Does your dog have dandruff? Visit a vet now!

Almost all the breeds of dogs with thick hair growth are prone to skin diseases. During summers and monsoon,almost 60 per cent dogs are inflicted with skin problems,with the only exception being the breed Coolie as it does not have much hair. Explains Dr Sugandha Bishnoi,a veterinary doctor with a government hospital in Haryana,“Common breeds like pomeranian,labrador,german shepherd are very hairy,and this season is especially difficult for them. Apart from the thickness of their coat,it also has a lot to do with their genetic composition. Pets tend to develop patches on skin and also suffer from dandruff,which should not be ignored.”

Vets say that dandruff is the first warning sign that something is wrong with the pet’s skin. Diseases like dermatitis,flea allergy are very common among dogs. “Unlike in human beings,dandruff is a serious problem in dogs which can turn chronic if left unattended. Chronic skin ailments take as many as six to eight weeks to get cured which is very painful for the pet,” shares Dr SK Chawla. He adds that there are special shampoos available in market for dandruff,and for other diseases,antibiotics and medicines are given. But she adds that it is completely safe for owners to handle their pets inflicted with dandruff as it is not communicable; as long as you take the dog to a doctor as soon as possible.

Vets also blame the diseases on the food pets are given. Criticising the concept of home cooked food,doctors claim that this severely lacks nutrients required by dogs. “It is not necessary that whatever we eat would also fulfill our pet’s nutrition needs as well. Seventy per cent of skin problems in dogs are due to lack of nutrition. Pet owners should provide dog food instead of home cooked meals,especially during summer season as it contains the essential nutritive value,” suggests Dr Saurabh Shekhar,regional manager with a dog food company.