Seborrhea In Dogs

A common skin condition affecting dogs is seborrhea. Seborrhea is characterized by abnormal sebum production and subsequent skin changes that may cause itchy skin, skin redness, greasy fur, and dander in dogs. In this article, we will take an in-depth look at what seborrhea in dogs is, its types, causes, symptoms, and how to manage and treat the condition.

What is Seborrhea?

Seborrhea is a skin disorder that involves the excessive production of sebum, an oily substance produced by the sebaceous glands in the skin. Sebum normally helps to lubricate the skin and maintain its moisture. However, when there is an overproduction of sebum, it can lead to flaky skin, a greasy coat, itching and irritation, inflammation and can contribute to an unpleasant odor.

Types of Seborrheic Dermatitis in Dogs

Seborrheic dermatitis is a common skin disorder in dogs that can manifest in several different types, each with its own distinct characteristics and symptoms. Understanding these various types of seborrheic dermatitis can help dog owners and veterinarians better diagnose and manage the condition. Here are the main types of seborrheic dermatitis in dogs:

1. Primary Seborrhea

• Causes: This type of seborrheic dermatitis has a genetic component and typically occurs in certain breeds, such as the West Highland White Terrier, Cocker Spaniel, and Shar-Pei. Primary seborrhea often develops in young dogs and is a lifelong condition.
• Symptoms: Greasy, scaly, or flaky skin on the scalp, face (especially in the T-zone), and other areas with a high density of sebaceous glands.

2. Secondary Seborrhea

Secondary seborrhea can indeed be categorized into different types based on the characteristics of the skin and coat. These categories include:

• Sicca (Dry) Seborrhea

Causes: Overproduction of sebum combined with an impaired ability to retain moisture in the skin.

Symptoms: Dry, flaky, and scaly skin with less oily appearance compared to other types.

• Oleosa (Oily) Seborrhea

Causes: Excessive sebum production.

Symptoms: Skin appears greasy, oily, and shiny. Can be accompanied by acne and enlarged pores. Dogs with this type of seborrhea often have a distinct, unpleasant odor due to the accumulation of excess oil on the skin. The coat may become sticky and prone to matting.

• Mixed Seborrhea

Some dogs can present with a combination of dry and oily seborrhea symptoms, known as mixed seborrhea. This type of seborrhea can make diagnosis and management more challenging, as both dry and oily skin issues need to be addressed simultaneously.

Causes: Combination of excessive sebum production and dry skin.

Symptoms: Affected areas can exhibit both oily and dry characteristics simultaneously.

• Follicular Seborrhea

Follicular seborrhea involves inflammation and dysfunction of hair follicles, leading to issues such as papules, pustules, and crusted skin. This type of seborrhea often requires specific treatments aimed at addressing the follicular inflammation.

Causes: Sebum buildup around hair follicles, leading to inflammation and blockage.

Symptoms: Inflamed, itchy, and red areas around hair follicles, often resembling small red bumps or pustules.

• Palmoplantar Seborrhea

This rare form of seborrheic dermatitis affects the footpads and areas between the toes of dogs. It can cause hyperkeratosis (thickened, calloused skin) on the footpads, which may lead to discomfort and difficulty walking.

Causes: Overactive sebaceous glands on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.

Symptoms: Thick, scaly patches of skin on the palms and soles, sometimes accompanied by itching or discomfort.

What Causes Seborrhea in Dogs?

As mentioned above, there are two main types of seborrhea in dogs: primary and secondary.

Primary Seborrhea: This type of seborrhea is considered to have a genetic or inherited component. Breeds such as Basset Hounds, West Highland White Terriers, and Cocker Spaniels are more prone to primary seborrhea. It typically manifests early in a dog's life and can be a chronic condition.

Secondary Seborrhea: This type of seborrhea is a result of an underlying health issue or condition that disrupts the normal function of the sebaceous glands. Various factors can contribute to secondary seborrhea, including:

• Allergies: Environmental allergies (atopy) or food allergies can lead to skin inflammation and seborrhea as the dog's body responds to the allergens.
• Hormonal Imbalances: Disorders such as hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), Cushing's disease (overproduction of cortisol), and other hormonal imbalances can affect sebum production.
• Infections: Bacterial or yeast infections on the skin can cause inflammation and disrupt the normal balance of sebum production.
• Parasites: Infestations of parasites like fleas, mites, or ticks can irritate the skin and trigger seborrhea.
  Immune System Issues: Some immune system disorders can lead to skin problems and seborrhea.
• Poor Nutrition: Inadequate diet can affect the health of a dog's skin and coat, potentially leading to seborrhea.
• Environmental Factors: Environmental conditions such as dry air, cold weather, or excessive bathing can contribute to seborrhea.

Is Seborrhea Contagious in Dogs?

Seborrhea itself is not contagious in dogs. It is a skin condition caused by various factors such as genetics, hormonal imbalances, allergies, infections, and environmental conditions. Seborrhea is not caused by a pathogen like a virus or bacteria that can be spread from one dog to another.

However, if the underlying cause of seborrhea is an infection, such as a bacterial or yeast infection, then the infectious agent itself could potentially be spread from one dog to another if they come into close contact. In such cases, the infection itself would be contagious, not the seborrhea.

How Do You Get Rid of Seborrhea in Dogs?

The treatment of seborrhea in dogs depends on the underlying cause and whether it's primary or secondary seborrhea. If the seborrhea is secondary to an underlying health issue, such as allergies, infections, hormonal imbalances, or parasites, treating the root cause is crucial. Addressing the underlying problem can help alleviate the seborrhea symptoms.

• Medicated Shampoos: Specialized shampoos containing ingredients like salicylic acid, sulfur, or benzoyl peroxide can help alleviate symptoms and improve skin health. ( If you're not using medicated shampoos, opt for gentle, hypoallergenic, or oatmeal-based shampoos to avoid further irritation to the skin.)
• Topical Treatments: Your vet might prescribe topical treatments like medicated creams or sprays to target affected areas.
• Dietary Changes: If allergies are suspected, dietary adjustments may be recommended to address underlying triggers. 
• Omega-3 fatty acid supplements: They may be beneficial for improving skin health and reducing inflammation associated with seborrhea.
• Antibiotics and Antifungal Medications: In cases where secondary infections are present, antibiotics or antifungal medications may be necessary.
• Hormone Therapy: If hormonal imbalances are contributing to seborrhea, hormone replacement therapy might be prescribed.
• Regular Grooming: Proper grooming practices, including regular bathing, brushing, and trimming, can help manage symptoms and prevent matting.
• Environmental Management: Minimizing exposure to allergens and maintaining a clean living environment can reduce the frequency and severity of seborrhea episodes.

How Often Should You Bathe A Dog with Seborrhea?

To address seborrhea in your dog, regular bathing with an anti-seborrhea shampoo will be necessary. Initially, bathing should occur every 2 or 3 days using a shampoo containing salicylic acid.

This frequent bathing routine should continue for a period of 2-3 weeks or even longer, depending on the improvement observed in the skin condition. The main aim of these baths is to eliminate excess keratin buildup. Depending on your dog's response to the treatment, the bathing frequency can eventually be adjusted to once every 1 to 2 weeks, or it may continue at intervals of 2 to 3 days.

Furthermore, you'll also need to maintain ear hygiene by cleaning your dog's ears every 2 to 3 days using a medicated ear cleaner. If an ear infection is present, your veterinarian may also prescribe specific ear medication to address the issue.

Can Seborrhea Be Cured in Dogs?

In some cases, seborrhea can be effectively managed and controlled, allowing the dog to lead a relatively comfortable and symptom-free life. However, it's important to note that complete eradication of seborrhea may not always be possible. Some dogs, especially those with primary seborrhea or genetic predisposition, may require ongoing management and maintenance to keep symptoms under control.

While seborrhea may not always be completely cured, the goal of treatment is to improve the dog's quality of life by reducing symptoms such as itching, flaking, and discomfort. With proper care and a dedicated approach to managing the condition, many dogs can experience significant improvement in their symptoms and overall well-being.

Conclusion

Remember that seborrhea can be a chronic condition, and complete resolution of symptoms may not always be possible. The goal of treatment is to manage the condition, reduce discomfort, and improve your dog's quality of life. Always consult with your veterinarian before starting any treatment regimen, as they can provide personalized guidance based on your dog's specific needs and condition.