My dog has black specks in her coat. Is it dandruff or fleas?

It looks like dandruff. However, if he's itchy or has any areas of skin that obviously have a rash, take him to your vet. If not, here's an article you may find helpful. https://www.petcoach.co/article/helpful-products-for-your-dogs-dry-skin/ Thanks for asking PetCoach!

What you're describing does look like dry skin. though some breeds can have naturally coarse/dry skin and fur as well. However, with any skin condition, a complete workup with your vet first is a good idea. They can help rule out any health issues, nutritional problems or skin issues (bacteria, fungus, yeast, etc) that need to be addressed. Making sure to feed a balanced diet or even a sensitive skin food may help in addition to supplements such as fish oils or vitamin E. Not bathing too often and using an aloe/oatmeal shampoo can also help keep the coat frying overdrying and getting flaky.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be a skin infection. You can try to use a medicated shampoo containing chlorhexidine twice weekly for 2 weeks. If there is no improvement or in the meantime this appears to be getting worse, have her evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Good luck and have a good night!

It is really hard to know without actually seeing your pet. It could just be dry skin. Continue to monitor for live fleas and if you don't see anymore than it probably was not flea eggs. I would also think there would be quite a bit of flea dirt if your pet had flea eggs in his coat. If you aren't seeing a lot of flea dirt than it could definitely just be dry skin.

It looks like Izzy has something called comodones - basically tiny black heads or pimples. A shampoo with benzoyl peroxide will help flush out the hair follicles and can remove these black specs. If Izzy is otherwise totally normal (eating well, good energy, not hair loss or weight changes), you can buy an over the counter shampoo with benzoyl peroxide and bathe her twice a week for 2 weeks. During her bathes lather her up and then let her sit for 10 minutes (or as close as you can get, not all dogs tolerate this!) and then rinse. If Izzy starts getting itchy or having any other problems, I would recommend a trip to the veterinarian clinic for further evaluation. Good luck! Let me know if this was helpful information or request a consultation if you'd like to know more.

Hi and thanks for posting on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! From the picture, these black dots on Pokey's abdomen appear to me like comedones or better known as 'black heads'. You can try using a dog friendly shampoo than is Benzoyl peroxide based such as Vetoquinol Benzoyl-Plus Shampoo for Dogs and Cats. You can get this online or through your veterinarian. If the black dots persist, I would see your veterinarian. I hope this helps and thanks again for posting!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It is hard to see the skin in your pictures but it looks like a rash or comedones. If the reddish black things on her skin flakes off or are loose, wet them on a white tissue. If they melt away to a red streak that is flea poop. Flea dips and shampoos are NOT preventatives for fleas and the fleas that hatch on the carpet will jump right back on the pet. Fleas do not lay eggs on the pet but on the carpet. Bed bugs do not live on animals. I recommend a flea preventative like oral Nexgard, Simparica, Bravecto or topical Advantix ii or the Seresto collar. If there are no live fleas or flea dirt then she likely has a secondary skin infection or rash from an allergic reaction the the fleas. I would have her seen by your Vet so she can be provided relief. Also it looks like she has a paw infection which could be from environmental or food allergies. Good luck!