---
title: "Dog Dandruff and Dry Skin: Groomer's Guide | Fluffs York"
description: A York groomer explains what causes dog dandruff and dry flaky skin, the coat-care fixes that help, and when flaky skin means a trip to the vet.
---
[%20(250%20x%20100%20px)%20(1).png)](https://www.fluffsyork.co.uk)
- [About](https://www.fluffsyork.co.uk/about)
- Pricing & Packages
- [Full Dog Groom](https://www.fluffsyork.co.uk/dog-grooming-prices-and-packages-in-york)
- [Hand Stripping](https://www.fluffsyork.co.uk/hand-stripping-in-york)
- [Puppy Grooming](https://www.fluffsyork.co.uk/puppy-grooming-in-york)
- [Wash, Dry & Deshed](https://www.fluffsyork.co.uk/dog-deshedding-prices-in-york)
- [Nail Clipping](https://www.fluffsyork.co.uk/dog-nail-clipping-cost-in-york)
- [Gallery](https://www.fluffsyork.co.uk/dog-grooming-gallery)
- [Reviews](https://www.fluffsyork.co.uk/customer-reviews-fluffs-dog-grooming-york)
- Resources
- [FAQs](https://www.fluffsyork.co.uk/faqs)
- [Blog](https://www.fluffsyork.co.uk/dog-grooming-tips-and-tricks)
- [Contact](https://www.fluffsyork.co.uk/contact-fluffs)
Dog Health
# Dog Dandruff and Dry Flaky Skin on Dogs: A Groomer's Guide
A York groomer explains what causes dog dandruff and dry flaky skin, the coat-care fixes that help, and when flaky skin means a trip to the vet.
[Lucy](https://www.fluffsyork.co.uk/dog-grooming-tips-and-tricks/author/lucy)
Oct 29, 2026
---
Spotted little white flakes in your dog's coat, or on their bed or your dark trousers? Dog dandruff is common, usually harmless, and often fixable with a few changes to how you care for the coat. That said, dry flaky skin on a dog can occasionally point to something that needs a vet, particularly if it comes with itching or hair loss. So here's the honest groomer's take: what causes it, the coat-care fixes that genuinely help, and the flags that mean it's time to book an appointment.
I see flaky coats regularly at the salon here in York, and more often than not the fix is gentler bathing and better brushing, not more of either.
## What causes dog dandruff and dry skin
Dandruff is just dead skin cells shedding faster or clumping more than they should. The usual causes are:
- **Over-bathing.** The most common culprit I see. Washing too often, or with the wrong shampoo, strips the natural oils that keep skin supple, leaving it dry and flaky.
- **Low humidity and central heating.** Dry indoor air in winter dries out skin, exactly as it does with our own. Flaky coats often peak in the colder months.
- **Diet and omega-3s.** A coat is built from what your dog eats. A diet short on the right fats can leave skin dry, and [omega-3 fatty acids](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub) are particularly good for skin and coat condition.
- **Parasites, including "walking dandruff".** A mite called [Cheyletiella](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cheyletiella) causes what looks exactly like dandruff, except the flakes appear to move. Fleas and other mites can cause flaking too.
- **Underlying conditions.** Allergies, skin infections, and hormonal problems can all show up as a dry, flaky coat, usually alongside other signs like [itching](https://www.fluffsyork.co.uk/dog-grooming-tips-and-tricks/why-is-my-dog-so-itchy) or thinning fur.
> **Vet note:** Dandruff that seems to move, or comes with a lot of scratching, hair loss, red or greasy skin, or a smell, is not ordinary dry skin. "Walking dandruff" is contagious to other pets and needs treating, so please get it checked rather than reaching for shampoo.
## Coat-care fixes that actually help
For the everyday, non-medical kind of dry skin and dandruff, a few sensible changes make a real difference:
- **Use the right shampoo, and less often.** A gentle, moisturising dog shampoo (oatmeal-based ones are lovely for dry skin) beats frequent washing. Rinse thoroughly, as leftover residue is drying and itchy. Never use human shampoo.
- **Brush regularly.** Brushing distributes the skin's natural oils along the hair, lifts away flakes and loose hair, and boosts circulation to the skin. It's one of the best things you can do for a dull, flaky coat, and for heavy shedders a [wash, dry and deshed treatment](https://www.fluffsyork.co.uk/dog-deshedding-prices-in-york) clears out the dead undercoat that traps flakes.
- **Manage the air.** In winter, a bit more humidity in the home (and not letting your dog bake next to a radiator) helps keep skin from drying out.
- **Feed the coat.** A good-quality complete diet does most of the work. If you're considering an omega-3 supplement, have a quick word with your vet so it suits your individual dog.
- **Keep fresh water available.** A well-hydrated dog has better skin.
If you're not sure what shampoo or routine suits your dog's coat, that's exactly the kind of thing to ask at a groom. Matching products to skin and coat type is part of the job, and a professional bath and blow-dry can leave a flaky coat looking and feeling much better.
## When to see the vet
Ordinary dry-skin dandruff should improve within a few weeks of gentler bathing, regular brushing and a good diet. See your vet if you notice:
- Flakes that appear to move (possible walking dandruff)
- A lot of scratching, licking or chewing, which can break the skin and lead to [hot spots](https://www.fluffsyork.co.uk/dog-grooming-tips-and-tricks/hot-spots-on-dogs)
- Hair loss, thinning fur, or bald patches
- Red, sore, greasy or smelly skin
- Scabs, spots or thickened skin
- Dandruff alongside other changes, such as weight gain or low energy
Your vet can check for parasites, infection and any underlying condition, which is the part only they can do.
## Frequently asked questions
**How do I get rid of my dog's dandruff?** For everyday dry skin, brush regularly, avoid over-bathing, use a gentle moisturising dog shampoo, keep indoor air from getting too dry, and feed a good diet. If it doesn't improve, or comes with itching or hair loss, see your vet.
**Why does my dog have dry flaky skin all of a sudden?** Common triggers are the drier air of winter and central heating, a recent bath (especially with the wrong shampoo), diet changes, or parasites. Sudden flaking with scratching or moving flakes is worth a vet check.
**Can I use human moisturiser or shampoo on my dog's dry skin?** No. Human products have the wrong pH for dog skin and can make dryness worse or cause a reaction. Use a dog-specific moisturising shampoo, and see your vet for anything persistent.
**Is dog dandruff contagious?** Ordinary dandruff isn't, but "walking dandruff" (the Cheyletiella mite) is contagious to other pets and sometimes people, so if the flakes seem to move, get it treated by your vet.
## This isn't veterinary advice
We're professional dog groomers, not vets, so please treat this as friendly general guidance. If you're worried about your dog, or before acting on anything here, speak to your local vet, who can examine your dog and advise properly. In an emergency, contact your vet or nearest out-of-hours clinic.
---
*Fluffs is a professional dog grooming salon in Wigginton, York, offering one-to-one grooming for dogs of every breed and coat type across Haxby, Strensall, Huntington, New Earswick and the surrounding villages. A gentle bath with the right shampoo and a proper brush-out can do wonders for a dry, flaky coat. [Book a grooming session.](https://www.fluffsyork.co.uk/contact-fluffs)*
[Dog Health](https://www.fluffsyork.co.uk/dog-grooming-tips-and-tricks/tag/dog-health)
## Similar posts
Fluffs Dog Grooming
Wigginton,
York, YO32 2TW
Tel: [07955270459](tel:07955270459)
### About
- [About](https://www.fluffsyork.co.uk/about)
- [Contact](https://www.fluffsyork.co.uk/contact-fluffs)
- [Reviews](https://www.fluffsyork.co.uk/customer-reviews-fluffs-dog-grooming-york)
### Local Areas
- [Strensall](https://www.fluffsyork.co.uk/dog-grooming-in-strensall)
- [Huntington](https://www.fluffsyork.co.uk/dog-grooming-in-huntington)
- [New Earswick](https://www.fluffsyork.co.uk/dog-grooming-in-new-earswick)
- [Wigginton](https://www.fluffsyork.co.uk/dog-groomer-in-wigginton)
- [Haxby](https://www.fluffsyork.co.uk/dog-groomer-in-haxby)
### Popular Breeds
- [Cockapoos](https://www.fluffsyork.co.uk/cockapoo-grooming-in-york)
- [Labradors](https://www.fluffsyork.co.uk/labrador-grooming-in-york)
- [Cocker Spaniels](https://www.fluffsyork.co.uk/spaniel-grooming-in-york)
- [Golden Retrievers](https://www.fluffsyork.co.uk/golden-retriever-grooming-in-york)
- [Poodles](https://www.fluffsyork.co.uk/poodle-grooming-in-york)
- [Pomeranian](https://www.fluffsyork.co.uk/pomeranian-dog-groomer-in-york)
- [Shih Tzu](https://www.fluffsyork.co.uk/shih-tzu-grooming-in-york)
- [Cavalier King Charles](https://www.fluffsyork.co.uk/cavalier-king-charles-spaniel-grooming-in-york)
- [Bichon Frise](https://www.fluffsyork.co.uk/bichon-frise-grooming-in-york)
- [Miniature Schnauzer](https://www.fluffsyork.co.uk/miniature-schnauzer-grooming-in-york)
- [Cavapoo](https://www.fluffsyork.co.uk/cavapoo-grooming-in-york)
© 2026 Fluffs York All rights reserved [Privacy Policy](https://www.fluffsyork.co.uk/privacy-policy)
[Powered by Atlas - a B2B SaaS HubSpot theme](https://www.kalungi.com/atlas-hubspot-theme-for-b2b-saas-software)
```json
{
"@context" : "https://schema.org",
"@type" : "BlogPosting",
"author" : {
"@type" : "Person",
"name" : "Lucy",
"url" : "https://www.fluffsyork.co.uk/dog-grooming-tips-and-tricks/author/lucy"
},
"dateModified" : "2026-10-29T15:59:00.781Z",
"datePublished" : "2026-10-29T15:59:00.000Z",
"headline" : "Dog Dandruff and Dry Skin: Groomer's Guide | Fluffs York",
"mainEntityOfPage" : {
"@id" : "https://www.fluffsyork.co.uk/dog-grooming-tips-and-tricks/dog-dandruff-and-dry-skin",
"@type" : "WebPage"
},
"publisher" : {
"@type" : "Organization",
"logo" : {
"@type" : "ImageObject",
"url" : "https://www.fluffsyork.co.uk/hubfs/Untitled%20(400%20x%20400%20px)%20(250%20x%20100%20px).png"
},
"name" : "Fluffs York"
}
}
```
```json
{
"@context" : "https://schema.org",
"@id" : "https://www.fluffsyork.co.uk/#organization",
"@type" : "LocalBusiness",
"additionalType" : "https://schema.org/PetGroomingService",
"address" : {
"@type" : "PostalAddress",
"addressCountry" : "GB",
"addressLocality" : "York",
"postalCode" : "YO32 2TW",
"streetAddress" : "Brecks Close"
},
"areaServed" : [ {
"@type" : "City",
"name" : "York",
"sameAs" : "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/York"
}, {
"@type" : "AdministrativeArea",
"name" : "Wigginton"
}, {
"@type" : "AdministrativeArea",
"name" : "Haxby"
}, {
"@type" : "AdministrativeArea",
"name" : "Strensall"
}, {
"@type" : "AdministrativeArea",
"name" : "Huntington"
}, {
"@type" : "AdministrativeArea",
"name" : "New Earswick"
}, {
"@type" : "AdministrativeArea",
"name" : "Rawcliffe"
}, {
"@type" : "AdministrativeArea",
"name" : "Poppleton"
} ],
"description" : "Professional one-to-one dog grooming in York, specializing in hand stripping, puppy grooming, and deshedding.",
"geo" : {
"@type" : "GeoCoordinates",
"latitude" : "54.0156",
"longitude" : "-1.0844"
},
"hasOfferCatalog" : {
"@type" : "OfferCatalog",
"itemListElement" : [ {
"@type" : "Offer",
"itemOffered" : {
"@type" : "Service",
"description" : "Comprehensive styling, bathing, and clipping tailored to your dog's breed and needs.",
"name" : "Full Dog Grooming"
}
}, {
"@type" : "Offer",
"itemOffered" : {
"@type" : "Service",
"description" : "Traditional manual coat removal for wire-haired breeds to maintain natural coat texture and color.",
"name" : "Hand Stripping"
}
}, {
"@type" : "Offer",
"itemOffered" : {
"@type" : "Service",
"description" : "Professional undercoat removal for double-coated breeds to reduce shedding and improve skin health.",
"name" : "Dog Deshedding"
}
}, {
"@type" : "Offer",
"itemOffered" : {
"@type" : "Service",
"description" : "Gentle 'Puppy Introduction' sessions to build confidence with salon sounds and handling.",
"name" : "Puppy Grooming"
}
}, {
"@type" : "Offer",
"itemOffered" : {
"@type" : "Service",
"description" : "Safe and professional nail trimming for canine comfort and paw health.",
"name" : "Nail Clipping"
}
} ],
"name" : "Grooming Services"
},
"image" : "https://www.fluffsyork.co.uk/logo.jpg",
"name" : "Fluffs York",
"openingHoursSpecification" : [ {
"@type" : "OpeningHoursSpecification",
"closes" : "17:00",
"dayOfWeek" : [ "Monday", "Tuesday", "Wednesday", "Thursday", "Friday" ],
"opens" : "09:00"
} ],
"priceRange" : "£10-£65",
"sameAs" : [ "https://www.facebook.com/fluffsyork", "https://www.instagram.com/fluffsyork", "https://maps.app.goo.gl/Er5YVKgijS5ZyRiIa" ],
"telephone" : "+447955270459",
"url" : "https://www.fluffsyork.co.uk/"
}
```