Modern Beagle

Beagles are one of the more popular dog breeds for families, and with good reason. They are known for their kind, loyal and loving nature. (Remember Snoopy? He’s a Beagle!) In addition, their small size and relatively short coats make them adaptable to a variety of home environments and climates. However, unfortunately, beagles do tend to be susceptible to skin problems. In particular, many beagles suffer from the skin allergy “atopy” and/or dandruff. Dandruff is simply dry skin that flakes off, causing discomfort and itching. While, in itself, dandruff is not particularly dangerous, it can become a serious problem if it is left untreated as it can cause damage to dog's skin, nails and mouth from biting, chewing or scratching. Unchecked scratching can even lead to serious infections. Luckily, dandruff in beagles is both preventable and treatable. Symptoms Of Dandruff and Dry Skin in Beagles Dogs aren’t always the best at telling us exactly how they’re feeling, which makes it incumbent upon us, as owners, to watch out for symptoms that something is not right. Dry skin is uncomfortable for your beagle, and they'll make it known in a few different ways. Dandruff can be a primary problem or a symptom of a larger problem such as an allergy, sensitivity or nutritional deficiency. It’s a good idea to check your dog’s coat and groom regularly, but you can also watch out for the following signs: Flakes coming off of fur When a dog has dandruff, they will experience tiny bits of dry skin that will start to flake pretty often. You might find this dandruff in his or her bed (or wherever your dog lies) or see it when you are brushing or patting them down. Dandruff can be a generalized problem, where the skin over all or part of the body is overly dry, or it can be confined to smaller areas like the legs, ears, or tail, as a reaction to contact with irritants. Redness or skin odor Severe dandruff will cause skin irritation. Any kind of redness or skin irritation should always be checked out. Bad odor from your dog’s skin can be a sign of allergies, dandruff or a serious type of infection. Additionally, skin odor and dandruff can be a sign of a yeast infection, which can be caused by fungus, parasites, and hormonal imbalances. If your beagle's skin issues are getting so bad that there's a smell that you can't seem to make go away, you should consult with a vet as soon as possible If your dog’s skin is irritated, you will likely notice them scratching themselves or rubbing up against things. Your beagle may react poorly to being patted or have sore spots. If you notice any of these signs, check for skin irritation or dandruff. Skin irritation is usually localized because of an injury or an allergic reaction, so you'll want to try petting your dog in a few different places like the ears, feet, and tail, to see which parts of their body might be the host of the irritation. Nipping at the tail, feet or ears When your dog feels itchy, they will do whatever they can to relieve that feeling. This includes using their lips and teeth to try to attack the source of the itch. Many dogs will lick or bite at the most easily reached and exposed areas of the body, such as the feet, the ends of their ears or tails. This can be particularly problematic, as this biting and licking can not only produce hot spots on the parts being licked, it can also cause pain and infections of the gums and mouth tissues. If your dog is experiencing dry, flaky dandruff as a result of frequent scratching and biting at themselves, there's likely a larger problem at play such as allergies or infection. Walking Dandruff (Mites) "Walking Dandruff", or Cheyletiellosis, is quite different - and more serious - than other types of dandruff. It is actually a type of mange, a parasitic infection in which the skin becomes infested with mites that make the flakes of skin on the dog appear to be “moving” or “walking.” This type of infection is more common, and potentially more serious, in puppies than in older dogs and will require identification and treatment by a veterinarian, who can also explain how to clean out the dog’s environment to prevent spread or re-infestation. This condition is particularly common in areas where large groups of animals are boarded, such as shelters, boarding and breeding facilities. The treatment process for walking dandruff is a lot more challenging and will take a lot of time and medication, so you shouldn't delay a trip to the vet if you suspect that your pup might have it. If you notice any of these above symptoms, you should carefully monitor your dog and schedule him or her for a vet appointment to get checked out properly. What Causes Dandruff and Dry Skin in Beagles? Dry skin can have a number of different causes in dogs. Beagles, in particular, can be prone to certain types of skin problems that can cause or exacerbate dandruff. While it is a relatively common problem, it’s important to realize that it is not a permanent skin condition, and it can typically easily be addressed and treated. Allergies The most common cause of dandruff, or dry skin, in dogs is allergies. Dogs, much like humans, can be sensitive or allergic to any number of substances that they come into contact with. Not only can dogs have environmental allergies, they can also be allergic to ingredients in food. Your vet can help you get to the bottom of allergies and devise a plan for avoidance and/or treatment. When our Beagle Maple was just three months old, we noticed that she exhibited a lot of itching to the point of irritation after eating her puppy food. We saw that her skin became irritated and flaky. After some tests with the vet and changes to our environment, we learned that she just has food allergies. Once we switched to a grain-free diet, we saw this itching and scratching quickly go away. Genetics Genetic skin conditions or problems can also lead to difficulty in shedding dead skin cells. Certain endocrine disorders or immune diseases in dogs can cause or exacerbate dandruff. Sebaceous Adenitis, for example, is a condition that destroys the sebaceous (oil-producing) glands, causing skin to become dry, flaky and itchy. Dandruff that is caused by such conditions will generally abate when diagnosed and treated by a veterinarian. Another condition known as hypothyroidism can contribute to increased skin flaking and dandruff. Hypothyroidism, like in humans, is largely genetic. The most common signs of hypothyroidism in beagles includes: thinning of the fur, dull hair coat, excessive shedding and scaling, and weight gain. Environment Dry air is another culprit and can cause dandruff in both dogs and humans. Many dogs with dry skin have a particularly hard time in the dryer winter months when heating systems suck most of the moisture out of the air. This can also be a summer problem for those who live in climates with dry hot weather. Keeping your dog hydrated and increasing the humidity in your home through the use of an air humidifier is the best way improve the condition of your beagle’s skin in this case. Poor Diet A poor diet can also contribute to coat and skin problems in all dog breeds. There are quite a few nutrient deficiencies that have been linked to skin problems, and if your beagle isn't getting the foods they need every day, it's highly likely that a nutrition issue is the cause. The main causes of dogs not being able to get the nutrients they require include: not eating enough food, eating malnutritional food, and underlying digestive diseases that prevent proper nutrition absorption. Some common malnutritional foods for dogs include: Corn Soy Wheat Dairy (cheese or milk) White flour Additives Salt or foods high in salt (chips, crackers, olives, etc) How to Cure Dry Skin and Dandruff in Beagles The key to preventing or curing dry skin and dandruff problems in beagles really comes down to figuring out the root of the problem. Specific skin conditions will require treatment. However, there are numerous things that beagle owners can do which will help keep skin in top condition and prevent problems from occurring. In general, at home treatments for dandruff and dry skin can include: Addressing dietary allergies by switching foods Your vet may recommend an elimination diet to see if your dog has an allergy to a specific ingredient. You can then tailor your dog’s diet to these recommendations. Food allergies can take some time to properly diagnose, so you'll want to do the best you can to adhere to the elimination diet, and try to not change any other aspects of your dog's environment, in order to effectively figure out what is causing these issues. Identification of skin problems or conditions Your vet should give your beagle a thorough exam to look for the causes of his or her dandruff. Some conditions, such as sebaceous adenitis can only be identified through a skin biopsy, however most of the time a simple examination is enough to find the cause. Many skin conditions can be treated with either topical or oral medications. Additionally, there are supplements that you can use to help improve your dog's skin and coat health, as well as prevent irritation. Frequent grooming Proper grooming can help prevent or minimize dandruff in dogs who are prone to dry skin. Brushing removes excess dead skin, decreasing itching and helping with skin turnover. Washing your dog with a treated shampoo can help minimize itching and the possible skin damage that can come along with it. Your vet can recommend specific products for washing or topical application and may even offer a prescription option. I'm personally fond of anti-itch shampoo, which works wonders when I used it on my dog Max at least once per week while we were figuring out his dandruff problems. Using a humidifier A humidifier works by continually releasing aerosolized water into the air in your home. Adding humidity to your environment is helpful not only for dry skin but also for respiratory and general health. Humid air helps keep skin moisturized and supple and decreases itching. Humidifiers are perfectly safe for pets, and can help hydrate their cracked skin, particularly around their paws and noses if you live in a hot arid environment. I use the LEVOIT Humidifier, which works well for any living room or large bedroom. You can usually find it marked down on Amazon.com. Using Omega-3 Fatty Acids for coat health. Your dog’s overall health, and the health of their skin, is largely determined by diet. A diet that is high in Omega 3 Fatty Acids can be given via supplement and/or through a prescription or over the counter fortified food. These acids keep skin hydrated, which not only helps prevent dandruff but will also cut down on bothersome shedding. These supplements can be purchased at any pet store, or on Amazon. Of course, it is always a good idea to consult with your vet prior to starting your beagle on any new supplements. If you're looking to see more of these tips in action, I highly recommend the below video from Veterinary Secrets: Final Thoughts All in all, the condition of your beagle’s skin is a reflection of their health. A healthy dog should have healthy, hydrated skin, and excessive amounts of dandruff is not normal and should be a cause for concern. If simple preventive measures such as the use of anti-itch shampoos, frequent grooming and a healthy diet are not helping, it’s time to get your beagle checked out with your vet. A vet visit can help you determine the cause of your beagle’s itching and dandruff and suggest a treatment plan to both ease symptoms and prevent potential long-term skin problems. If left unchecked, these problems can lead to other health issues down the line, so it's important to take excessive dandruff seriously from the first time you notice it.

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