Teresa, here is a little article you might find interesting...
"Dandruff itself isn't a problem, but the dry skin that causes it may be. Pets
with dry skin get very itchy. Since dogs and cats don't know when to stop
scratching, they may dig in so hard that they will scratch themselves raw,
getting skin infections in the process. Allergies, parasites, or infections of any
kind can also be a cause of flaky skin.
Dry skin and dandruff may be a sign that something is wrong in the diet. Dogs
and cats need certain nutrients, especially fatty acids, to keep their skin
healthy. Most pet foods contain plenty of fatty acids. But some dogs and
cats either don't get enough fatty acids or they need more than the usual
amounts. This can disturb the skin's normal balance, leading to dry skin and
dandruff, Dr. Sakas says.
A tiny parasite known as walking dandruff can cause large white flakes to
appear on the neck and back. It can cause Fur loss as well. All pets can get
walking dandruff, but it is most common in puppies.
It doesn't happen often, but dandruff may be a sign that the thyroid gland is
underactive and producing too little hormone, a condition called
hypothyroidism. Other symptoms of thyroid disease include Weight gain,
thinning fur, and a loss of energy."
