What can you do about it?

Pet dandruff looks like a really bad case of people dandruff and you can easily see it. It is very rare that dog dandruff is indicative of a more serious health problem, like allergies, parasites, or skin infections. More often it occurs when skin cells naturally proliferate - they form, die and then flake off at an accelerated rate.

As dandruff is a sign of flaky skin, giving your pet regular baths will help wash the flakes away before they accumulate. Bathing your Jack once a month in winter and twice a month in summer may clear up the problem for good.

When bathing your Jack:

• use warm water, not hot
• use a mild shampoo and massage it well
• don't use medicated shampoos made for humans
• avoid using shampoos that include an insecticide
• don't use a flea shampoo as these dry the skin

Regular brushing and grooming your pet will help distribute natural oils evenly over dry skin, which will help keep dandruff down. Choose a brush that's not too harsh. You can tell by rubbing the brush against the back of your hand to see if it will hurt. Something you would use on your own head will be excellent for your pet.

Dandrff may also indicate that more fat is needed in the diet. Try adding a litle vegetable oil to each meal or giving canine oil capsules.