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Is my itchy dog's dandruff from mites, allergies, or a bath?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Beagle | Male | neutered | 33 lbs

So I'm seeing a bit of dandruff on my dog esp on his ears....and a bit on his back. Just gave him a bat 3 days ago with hyliderm. Could that cause dandruff. I'm asking bc my dog seems itchy. I Google mites and am paranoid it is cheyletiella mites. How can I tell

5 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Davis

Veterinarian

Published on September 25th, 2017

After a bath some of the older skin cells get loose and cause dandruff. Brushing Breaker daily will stimulate the skin and remove the dandruff. The shampoo you used was fine. Dogs itch mostly from allergies. They can be allergic to flea bites, grass, pollen and leaves and also have allergies to food. Breaker would be much itchier with mites and mites are not that common. To keep his skin healthy and reduce inflammation I recommend an omega 3 or fatty acid supplement, in addition feed a high quality dog food. In order to check for mites you need to bring Breaker to your veterinarian and they can look at the skin cells and fur under the microscope. If they do see mites a treatment will be prescribed. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Breaker.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Anna M., DVM
Veterinarian
Hello, and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Cheyletiella (or "walking dandruff") is one possibility for an itchy dog with dandruff. Other possibilities that could cause itching as well as dandruff would be fleas, allergies, or other types of skin mites such as sarcoptes. The best way to know for sure would be to have Breaker examined by a vet, who can look at samples of the skin (obtained by skin scrape or a tape prep) under the microscope and evaluate if there's a bacterial or yeast infection causing the dandruff and itching, or if there might be a parasitic cause. Fortunately, there are a number of treatment options for cheyletiella including a topical product called Revolution. If this is a parasite such as cheyletiella, it will be important to treat all animals in the house simultaneously, as well as the environment by cleaning all bedding, vacuuming carpets, etc. Hope this helps!
0Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Elizabeth
Veterinarian
Published on January 22nd, 2020
Although it could be hormone related, the dry weather, a diet without enough fatty acids, oil gland problems or skin mites could also be to blame.
You can try adding in an omega 3 fatty acid supplement for dogs, this can help improve the skin health. You may also try changing his diet to something like Royal Canin or Nutro as they are aimed at skin health. You can wash in her oatmeal bath once a week (as long as that does not appear to over dry her skin). Many flea products can kill mites and you may want to have her examined to check for mites which is easy.
I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on July 29th, 2018
Does he have dandruff (little white specs of skin in his fur due to dry skin) od does he have mites? If he has only dandruff you can try bathing him with an oatmeal dog shampoo available from a pet shop or your veterinarian. If he has mites and itches, then you need to take him to your vet for an exam and after verification of a mite infection, treatment for mites, which could be several injections with avermectin, or a spot-on (Revolution or Stronghold) or a chewable tablet called Bravecto. If your dog has mites, you should clean everything thoroughly.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Claudia Fioravanti
Veterinarian
Published on March 19th, 2017
First you need to distinguish wether your dog is itchy or not. If he isn't, then it is not going to be Cheyletiella but just very dry skin. If he is but not extremely itchy then, you might want to have him checked over at your vets, so that a basic test can be done.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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Why does my dog have dandruff and itchy skin? What's the solution?

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My dog has itchy, flaky skin and bald spots. Could it be allergies?

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My dog won't stop itching, biting, and has mangey skin. What to do?

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My dog won't stop scratching. What's causing his chronic skin issues?

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Why is my dog losing hair and itching with bald white spots?

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My puppy has dry skin, flakes, hair loss, and itching. Is it dandruff?

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