What is flaky skin in dogs?

Written by Dr Andrew Miller MRCVSDr Andrew Miller MRCVS is an expert veterinary working in the field for over 10 years after graduating from Bristol University. Andy fact checks and writes for Pure Pet Food while also working as a full time veterinarian. Pure Pet FoodPure Pet Food are the experts in healthy dog food and healthy dogs featured in media outlets such as BBC, Good Housekeeping and The Telegraph. Working with high profile veterinary professionals and nutritionists, Pure Pet Food are changing dog food for the better. - Our editorial process

There are lots of other names for flaky skin: scale, scurf, dandruff… whatever you want to call these little clumps of dead skin cells, they can spoil the look of an otherwise flawless, shiny coat. But is it all just a cosmetic problem? Your dog won’t turn a hair at a bit of dandruff on their shoulders but it’s the accompanying irritating itchiness that really gets under their skin.

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Dog skin conditions are one of the top reasons a dog visits the vet. Doggy dandruff is a common symptom of sub-standard skin but, thankfully, an easily resolvable one. So what’s the cause and what can be done about it? This quick guide will take you through what to look out for as well as causes of flaky skin, from nutritional deficiencies to too many baths. We’ll give you some tips on how to prevent and treat flaky skin and help get your dog’s skin and coat looking tip-top once more.