We have a huge disconnect between humans and animals when it comes to flaky skin. Sometimes called dandruff.
In humans, if we have flaky skin, we know what to do. We wash it. A lot.
In animals, we are terrified to touch it, which makes it build up more.
So we don’t do anything about it. It builds up. It gets worse. We end up finding out that there’s an infection and “have” to go to the veterinarian – who ends up overmedicating. Which makes the cycle repeat itself.
Every time I tell clients to wash their dogs daily or every other day, I get the same question:
Isn’t that going to dry out their skin?
I get it.
I know where the question comes from, because we’ve all said it:
“You don’t wanna wash the natural oils off of a dog skin.”
Bull hockey!
The natural oils are why the skin’s building up, getting greasy and flaking in the first place.
Confused?
Let’s do an experiment:
I want you to stop washing your hair for 6-8 weeks.
But when your scalp gets itchy, go ahead and scratch it.
Why don’t you see how long it takes to:
1. build up dead skin,
2. get itchy, and
3. have dandruff.
SPOILER: It doesn’t take long at all!
OK. Thanks for playing my game. Once you live that scenario in real life, please go ahead and wash your hair! Wash it daily or more until you get the skin back to normal.
And when your dog has flaky skin, please wash it. Don’t listen to conventional wisdom. “Conventional wisdom” was invented by groomers and veterinarians. And if you listen to them, you’ll be going to them and they will be making the money, while your dog will be suffering with unhealthy skin.
It’s a lose-lose scenario.
I don’t deny groomers and conventional veterinarians the ability to make money. But let’s do it with things that make sense. Not things that can be addressed at home with something as simple as a bath.
Still seeing patients in Tampa, Clearwater, and virtually.