The "Dandruff" Guide

Why Does My Dog Have Dandruff? (And How to Fix Dry, Flaky Skin)

You go to give your dog a scratch behind the ears, and suddenly it looks like a snowstorm on your living room rug.

Dog dandruff (flaky, dry skin) is incredibly common, especially during Australian winters when we run indoor heaters, or in summer when the sun bakes their coat. While occasionally caused by diet, the most common culprit is a disrupted external skin barrier.

Stop Over-Washing with the Wrong Shampoo

The fastest way to give a dog dandruff is to wash them with a shampoo containing Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) or artificial detergents. These chemicals strip the natural sebum (oils) from your dog's skin.

If the skin is stripped, it dries out. If it dries out, it flakes.

The "Hydration First" Grooming Routine

1. Switch to a Humectant-Based Wash You need to wash your dog with ingredients that pull moisture into the skin, rather than stripping it away. We formulated the Barkmere 2-in-1 Shampoo & Conditioner with Handmade Glycerine and Organic Coconut Oil. Glycerine acts as a humectant, trapping water molecules in the skin, which stops the flaking at the source.

2. Condition Between Baths Dandruff often flares up two or three weeks after a bath. Don't throw them back in the tub—that will just restart the drying cycle. Instead, use the All Day Spritzer.

• The Technique: Lightly mist the coat and use a Coat Brush to massage the lavender and eucalyptus-infused water down to the skin level. This refreshes the coat and rehydrates the dry epidermis without the need for a full wash.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is dog dandruff a sign of allergies? It can be. Environmental allergies (like pollen) can cause the skin to become inflamed and turn over cells too quickly, leading to flakes. However, the first step should always be switching to a gentle, hydrating wash to rule out chemical irritation.

Can I put human lotion on my dog's flaky skin? No. Human lotions are pH balanced for people (which is more acidic than dog skin) and often contain toxic ingredients if licked. Stick to canine-specific natural hydrators.