SEBORRHEA IN DOGS HELPFUL TREATMENT OPTIONS AND REMEDIES

Last Updated on June 24, 2023 by Thee Puppypreneur

WHAT IS SEBORRHEA IN DOGS 

Seborrheic dermatitis in dogs is a skin issue that causes plaque like scales or dandruff like flaking of the skin.¹Seborrheic Dermatitis and Dandruff: A Comprehensive Review – PMC (nih.gov)  It can be dry or greasy but usually is accompanied by other bacterial or fungal skin conditions like pyoderma or yeast.  

WHAT CAUSES SEBORRHEA IN DOGS 

• Medical conditions (hormonal)²Seborrhea in Dogs – Veterinary Partner – VIN  
• Genetics (certain breeds are predisposed) 
• Allergies
• Parasites (mites)
• Other skin conditions (bacterial/fungal) 

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF SEBORRHEA IN DOGS 

Symptoms can be different depending on if there are other fungal or bacterial infections involved but can include; 

• Itching 
• Flaking 
• Crusts 
• Plaque 
• Greasy or Oiliness 

HOW IS SEBORRHEA IN DOGS DIAGNOSED  

Your vet will likely want to rule out other underlying causes, so testing could consist of;  

• CBC 
• Serum Chemistry 
• Urinalysis 
• Skin Scraping 
• Cytology  
• Skin Biopsy 
• Culture 

Checking your furbaby for thyroid disorders, diabetes, mites or even a bacterial and fungal infections will be some of the reasons for the above tests and additional testing may still be required after that. 

WHAT IS THE TREATMENT FOR SEBORRHEA IN DOGS 

Treatment will be pendant on the underlying reason and lets say if they are diagnosed as  hypothyroid, the thyroid levels would need to be corrected as was in my case.

Also, I used a special shampoo as well (there were food allergies as well). Once the underlying issues resolved, meaning no more allergies and normal Thyroid levels then the seborrhea went away entirely without the need for special shampoos anymore. 

Your veterinarian might also prescribe anti-seborrheic shampoos, Vitamin A therapy or even supplementing with EFA which are essential fatty acids like omega-6 and omega-3.³Seborrhea – an overview | ScienceDirect Topics  ⁴Essential Fatty Acids and Skin Health | Linus Pauling Institute | Oregon State University  ⁵Retinoids in veterinary dermatology – ScienceDirect  

WHAT ALTERNATIVES REMEDIES ARE THERE FOR SEBORRHEA IN DOGS 

I have used this shampoo in the past  

which is really good for mange and seborrheic dermatitis and works by opening up the hair follicles and helps with degreasing and is pH balanced.  

I actually have this companies whole line of shampoos in my arsenal 

 Pet Shampoos : Amazon.com: Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiparasitic & Antiseborrheic Medicated Dog Shampoo, 16 oz – Paraben, Dye, Soap Free – Hydrating and Antifungal Shampoo for Dogs, White

they make different kinds depending on the issue like hot spot and itch relief and antiseptic and antifungal.  

ALL NATURAL REMEDIES AND HERBAL ALTERNATIVES FOR SEBORRHEA IN DOGS 

There is this product as well that contains lots of herbal essential oils 

 Pet Shampoos : Amazon.com: RenuPlex Medicated Dog Mange Shampoo. Extra Strength Mange Shampoo for Dogs Eliminates Mange, Scabies & Severe Skin Problems. All Natural Dog Shampoo. Unconditional Guarantee. Made in USA…

this contains essential oils like peppermint, eucalyptus, rosemary, tea tree, aloe vera juice, colloidal oatmeal and other natural ingredients which have antibacterial qualities as well as other oils that are nourishing for the skin. 

I also use  

Amazon.com : Omega 3 Fish Oil for Dogs – Better Than Salmon Oil for Dogs – Dog Fish Oil Supplement for Shedding, Allergy, Itch Relief – Supports Dry Skin, Joints – Dog Skin and Coat Supplement – Fish Oil Liquid : Pet Supplies

  and the reason I love this product is that it is molecularly distilled to remove toxic heavy metals, its human grade, 3^rd party tested and the fish come from Iceland.  

Check out our other articles for more information and helpful tips for your furbaby and other conditions such as;

FLEA ALLERGY IN DOGS, SYMPTOMS, TREATMENTS AND HERBAL REMEDIES