Pet dandruff treatment. It can affect both dogs and cats, altering the appearance of the coat with the arrival of scales and crusts and generating itching, redness and a bad smell. We understand how to remedy it and improve the quality of life of our animal friends.
Dandruff in dogs and cats: a multitude of triggers
The word ‘seborrhoea‘ means excessive grease (sebum) production by the sebaceous glands. In reality, for dogs and cats, the term refers to both the oily form (oily seborrhoea) and the dry form (dry seborrhoea), i.e. characterised by whitish scales and dry crusts comparable to our ‘dandruff’.
There are so many underlying causes. For example, congenital disabilities may be linked to specific breeds, such as Cockers or Yorkies. However, we can also consider that these manifestations are the skin’s response to allergic situations (atopic dermatitis or hypersensitivity to fleas), bacterial and fungal infections and parasitic infestations, but also to physical insults (rubbing, sunlight, too frequent or too degreasing shampoos, arid environments) or excess surface humidity and maceration, especially in the skin folds. Or there may be the likelihood of underlying generalised conditions, such as tumours, metabolic diseases, hormonal and autoimmune disorders, and dietary deficiencies.
The signs of an altered skin ecosystem
All these causes can alter the complex skin ecosystem, generating an imbalance between its different components (from cells to surface microflora to ‘non-living’ material such as sebum, scales and scales) that manifests in many different ways. Dogs and cats may have dull skin and coats that are greasy and have a ‘wet’ appearance.
Alternatively, they may be covered with scales and crusts, either adhesive to the skin and hair or small, thin and easily detachable by simply combing the coat; and it is in these cases that, in human terminology, we speak of ‘dandruff‘. Such situations are also accompanied by reddening of the skin, more or less severe itching and a foul smell similar to rancid butter or cheese.
That is not all, because such compromised skin is more exposed to infections of various kinds (bacteria and yeasts) that contribute to worsening the alterations present and undermine the animal’s well-being and quality of life even more.
Oily or flaky skin? The remedy is multifaceted.
A soft, shiny and odourless coat is a hair that reflects the animal’s good health. When this is not the case, the first thing to do is to contact the treating veterinary surgeon immediately. Our trusted professional must initiate an articulated diagnostic and treatment process to identify the primary cause underlying a shaggy, greasy or dandruffy coat and resolve it according to the most appropriate therapeutic strategy.
In addition to periodic and constant anti-parasitic treatments and a balanced and good quality diet, choosing the most appropriate topical (i.e. local) approaches is also worthwhile. Today, veterinary dermatology can count on ALIAmides: substances naturally present in the body (including the skin) of our animals, capable of regulating the activity of particular specialised cells of the cutaneous immune system (the mast cells), fundamental sentinels protecting and defending the health of the cutaneous ecosystem.
For topical use, in particular, ALIAmide Adelmidrol is available. Applied topically, it has proved effective in relieving itching and soothing redness and lesions.
Moreover, combined with other substances, active in removing flaky dandruff or sebum and limiting lousy odour, it can be an excellent way to improve skin conditions and restore firmness, shine and integrity to a coat affected by excess dryness or greasiness.
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