Seborrhea is a skin condition in dogs that causes their skin to be dry and flaky, kind of like dandruff in people. Sometimes, the skin can also be oily instead of dry. There are two types of seborrhea: dry (called seborrhea sicca) and oily (called seborrhea oleosa). It can make your dog itchy and uncomfortable, so it’s important to understand what causes it and how to take care of it.
What Causes Seborrhea?
There are two main types of seborrhea. One is called primary seborrhea, which dogs are usually born with. It happens more in certain breeds like Cocker Spaniels, West Highland White Terriers, and Basset Hounds. The other type is secondary seborrhea, which is caused by other health problems. These can include allergies to food or things in the environment, hormone problems like thyroid issues, parasites like mites or fleas, not getting enough nutrients in their food, or infections from bacteria or fungi.
Signs to Look Out For
If your dog has seborrhea, you might notice dry, flaky skin—especially along their back or neck. Some dogs have greasy or oily skin with a bad smell. Their skin might look red and feel irritated. You may also see bald spots where fur has fallen out. Dogs with seborrhea often scratch or lick themselves a lot because they feel itchy.
How Vets Check for It
To find out if your dog has seborrhea, the vet may scrape a bit of skin to check for mites, test for bacteria or fungus, and do blood tests to see if your dog has other health problems like hormone issues or poor nutrition.
How to Treat It
To help your dog feel better, the vet will first try to treat the root cause of the seborrhea. Your dog may need special baths with medicated shampoos that help remove flakes and oil. These shampoos might have ingredients like coal tar, sulfur, or salicylic acid. The vet might also give you creams or sprays to help soothe your dog’s skin. If your dog isn’t getting enough fatty acids, they might suggest fish oil or other supplements to help the skin stay healthy. If there’s an infection, your dog may need medicine like antibiotics or antifungals.
How to Prevent It
To help stop seborrhea from coming back, make sure your dog eats healthy food with enough fatty acids, keep up with grooming to keep their coat clean, and reduce things in the environment that might cause allergies. Most importantly, always talk to your vet if you notice something wrong with your dog’s skin. They can help create a plan to manage seborrhea and keep your dog happy and healthy.
Consulting with a veterinarian is important for accurate diagnosis and professional treatment plans to manage seborrhea effectively. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Doctor Hulk Veterinary Hospital. You can click here