Say Goodbye to Winter Blanket Dandruff

Dandruff in horses is actually fairly common, it is usually a cosmetic condition where dry skin flakes off. There are two main types of dandruff in horses: dry and oily. Dry dandruff is more common in the mane and tail, not unlike the dandruff you might find on a person’s scalp (side note- you can use your Mane Juice for that too) while oily dandruff is most often observed on the extremities and might be indicative of a more insidious problem. Luckily it is usually fairly easy to clear up. It’s important to note that if your horse exhibits other symptoms such as hives, heat or swelling you should contact your veterinarian.

The skin is the body’s largest organ and indicative of overall health; a coat with a good sheen means the sebaceous gland is actively producing sebum, an oil with antibacterial and protective properties which also serves to give hair a glossy shine.

There are many causes of dandruff; diet, grooming (too much or not enough), ill fitting tack or equipment, allergies, insect activity and of course the weather.

As the temperature drops in colder climates, we often find that snow isn’t the only white that flies. Fortunately, there are some very easy steps you can take to help your horse stay flake free;

1. Spend some extra time grooming. Curry your horse to bring all the dead skin and hair to the surface and then brush it away. Now repeat, being careful not to overdo it as this can cause further skin irritation.
2. If your dandruff is concentrated in the mane and tail, apply Mane Juice and work through the hair with a focus on the roots.
3. If your horse is blanketed you might find dander on the withers and topline where the blanket rests. A light mist over the area using Mane Juice Spray should be all you need! With the dryness of winter the oil will quickly be absorbed. Still, if you plan on riding your horse, consider waiting to apply your Mane Juice until after.
4. Repeat as often as necessary.