Seborrhea in Dogs: Symptoms, Treatment, And Cost

Dogs like humans can suffer from skin diseases that affect their quality of life. Unfortunately, such conditions are more prevalent in hairy breeds compared to hairless ones. A particular skin condition known as Seborrhea is known to affect hairy dogs the most.

It is typically characterized by flaking of the skin as it hardens in a process called keratinization. Typically, there’s also an increasing generation and accumulation of oil on the dog’s coat. Seborrhea in dogs, though not fatal, is an unsightly condition that causes dogs a lot of discomfort.

Keratinization happens when the outer layer of the skin keeps wearing off to generate new cells. Seborrhea is one of the disease conditions that have this symptom in dogs. Inflammation and secondary infection can also occur on the affected site. Usually, this canine skin condition has two types.

The first is genetic, meaning that dogs can pass it from generation to generation in cases and is known as primary Seborrhea. The second variant is called Secondary seborrhea which is caused by a disease agent.

In this post, we have discussed everything you need to know about Seborrhea or Seborrheic Dermatitis in dogs. This includes symptoms, treatment and what it will cost for affected victims to get relief.

Types of Seborrhea

Seborrhea comes in two variants – the primary and secondary types. The primary Seborrhea is genetic and is common in certain breeds of dogs. Examples include Basset hounds, English Springer spaniels, Cocker spaniels, Golden retrievers, German shepherds and Dachshunds. Please note that this list isn’t exhaustive as some breeds aren’t listed here.

For primary Seborrhea, symptoms show up within the first 18-24 months of the dog’s life. Over time, the condition can get worse if treatment doesn’t begin as soon as possible.

Secondary Seborrhea isn’t hereditary like the primary variant but causes as much discomfort too. Symptoms of seborrhea in dogs include excessively oily hair, scaling and crusting of the skin below the fur and heavy hair shedding. The affected site might also be inflamed and filled with pus due to secondary infections.

Causes of Seborrhea

Seborrhea in dogs can be of two types – Primary or Secondary. While the former is inherited, the second is acquired and affects mid-age to older dogs in general. Certain breeds like Basset hounds, Cocker spaniels, German shepherds, West Highland white terriers and Golden retrievers are more prone to genetically develop Seborrhea.

No single specific cause can be attributed to Seborrhea as various agents can contribute to the condition. However, on a general note, Seborrhoeic dermatitis in dogs occurs due to conditions like the following listed below:

• Allergies that trigger Seborrhea
• Bacterial and fungal infections like Malassezia
• Deficient diet lacking certain nutrients like Omega-3 fatty acids
• Hormonal disorders like Cushing’s disease and Hyperthyroidism
• Environmental conditions like low humidity, low temperatures
• Parasitical attacks from mites, fleas and ticks can trigger Seborrhoeic dermatitis in dogs

Knowing the likely cause of your dog’s Seborrhea can help in resolving and treating the condition faster. As much as possible, avoid treating your dog by yourself.

Signs and Symptoms of Seborrhea in Dogs

Seborrhea comes in two forms, with the secondary form being the more common of the two. Causes have been attributed to allergic reactions and sometimes hormonal imbalance concerns. Older dogs usually fall under the hormonal disorder category while younger dogs fall under the allergic reaction category.

There are several signs that can help a veterinarian determine if your dog’s condition is due to Seborrhea. If you suspect your dog has certain skin reactions that look abnormal, please schedule a visit with an Animal clinic in League City, TX. Upon arrival, a physical examination is paramount to making any sort of diagnosis.

Symptoms of Seborrhea in Dogs are as follows:

• Greasy, bad-smelling skin
• Dandruff or flaky skin surface
• Mild to severe uncontrollable itching
• Crusty skin infections
• Dull fur despite the oily feel

Without experience, you may not be able to tell if your dog truly has Seborrhea or not. Visit a vet clinic if you suspect symptoms of Seborrhea in dogs.

How Seborrhea is Diagnosed in Dogs

As already mentioned, Seborrhea diagnosis begins with a physical examination by an experienced pet doctor when you visit with your pup. Typically, your vet will carry out some tests after checking your dog’s skin condition. A thorough examination might include the following:

• Physical check and skin scraping for lice, fleas and mites that could have triggered the itching
• Skin cytology to check for signs of yeast or bacterial infection
• Hormonal tests to check for thyroid levels
• Autoimmune disease or cancerous infection biopsy
• Blood work to check for abnormality in your pet’s blood chemistry

Prognosis of Seborrhea

As much as Seborrhea isn’t fatal but it can lead to secondary conditions that can harm your dog. The prognosis for Seborrhea depends on the degree to which your dog has been affected by it. There’s a general note of positivity if an underlying cause of Seborrhea can be identified, isolated and treated.

Once diagnosed, your pet specialist can discuss Seborrheic dermatitis dog treatment options with you to know how to provide an ideal relief solution. All things being equal, a good Animal clinic in League City, TX can help you handle this uncomfortable condition and treat your pup.

Treatment of Seborrhea

Seborrhea in dogs is easier to treat when there is an identified underlying cause that can be targeted. When there’s no specific cause, treatment becomes a bit more non-specific. An idiopathic Seborrhea diagnosis is an approach for treating Seborrhea generally.

Options when treating Underlying Causal Factors

• Treat with Hormonal supplements when the cause is hypothyroidism. A good example is Levothyroxine taken throughout the dog’s life. This treatment can be given to your dog orally especially if it is food.
• Treat with insulin shots when the cause is diabetes.
• Specialist care when the cause of Seborrhea is due to an autoimmune disease or cancer
• Parasite-killing sprays and baths when the cause is due to attacks from fleas, lice and mites.
• Lifelong treatment with Vetoryl if Seborrhea is caused by Cushing’s disease
• Feed nutrients rich in Vitamin A, Zinc and Omega-3 fatty acid should be given to your dog when the cause is nutrient deficiency.
• Allergic causes if detected should be removed. Sometimes, an allergy might be from food which means a change of diet is needed.

Treating Seborrhea Infection

While treating causal factors is critical to combating Seborrhea in dogs, treating the condition itself is also important. Seborrheic dermatitis in dogs can be treated by doing the following:

• Frequent baths with anti- Seborrheic shampoos every 2 days
• Bath your dog for up to 3 weeks with such shampoos containing salicylic acid and coal tar to eliminate excess keratin
• Treat ear infection if present and keep the organ clean.
• Apply soothing ointments to relieve discomfort on hot spots.
• Regular visits to an animal clinic for physical checks by a professional vet.

Seborrheic dermatitis dog treatment will give your dog the relief it needs to live a longer, healthier and happier existence. Your pup deserves it!

Visit our Animal clinic in League City for a physical examination today if you suspect your pet of having Seborrhea.

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