Dandruff. While it’s not the most aesthetically pleasing thing in the world, it also is a sign your pet’s skin is dry. So what can you do? We’ve put together our top 6 ways to deal with dandruff, because we know you named your pet Fluffy instead of Flaky for a reason.
#6 The Importance of Being Groomed
Brushing your pet on a daily basis not only makes your pet feel good and keep her fur smooth, shiny and burr-free, it also helps distribute the coat’s natural oils and massage the skin.
But don’t get any old brush. Too soft and it’s not going to do any good, too stiff and it will aggravate rather than help. Like Goldilocks, you want one that’s “just right.”
#5 Spritz Away!
But not just anything. Get the special pet oils that are available in spray bottles at pet spas and holistic pet stores. They are designed to soothe dry skin and lock in moisture.
So spritz away. You’ll not only be able to give your pet a break from pesky dandruff, but also pamper him salon-type.
#4 Splish, Splash
And give your pet a bath. We all need a good bath every now and again (or at least a shower), but when dealing with cat or dog with dandruff issues, regular bathing can be most helpful in keeping dandruff at bay. Organic, moisturizing pet shampoos and conditioners are also available, as well as products designed specifically for dandruff issues.
#3 Moisture Plus
If you have a good, all-natural hand cream (preferably one containing colloidal oatmeal) lying around, you can use that on your pet. In fact, it can do wonders for your pet’s dry skin (and reduce dandruff, too).
Simply put some on your hands and massage it into the fur, getting in against the skin. Your pet will love it. After all, who doesn’t love a good massage?
#2 Dandruff Shampoo
And no, we’re not talking about the bottle in your shower -- that’s not for animals! There are, however, special anti-dandruff shampoo designed for pets. So if the problem is really bad, then we recommend adding this (and not a rubber duckie) to your pet’s regular bath time to help deal with the problem.
#1 Pets Are What They Eat
Pets actually need a certain amount of fat in their diet (but the good kind of fat, so no bacon!) to keep their fur shiny and their skin nice and supple. Either switch their diet to a high quality, holistic pet food or supplement their diet with oils specifically designed for pets.
Now that you've got these wonderful tips to utilize, you’ll soon be on your way to having a healthy, happy and dandruff-free pet!
Image: minicooper93402 / via Flickr