega-3 fatty acid supplements into your puppy’s diet can benefit a puppy’s coat, as well as its health, which lower dandruff in your puppy.

Bowl of Water

Make sure your dog drinks enough water every day. Give him a full bowl of water. Always keep a fresh bowl of water handy for your puppy to keep him hydrated.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is great for treating a skin issue internally or externally. Rub vitamin e oil on your puppy’s skin to help calm any irritation, and also it is useful for moisturizing your puppy’s skin. Try to add vitamin e into your puppy’s diet. 

Here are some foods that are high in Vitamin E:

• Salmon
• Egg
• Avocado
• Spinach
• Soybean Oil

Apple Cider Vinegar

Take 50% apple cider vinegar and 50% water, mix it well, and apply it to your puppy’s skin. Don’t rinse, let it dry on the puppy’s skin. Please don’t overdo it, it might have the opposite reaction.

Oatmeal Bath

Oatmeal is a very well-known treatment for various skin problems. It will help to balance skin oil and it will be effective in eliminating dandruff. You can easily find oatmeal soap at any local pet store.

Can I put coconut oil on my dog?

Coconut oil is generally safe for dogs to eat in small amounts and can also be applied to your dog’s skin or fur. 

Try to follow all the remedies and solutions mentioned above. It will help your puppy to get rid of dandruff. On the other hand, also try to figure out if your pup has walking dandruff if so, then you must visit a vet to solve that issue.

If your puppy has minor dandruff then it is easily cured by applying home remedies.