How to treat a dog's scaly, flaky skin that looks like dandruff?

Flaky, scaly skin can be caused by a number of conditions, including allergies, ringworm, mange, endocrine/metabolic conditions (hypothyroidism, Cushing's disease), among others. It is possible that either the new shampoo or glucosamine supplement may be related to the scaling if Boscoe is allergic to either product. However, oatmeal shampoos are most commonly soothing to the skin and rarely cause reactions. Anti-seborrhea shampoos (here is one example: http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=21564) can be beneficial for oil, flaky skin, but require twice weekly baths initially. I recommend switching back to Cosequin rather than a generic glucosamine supplement since there is very little regulation and testing behind any supplement and Cosequin is manufactured by a highly reputable company. If Boscoe's flaky skin continues or if you notice any other changes in his water consumption, urination, energy level, or appetite, he should go to his vet for further evaluation. I hope that all goes well!

Any treatment will depend on the underlying cause. It could be a skin infection or allergic reaction or even an autoimmune condition. An exam with your veterinarian or a veterinary dermatologist would be needed for a definitive diagnosis. You can discuss allergy testing, hydrolyzed diets, food elimination trials as well as antihistamine use with your vet. In the meantime, if your dog is scratching, use an e-collar (cone) to prevent further trauma. Consider adding an essential fatty acid (EFA) supplement to the diet. EFAs can promote a healthy [skin and coat](https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/category/dog/dog-health-and-wellness/dog-vitamins/dog-skin-and-coat). Choose a good quality fish oil as a source of EFAs. Systemic or topical antibiotics or antifungals can treat bacterial or yeast infection. Allergies can be frustrating to diagnose since they have many causes. Once diagnosed, most allergies can be managed with a combination of medication and diet.

This is dandruff (seborrhea). It could be nutrition related. It could be a product you are using on him (shampoo, spray , etc). It may just be him. I would suggest you put him on a good skin supplement, make sure he is on a good dog food and use this medicated shampoo to treat seborrhea. If no improvement after a couple months then you should have him to your vet for an exam. I like this supplement: ( https://www.allivet.com/p-1803-missing-link-vet-canine.aspx ) You can use this medicated shampoo - lather, let sit on his coat for 10 minutes and then rinse. You can bathe twice a week and once the skin is looking better you can go to once a week. In between baths you can use the spray or the mousse. ( https://www.allivet.com/p-6684-douxo-seborrhea-shampoo-for-dogs-and-cats.aspx?SearchTerm=duoxo%20seborrhea+Auto ) ( https://www.allivet.com/p-6675-douxo-seborrhea-micro-emulsion-spray-for-dogs-and-cats-68-oz.aspx?SearchTerm=duoxo%20sebor+Auto ) ( https://www.allivet.com/p-6678-douxo-seborrhea-mousse-for-dogs-and-cats-68-oz.aspx?SearchTerm=duoxo%20sebor+Auto )

Hi there and thank you for using pet coach to address your concern. From the pictures that you provided my primary suspicions would be a skin infection. There are some things that you can do at home if you are unable to get to a vet right away. I would suggest starting with a shampoo that is medicated such as Duoxo chlorhexidine PS combination and bathe him twice weekly until the infection is resolved. I would also suggest starting welactin omega-3 fish oil and essential 6 Spot On by dermoscent. If there is no improvement then I would see your vet for further testing and treatments. I hope this helps! Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. I am also available via phone or text base consultation if needed

The skin is unhealthy for some reason. This is usually caused by some irritation of the skin. The skin is most commonly irritated from allergies, fleas, mites, or inappropriate bathing. The irritation can then cause the skin to get infected with yeast and bacteria. The best thing you can do now is give a bath with a medicated dog shampoo (you can find this at the pet store). Follow the shampoo with an oatmeal or aloe conditioner labeled for dogs. Repeat the bath every other day for two weeks. If that's helping, then repeat the bath every week for a month. If all is good after that, then she should be OK to have a once monthly bath with normal dog shampoo. If the bath is not helping, or she's getting worse, then she needs to go to the vet. The vet will be able to determine if something else is wrong and if further treatment is needed.

If it's a thyroid problem, then this will eventually get better once she starts treatment. In the meantime, you can help by giving a bath with a medicated shampoo followed by a conditioner with the active ingredient of phytosphingosine. The product at the link below would be ideal. https://www.amazon.com/Douxo-Chlorhexidine-Shampoo-16-9-oz/dp/B000O1HEJ0 I hope that helps and all is well with Mya.

This could be due to a fungal infection, resistant bacterial infection, zinc responsive dermatitis, an autoimmune disease, seborrhetic dermatitis or even allergies. Sometimes a shampoo that is meant for doggy dandruff (seborrhea) is helpful as well as omega 3 fatty acids. Depending on the cause an antifungal may be needed as well as sometimes steroids. Some of these possible causes require a biopsy to diagnose, others a fungal culture and others are based on eliminating every other cause. I recommend discussing these potential causes with your veterinarian in order to get Ari's skin better managed.