Why does my Collie Have Dandruff??

Question

The original owners of the Collie "Eli as we named him" Beat him a lot and never fed him. I know he should be between 60-75 lbs. He barely weighs 50, but he is eating now. I decided to shave him short because his coat was in terrible condition and very matted. Now he still hasn't put on much weight but he still has terrible dandruff. Everyday when I brush him more and more of this flaky dandruff comes to the surface of the coat and if it were me I would be miserable. Does the dandruff cause him pain in any way? What can I do to help him out??

Answer 1

If it's only dandruff, as in dry flakes of skin, it's very unlikely that it's causing him any distress. If there's red or damp skin or sores under the flakes, that's a different story--there may be allergies or a skin condition and he should see a vet. Chances are it's only that he hasn't been getting good nutrition and if he was matted he obviously hasn't been brushed or washed much if at all. Keep on with the brushing--it's good for his skin, and a good way to bond with the dog, by stroking him with your hand or a brush. Make it a quiet but fun time, speak to him quietly as you do it. Feed him a very good quality food, and it wouldn't hurt at all to include some olive oil with his food, a few tablespoons a day. Once he has learned to trust you enough for it not to be traumatic for him, a bath will help remove some of the dandruff, but be ready for it to take a while for it all to go away. I have a dog who gets dandruff if I wait too long between baths, but by too long I mean six months. Her skin is fine. Bless you for looking after this dog.

Answer 2

I'm sorry to hear the previous owners were horrible...what a lucky dog to find someone to love him

Read through this link..there's some info in there that may be helpful

http://petcaretips.net/dog_shampoo.html

Answer 3

to help gain weight feed him a high quality puppy food until he begins putting on the desired weight. And add fish oil pills to his food that will get rid of the dandriff.