Puppy poodle has white dandruff looking stuff on top of head

by Jewel
(Phoenix, AZ)

Hi,
My puppy is 1/4 Chihuahua and 3/4 Poodle and is 5 months old. He was having a little bit of hair loss on his forehead so I looked at it today and it looks like dandruff right at the spot. He does not have it anywhere else. It looks like white grainy sand.

My husband thinks it's because I washed the puppy with human shampoo, but my sister says it makes her dogs have a more shinier coat, so that is why I tried it. What do you think it might be and can you recommend anything?

It is our first time raising a dog and we need as much help and details as needed. Thank You so much for your help!!

Kindest Regards,
Jewel



Hi Jewel
It could be that the shampoo you used irritated your pups skin. Human shampoo really isn't very suitable as it dries out their skin and if it's scented it can be very irritating. Sticking to a gentle (unmedicated) puppy shampoo is best.

There are also some good hypoallergenic ranges of grooming products, and Happytails Spa have tons of really nice products. I especially like their Quick Relief Collection for Dogs.

The skin on a pups head is very thin, and can be very sensitive, but I would have expected to see some other signs of irritation elsewhere.

If it wasn't the shampoo, it could be that your pup is sensitive to something else that has been in contact with his skin, or it could possibly be a condition called Mange, although I think this is less likely.

I'd suggest that you take a look at my Canine Skin Allergies page as it has tons of information and advice that may help you, and also links to many products that can help soothe irritated skin.

Hope this helps. Best of luck with your pup.