Skin & Allergies

Dry, Flaky Skin and Dandruff in Dogs

5 min read Vet-informed guidance

Spotting flakes of dandruff in your dog’s coat, or noticing dry, dull skin, is common — and usually very treatable. It can be down to anything from dry air to diet or an underlying skin issue. Here’s how to get to the bottom of it and bring back a healthy, shiny coat.

Why skin gets dry and flaky

Dry, flaky skin happens when the skin’s natural barrier isn’t working as well as it should. Common causes include low humidity (especially in winter), over-bathing, a diet lacking the right fats, allergies, parasites, or an underlying skin condition.

Signs to look for

Look beyond the flakes to the skin and coat overall.

White flakes in the coat or where your dog has been lying
Dry, dull or rough-feeling coat
Mild itching or scratching
Patches of flaky or scaly skin

Restoring healthy skin

Support the skin barrier from inside and out.

Add omega oils to support skin and coat condition
Avoid over-bathing, which strips natural oils
Use gentle, moisturising grooming products
Groom regularly to distribute natural oils
Make sure the diet provides good-quality fats

Signs to look for

White flakesDull coatMild itchingScaly patches

When to see your vet. See your vet if the skin is very itchy, red or smelly, the dandruff is heavy or sudden, or there are bald patches — these can point to allergies, parasites or infection that need treating.