Our dogs can have from pesky skin issue — just like us . And if your dog has scaly skin , dandruff , or a greasy coating , it might be a plebeian skin condition called seborrhea . In human beings , seborrhea most often affects the scalp and is a coarse causal agency of dandruff . While seborrhea in dogs hold some similarity to the human character , there are some important differences .
What Is Seborrhea in Dogs?
Seborrhea , also called seborrheic dermatitis , is a skin precondition that pass when there ’s increase production of skin cells and/or oil color . There are two classifications of seborrhea : dry ( seborrhea sicca ) and oily ( seborrhea oleosa ) , but most dogs with seborrheic dermatitis have a combination of both .
Signs of Seborrhea in Dogs
" Dogs with seborrhea typically will have skin that is scaly , flakey , red , and greasy , " says Dwight Alleyne , DVM and veterinary expert . " Common signs admit rough scaly skin , tumid amount ofdandruff , and greasy , oily hide . " Seborrhea may also make changes in skin pigmentation .
Seborrhea often occurs on a dog ’s back , neck , face , and flanks , and it ’s typically worse in areas with peel fold . The shape leaves the skin more vulnerable to pathogens like barm and bacteria and , if forget untreated , secondary pelt infection can happen . itchiness and odor may also occur , particularly if the seborrhea is associated with a skin infection . Seek veterinary advice right aside if you notice your cad ’s hide is dry , scaly , flaky , or oily .
Causes of Seborrhea in Dogs
Most event of seborrhea in dogs are triggered by anotherexisting skin condition , but some dogs can inherit seborrhea from their parents . This is called primary seborrhea . " It ’s a genic disease that causes a frank to have unnatural cutis cells , " Alleyne say .
Primary seborrhea is rare but more probable to affect sure dog-iron stock , include :
Dogs with primary seborrhea often begin showing signs by the time they ’re 2 years one-time , and the condition typically gets worse as the whelp raise older .
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Secondary seborrhea is far more common and develops because of another tegument consideration . " uncouth cause in dogs includeskin allergies , hormone imbalances , vitamin deficiencies , immune - intermediate disease , and sealed skin Cancer , " Alleyne explains . Seborrhea may also come due toyeast infection , bacterial contagion ( pyoderma ) , andparasites such as fleasor mites ( mange ) . most any skin issue can lead to petty seborrhea .
Treatment for Dogs With Seborrhea
The right discussion for seborrhea in dogs depends on its reason . " For primary seborrhea , there is no cure , " Alleyne says . " However , celluloid vitamin A derivatives , call retinoids , or other medicament often help . " heel may need lifelong intervention for basal seborrhea .
" For secondary seborrhea , the treatment involves diagnosing and managing the underlying disease that is causing the seborrhea , " Alleyne keep . This entail your vet may call for to run various trial to shape what skin term are present and begin treatment for those as well .
" Seborrhea itself is do by with anti - seborrheic shampoos that help mend the tegument cells , as well as fatty acid supplements , " Alleyne explains . Your vet may dictate medicated shampoos and other topical handling . foresightful - term treatment may be necessary depending on the underlie tegument stipulation and how it answer to treatment . You must apply vet - approved product rather than those intended for human seborrhea , as they may make things bad .
For some dogs , seborrhea is a continuing or recurring condition . Your pawl may need frequent vet visit to address hide flare - ups and correct discussion . " The forecast of seborrhea calculate on the stiffness of the status and the master reason behind it , " Alleyne allege . As with most health conditions , early diagnosis and treatment can make it well-fixed to control seborrhea and other skin issues , so see your vet at the first sign of a skin problem .
