Dandruff/dry Hair

[LuxBear]

Hi friends! My tuxedo boy (neutered, 5 yo) has recently had a dandruff outbreak on his back right above his tail. No baldness but the hair seems to come out if I pet there. Also, the hair seems grayish and feels really dry. He’s a chunky boy (14 lb) so could this just be a spot he can’t reach to groom? Could it be lack of grooming and just dirty skin/hair? What can I wash that area with that’s safe for his skin? At what point should he see a vet? The rest of his coat is dandruff free, silky and healthy. I’ll try to snap a pic when I get home. Thanks so much!

 

[FeebysOwner]

Hi! All my cats seem to have collected dandruff right where you are talking about. And, that area also seems to be where the most hair comes out when I pet them. Lack of grooming probably plays a role, as I am pretty sure it did/does with mine.

I have simply ensured that while brushing I cover that area maybe a little more than other areas on their bodies, and really haven't done anything else for it. The brushing helps to spread normal body oils through that area - at least it did/does for them. But, they still all have/had some dandruff there no matter what - although I think brushing helped reduce it a bit. That area is also where I always get the most hair from when brushing.

Maybe some members have found resolutions for this, but for me I didn't place a whole lot of emphasis on it as they seem to fine otherwise. My cats are/were indoor only, in case that might make a difference.

 

[stacydc83]

I've been wiping mine down with a wet cloth, along with brushing. The vet had pointed it out to me, because its where she can't reach, and the dandruff has gotten pretty bad, and there's some matting. I took drastic measures and cut some of the hair off around the tail so I can clean it better. it looks funny, but its working. It'd probably be just as well if I simply just wiped her down on her back.

 

[LuxBear]

Thanks for the replies! Sounds like it’s not a big deal and I will just keep brushing the area. Stacy do you put anything on the wet cloth? I suppose I will just try to maintain unless it starts to seem like it’s bothering him.

 

[stacydc83]

Just plain water I use. I'll be brushing her and then pet her then pet her with the cloth, she barely notices what I'm doing

 

[verna davies]

One of mine has had bad dandruff in the same place. Try red salmon oil, one spray on his food once a day. If he wont eat the food as mine wont, you could try a little coconut oil on a cotton bud (Q-tip), part the fur and dap it on the skin. Do this all over the dry area, only a little on each place then massage it onto the skin. It will leave the coat a bit greasy for a couple of days. I did this for the first time last weekend and there is a noticeable difference.