Everything you need to know about seborrhea in dogs

Seborrhea in dogs is a common condition, although it can often go unnoticed in milder cases as clinical signs can be very discreet. It can be generalized and affect the whole of the dog’s skin, or more localized, affecting only small patches.

Where the skin is affected, it can be greasy and flaky (and in some cases, quite itchy for the dog) and it can be quite malodorous. Greasy, flaky, smelly skin can be damaging to the human-animal bond as close physical contact and allowing your dog up on furniture can be something many owners steer away from when skin is so affected.

Seborrhea, often a consequence of another disorder

Seborrhea related to another primary cause is far more common and can be triggered by parasites (fleas, ticks, mange mites), fungal infections (most commonly Malassezia yeast), allergies, environmental factors (such as cold, dry air or central heating), poor-quality diets with insufficient nutrients, hormonal imbalances (including thyroid disease and Cushing’s disease), obesity, or as a sequela of pain (e.g., arthritis) and poor grooming.”

Sometimes, no direct cause is found, which is termed ‘idiopathic.’ However, this diagnosis is made after the exclusion of all other possible causes.

When to go to the veterinarian?

There are many potential underlying causes of dog seborrhea, and many require professional attention and if left untreated, it can worsen and lead to more serious problems.  

While diagnosing the seborrhea itself is quite straightforward, determining the cause can be trickier, and apart from the environmental factors, your dog’s weight or food quality, this is best left in the hands of your veterinarian.  

If other clinical signs are present, such as: increased thirst or urination, increased appetite, itchy skin, weight gain or loss and heat-seeking behavior, then it is important to rule out metabolic illnesses that may result in seborrhea. 

How is seborrhea diagnosed?

As causes of seborrhea are very diverse, your veterinarian may employ a few different techniques to reach a diagnosis of seborrhea. This includes notably:   

Apply topical products to regulate sebum and flakes production

Anti-seborrheic topicals are intended to regulate sebum production or flakes formation. 

Dogs with greasy seborrhea need their skin to be degreased while keeping a proper skin hydration. Sometimes excessive removal of grease can damage the epidermis and alter epidermal hydration, that is why the choice of the product used is crucial. Dogs with dry scaling need normalization of their skin cell turnover, elimination of scales and hydration of the skin.  

DOUXO® S3 SEB line of products has seboregulating properties, helps control dandruff and odor by normalizing sebum production. Ophytrium®, in addition to other complementary ingredients in the formula, supports skin's physical barrier for supple, hydrated skin, soothes irritated skin and supports microbial flora for healthy skin. 

This product line offers both a shampoo and a mousse that work perfectly together: start with the shampoo to clean your pet’s coat and remove grease and dandruff, then use the mousse every 2–3 days (or as your veterinarian recommends) to keep the beneficial ingredients in contact with the skin for longer-lasting care. 

Ensure a good grooming regimen is in place

Regular brushing of your dog’s coat helps to remove dead skin cells, allows air to get to the skin, and distributes natural oils evenly across the skin.   

Feed a good quality diet

Ensuring good nutrition and a healthy diet is vital in the health of the skin. You can start by talking to your veterinarian about a well-balanced, commercially available dog food. Also, supplementation of certain factors may help the clinical outcome. Appropriate fatty acid levels, particularly omega-3 fatty acids, are essential for normal skin cell function and can help support the management of seborrheic dermatitis. Fatty acids help nourish the skin and support healthy sebum production, which improves coat quality and protects the skin barrier. Diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids may also help reduce inflammation and promote a healthier, shinier coat.

Treat the underlying cause under the direction of your vet

Treatment includes correction of the underlying cause, such as controlling food allergies by avoiding the ingredients your dog is allergic to, treating fleas and maintaining ongoing preventive flea control, or gaining a diagnosis and then medicating, as directed by your veterinarian, to treat metabolic diseases such as hypothyroidism. Without correcting the underlying cause, any further treatment for the skin will likely fail.

For dogs with idiopathic, or primary seborrhea, the objective is to control the skin problem, as there is no definitive cure for the condition.

If there are signs of bacterial or fungal infection, then a course of antimicrobials will be initiated.

How does it evolve?

Dogs with the primary form of this condition often require lifelong management. With some trial and error and close communication with your veterinarian, many cases can be managed very effectively. Consistent use of topical products and ensuring your dog is on the right parasite prevention are essential. If you notice any changes in your dog’s skin, early treatment and intervention can make a big difference.

If your dog has a secondary form of seborrhea, the outlook is much better once the underlying condition is treated and managed. While that process can take several weeks or even months, using topical products can help the skin look healthier sooner and keep your dog more comfortable during treatment.