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Unless you have a hairless dog breed, your dog’s skin is usually hidden beneath a coat of hair or fur. But healthy skin is essential to your dog’s overall well-being. Seborrhea, also called seborrheic dermatitis, is a skin condition that can cause excessive flaking, greasiness, or both. Understanding the signs, causes, and treatment options can help you recognize when your dog may need veterinary care.
In This Article
What Is Seborrhea in Dogs?
Seborrhea is caused by a defect in skin keratinization, the process responsible for the formation and turnover of skin cells. The condition develops when the body produces too many skin cells, too much sebum (an oily substance naturally present in the skin), or both.
Veterinary dermatologist Dr. Charlie Pye, DVM, DVSc, Diplomate ACVD, says there are two types of seborrhea in dogs.
“Seborrhea sicca is characterized by increased scale formation — dandruff. Seborrhea oleosa is characterized by excessive greasiness of the coat and skin. Both types can be found occurring together on the same patient.”
What Causes Seborrhea in Dogs?
Seborrhea may be either primary or secondary. While inherited forms occur in some dogs, most cases are caused by an underlying condition.
Primary Seborrhea
Primary seborrhea is an inherited disorder in which cells in the epidermis, the outermost layer of skin, multiply excessively.
Dr. Pye explains that primary seborrhea more often occurs in specific dog breeds, including:
- Cocker Spaniels
- English Springer Spaniels,
- West Highland White Terriers
- Basset Hounds
- Irish Setters
- Doberman Pinschers
- Chinese Shar-Pei
- Dachshunds
- Labrador Retrievers
- German Shepherd Dogs
“Not all dogs of these breeds will be affected,” Dr. Pye says, “and many of these breeds are predisposed to diseases leading to secondary seborrhea. Therefore, a seborrheic individual of one of these breeds should not just be ‘assumed’ to have primary seborrhea. Secondary causes of seborrhea are far more common.”
Secondary Seborrhea
Secondary seborrhea develops when another disease or condition causes inflammation of the skin. It is far more common than primary seborrhea.
Potential causes include:
- Allergies
- External parasites
- Endocrine disorders
- Immune-mediated diseases
- Nutritional deficiencies
Inflammation can increase skin cell turnover and disrupt the balance of oils and lipids in the skin, leading to flaky, greasy, or irritated skin.
Whether a dog has primary or secondary seborrhea, Dr. Pye says they should “always be examined for secondary bacterial or yeast infections, as these conditions can be found commonly in seborrheic dogs.”
What Are the Signs of Seborrhea in Dogs?
The symptoms of seborrhea can vary depending on the underlying cause. Common signs include:
- Increased skin flaking or dandruff
- Greasy-looking skin and coat
- Foul odors, especially with seborrhea oleosa
- Red or inflamed skin, which may appear in areas with skin folds (such as around the armpits or thighs)
- Hair loss
- Bumps or pimples that may indicate a secondary infection
- Itching, particularly when allergies or other underlying skin diseases are present
If you notice persistent dandruff, excessive greasiness, unusual odors, or skin irritation, it’s important to have your dog evaluated by a veterinarian.
Can Puppies Get Seborrhea?
Primary seborrhea typically develops before a dog reaches 2 years of age, so puppies can be affected. Puppies may also develop secondary seborrhea when they have another condition that causes skin inflammation.
Dr. Pye explains, “Certain skin conditions are noted in puppies such as infectious diseases, parasites, and early onset allergies. If a dog was diagnosed with one of these diseases, they could have seborrhea as a clinical manifestation of this disease.”
Is Seborrhea in Dogs Contagious?
Seborrhea itself isn’t contagious. Many of the conditions that trigger secondary seborrhea, including allergies and endocrine disorders, are also not contagious.
However, some underlying causes, such as parasites or fungal infections like ringworm, can spread to other animals and, in some cases, people. If your veterinarian determines that a contagious condition is responsible, they may recommend treating other pets in the household for that underlying condition. They may also recommend limiting your dog’s exposure to public places until treatment is complete.
Good hygiene practices, including wearing disposable gloves when appropriate and washing your hands thoroughly after handling your dogs, can help reduce disease transmission.
How Is Seborrhea in Dogs Diagnosed?
Because many different conditions can cause seborrhea, veterinarians often use a combination of tests to identify the underlying problem.
Diagnostic testing may include:
- Cytology to examine skin cells and look for infection
- Skin scrapings to identify the presence of certain parasites
- Trials of parasitical medications when parasites are difficult to detect
- Blood work to assess hormonal and systemic diseases
- Food trials to rule out food allergies
- Skin biopsies to determine whether your dog has an immune-mediated disease or canine skin cancer
How Is Seborrhea in Dogs Treated?
Treatment focuses on addressing the underlying cause whenever possible. Dogs with secondary seborrhea often improve after the primary disease is controlled.
However, Dr. Pye says, “If a patient truly has primary seborrhea, symptomatic treatment will be instituted.” In the initial stages of treating secondary seborrhea, your vet may recommend the same supportive, symptomatic treatments while investigating or managing the underlying cause.
Veterinarians commonly recommend medicated bathing as part of treatment. Depending on your dog’s condition, your vet may recommend:
- Antimicrobial shampoos
- Products designed to remove excess oil
- Moisturizing formulations
Proper bathing technique is important. Your veterinarian will advise how frequently to bathe your dog and how long to leave the product on the skin. Many medicated shampoos require five to 10 minutes of contact time for maximum effectiveness.
Some dogs benefit from weekly spot-on anti-seborrheic products that help regulate skin cell turnover and lipid production. Your veterinarian may also recommend omega fatty acid supplements or other nutritional support to help reduce inflammation and support the skin barrier. Always consult your veterinarian before adding supplements to your dog’s diet.
How to Manage Seborrhea at Home
Always consult your veterinarian before starting any at-home treatments for seborrhea.
Dr. Pye says, “They can recommend the best possible approach for your dog, as no two cases of seborrhea are identical, and underlying disease could be present. Your veterinarian will help manage any skin disease.”
“If your dog’s skin disease is not resolving, your veterinarian can refer you to a board-certified veterinary dermatologist who will be able to help address your dog’s skin condition effectively. Board-certified dermatologists have had years of training in skin conditions and are equivalent to a human dermatologist and allergist.”
With your vet’s approval, medicated anti-seborrheic shampoos and regular baths using lukewarm water may help reduce flaking and greasiness. However, unless you identify and treat the underlying cause, the secondary seborrhea is likely to return.
Can Seborrhea in Dogs Be Cured?
The long-term outlook depends largely on the cause.
Primary seborrhea is an inherited condition that requires lifelong management rather than a cure. Many diseases associated with secondary seborrhea, such as allergies and endocrine disorders, are also chronic and need ongoing treatment.
In some cases, however, secondary seborrhea develops because of a curable condition, such as a parasite infestation. Once you’ve successfully treated the underlying problem, the associated seborrhea may fully resolve.
Key Takeaways
- Seborrhea causes excessive dandruff, greasiness, or both due to abnormal skin cell turnover and oil production.
- Secondary seborrhea caused by another medical condition is far more common than inherited primary seborrhea.
- Common signs include flaky skin, greasy fur, odor, hair loss, itching, and skin inflammation.
- Treatment often includes medicated bathing, skin-supportive therapies, and addressing the underlying cause.
- Long-term management depends on the specific diagnosis and whether the underlying condition is curable or chronic.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What does seborrhea look like in dogs?
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Seborrhea often appears as excessive dandruff, flaky skin, greasy fur, skin redness, hair loss, foul odor, or irritated skin. Some dogs develop both flaky and oily skin at the same time.
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Does seborrhea in dogs smell?
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Yes. Dogs with seborrhea oleosa, the oily form of seborrhea, often develop a strong or unpleasant skin odor. Secondary bacterial or yeast infections can make the smell even more noticeable.
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What food is good for dogs with seborrhea?
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The best diet depends on the underlying cause. Some dogs benefit from diets formulated for skin health or those rich in omega-3 fatty acids. If food allergies are suspected, your veterinarian may recommend a therapeutic elimination diet or other nutritional changes.
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Can seborrhea in dogs go away on its own?
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Generally, no. Seborrhea usually develops because of an underlying skin or health condition that requires treatment. Without addressing the cause, symptoms often persist or worsen over time.
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How long does it take to get rid of seborrhea in dogs?
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The timeline depends on the underlying cause. Some cases improve within a few weeks once appropriate treatment begins, while chronic conditions such as primary seborrhea, allergies, or endocrine disorders may require lifelong management.
This article is intended solely as general guidance, and does not constitute health or other professional advice. Individual situations and applicable laws vary by jurisdiction, and you are encouraged to obtain appropriate advice from qualified professionals in the applicable jurisdictions. We make no representations or warranties concerning any course of action taken by any person following or otherwise using the information offered or provided in this article, including any such information associated with and provided in connection with third-party products, and we will not be liable for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, exemplary or other damages that may result, including but not limited to economic loss, injury, illness or death.