What is Walking Dandruff and how can it be addressed?
What is Walking Dandruff and how can it be addressed?
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It looks like dandruff—dry, flaking skin. But on closer inspection, you could swear those scales are moving! They are. Microscopic mites are carrying scaly flakes through your pet’s coat. Your pooch has walking dandruff.
The culprit is the cheyletiella (shy-le-tel-la) mite. These parasitic fur mites need a host to survive, and can infect the skin of dogs, cats, rabbits, and even humans. They cause itching and scaling and are highly contagious.
Removing this pesky parasite takes diligence. The infected animal and anything it has been in contact with - other pets, bedding, clothing - must be disinfected. Ask your veterinarian for a treatment regimen.
For those who practice routine flea prevention, this disease is rarely a problem.
– Dr. Larry McDaniel, DVM for the “Purina® Animal Instincts” Podcast Series