Understanding and Managing Common Skin Issues in Dobermans

Dobermans can be prone to certain health issues, including skin problems. Understanding these issues and knowing how to properly care for your Doberman's skin can help keep your family member healthy and comfortable.

Internal Medical Conditions and Skin Health

Before diving into common skin issues and home remedies, it is crucial to highlight the importance of ruling out internal medical conditions that make the skin issue secondary. Conditions like liver disease, thyroid problems, and hormonal imbalances can manifest as skin problems (White, 2018). These internal issues can cause symptoms such as excessive itching, redness, and skin lesions, which can easily be mistaken for primary skin conditions.

If you notice any unusual skin symptoms in your Doberman, the first step should always be visiting the veterinarian. A comprehensive check-up can help rule out any underlying internal medical conditions that may be causing the skin issues. Treating the root cause is essential for effective and long-lasting relief. Moreover, you always want to get a proper diagnosis of the issue before trying to find a remedy. Without a proper diagnosis, you may unintentionally worsen your dog’s situation and potentially waste a lot of money.

Common Skin Issues in Dobermans

Once internal conditions have been ruled out and your veterinarian has given you a diagnosis, you can focus on addressing the skin issues directly. Dobermans can suffer from a variety of skin problems, including allergies, bacterial infections, fungal infections, and parasitic infestations such as fleas and mites.

Some skin issues you may face with your Doberman are:

1. Demodectic Mange (Demodicosis): Caused by the Demodex mite, this condition can lead to hair loss, skin redness, and sometimes bacterial infections. It's more common in puppies and young adult dogs due to an immature immune system.

2. Folliculitis: Inflammation of the hair follicles, often secondary to infection or other skin disorders. It can cause sores, bumps, and scabs on the skin.

3. Allergic Dermatitis: Although most dogs suffer from food sensitivities rather than allergies, Dobermans can develop both sensitivities and allergies to food (many Dobermans seem especially sensitive to chicken), environmental factors (like pollen, dust mites, or mold), or fleas. Symptoms of allergic dermatitis include itching, redness, and secondary infections.

4. Color Dilution Alopecia (CDA): This genetic condition is prevalent in blue and fawn Dobermans, leading to hair thinning or loss and sometimes skin infections. Research has indicated that CDA may affect up to 93% of blue Dobermans and 75% of fawn Dobermans (Miller, 1990, as cited in Gough et al., 2018)

5. Follicular Dysplasia: Follicular dysplasia in Dobermans is a genetic disorder affecting the development and function of hair follicles. It is generally believed to be a different manifestation of the same disease as CDA (Orivet, n.d). This condition leads to abnormal hair growth and hair loss, sometimes particularly noticeable during the puppy's first year of life. Gough et al. (2018) state that the onset of the disease is usually between the 1st and 4th year of life, and it affects black and red Dobermans mostly on their flanks, backs, and thighs.

6. Seborrhea: A condition characterized by flaky skin (dandruff) or oily skin. It can be a primary condition or secondary to other diseases.

7. Acral Lick Dermatitis (Lick Granuloma): This is a skin disorder where the dog constantly licks a small area of skin (usually on the leg), causing it to become inflamed and infected.

8. Pyoderma: A bacterial skin infection that can cause pustules, skin redness, hair loss, and itching. Often, it's secondary to another skin problem, such as allergies or hormonal imbalances.

9. Hot Spots (Acute Moist Dermatitis): These are areas of skin inflammation and bacterial infection that are very itchy and painful. They can spread rapidly if left untreated.

10. Atopic Dermatitis: A chronic skin disease frequently associated with allergies (and its flare factors), leading to intense itching, redness, and chronic ear or skin infections (Outerbridge & Jordan, 2021).

11. Ringworm (Dermatophytosis): Although not a worm, this fungal infection causes circular patches of hair loss and can be transmitted to humans.

Home Remedies for Skin Issues in Dobermans

While each condition named above requires veterinary evaluation, diagnosis, and specific care, after such evaluation, there are some general steps you can take to help your Doberman feel better. Thus, after ensuring your Doberman's skin issues are not caused by underlying internal health problems and getting a proper diagnosis, there are several things you can try at home to alleviate their discomfort, in concert with discussing these approaches with your veterinarian as some of these steps may be contraindicated per the individual’s diagnosis and its symptomatic presentation:

1. Bathing and Grooming: Use a mild, hypoallergenic shampoo to bathe your Doberman, as this can help remove allergens and irritants from their coat and skin. Regular grooming also helps to distribute natural skin oils, which can improve skin health. We recommend ‘Project Sudz’ - Hypoallergenic Shampoo Bars. However, do not bathe your Doberman too often, either.

2. Balanced Diet: A well-balanced diet rich in essential fatty acids can help improve skin health. After consulting with your vet, consider incorporating omega-3 supplements or even better whole food sources, such as small fatty fish (e.g., Sardines) into your dog's diet. Omega-3 supplementation has shown promise in various skin conditions, such as atopic dermatitis, when combined with prednisolone (Saevik et al., 2014), as well as other non-inflammatory and inflammatory skin conditions, albeit in some instances, fish oil supplementation was only studied as an adjunctive dietary treatment (Bauer, 2011).
   
   Please be aware that any fish oils turn rancid relatively fast. Rancidity is associated with Thus, you may fare better with an encapsulated omega-3 supplement than a bottled one. If you choose a bottled fish oil, make sure it comes in a tinted (brown or blue) glass bottle. Visit this blog article to learn more about fish oils for your Doberman. Like any supplement, fish oil supplements can have adverse effects, which can range from mild gastrointestinal issues to altered immune functions, and these effects are often dose-dependent (Lenox & Bauer, 2013) and may be more likely to occur at higher doses (Bauer, 2011), especially those that exceed the safe upper limit of 2.8 g EPA + DHA per 1000 kcal, established for puppies, adult dogs, and reproducing dogs per the National Research Council (Lenox, 2016). They may also depend on the quality and sourcing. As such, please discuss any supplementation with your veterinarian first.

3. Allergy Management: If your Doberman is allergic to specific substances, identify and eliminate these allergens from their environment. This may include changing their diet, using hypoallergenic bedding, or avoiding certain outdoor areas known for triggering their allergies.

4. Moisturize: Dry skin can be common, particularly in colder months. Using a holistic vet-approved canine moisturizer can help maintain skin hydration and integrity. Stay away from sulfate-containing products.
   
   Alternatively, you will sometimes hear people recommend organic coconut oil as a moisturizer. While we agree that coconut oil can be helpful sometimes, coconut oil is heavy and comedogenic, meaning it can block the skin's natural ability to breathe and may lead to clogged pores or exacerbate skin conditions.

   For dry skin in dogs, it's better to use coconut oil sparingly and ensure it's well absorbed. Here are a few tips for using coconut oil effectively:

   1. Moderation: Use a small amount and spread it thinly over the affected areas.

   2. Quality: Use high-quality, organic, cold-pressed coconut oil.

   3. Application: First, apply the oil to your hands, then gently massage it into your dog's skin to ensure even distribution.

   4. Absorption: Allow some time for the oil to absorb before allowing your dog to lie down or go outside, as it can attract dirt.

   Here are some situations where coconut oil might be contraindicated:

   1. Open Wounds: As mentioned, applying coconut oil to open wounds can trap bacteria and moisture, potentially leading to infection.

   2. Oily or Acne-Prone Skin: For dogs prone to acne or with naturally oily skin, coconut oil can exacerbate these conditions by clogging pores.

   3. Allergies: Some dogs may be allergic to coconut oil, leading to redness, itching, or other allergic reactions. Always patch test first.

   4. Yeast Infections: While coconut oil has antifungal properties, it can sometimes worsen yeast infections by providing a moist environment for the yeast to thrive.

   5. Seborrhea: In cases of seborrhea, coconut oil might not be suitable as it can contribute to the buildup of oils on the skin.

5. Regular Vet Visits: Regular check-ups with your vet, for us, preferably with a holistic veterinarian, can help catch and manage skin issues before they become severe. Discuss any concerns and observe how your dog reacts to different treatments or environmental changes.

6. Pest Control: Ensure your Doberman is on a flea and tick prevention program, as parasites can cause severe skin irritation and infections. However, be aware of certain caveats to conventional flea and tick preventatives. Read more about this topic here.

7. Stress Reduction: Stress can exacerbate skin problems, so a calm and stable environment can help reduce scratching and skin damage. Providing a stress free environment should be a top priority for any dog owners, including Doberman parents.

8. Avoid using sulfate-containing shampoos for several reasons: Sulfates are aggressive detergents known for removing natural oils from the skin and hair, which can lead to dryness, irritation, and itchiness in Dobermans, the very thing you’re trying to alleviate. The harshness of sulfates can exacerbate skin issues, causing discomfort and potentially leading to more serious skin conditions. Furthermore, sulfates can strip away the skin's natural protective layer, making it more susceptible to infections and allergens. Using a sulfate-free shampoo and other products helps maintain the natural moisture balance of the Doberman's skin and coat, ensuring they become and remain healthy, shiny, and free from irritation.

While common skin issues in Dobermans can concern many pet owners, understanding the potential causes and appropriate remedies can greatly improve your dog's quality of life. Always prioritize ruling out internal medical conditions with your vet before attempting to treat skin issues independently. With the right care and attention, you can help manage your Doberman's skin problems and ensure they remain healthy and happy.

---

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your veterinarian or other healthcare professional. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease or prescribe any medication or other treatment. Always consult with your veterinarian or other qualified healthcare provider before making any changes to your pet's healthcare regimen, especially if they have or suspect they may have a health problem. The author and publisher of this article are not responsible for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of any suggestions, products, or procedures mentioned in this article. The use of this information is at the reader's discretion and risk.

---

References

Bauer, J. E. (2011, December 1). Therapeutic use of fish oils in companion animals. Journal of the American Veterinary Association, 239(11). https://avmajournals.avma.org/view/journals/javma/239/11/javma.239.11.1441.xml

Gough, A., Thomas, A., & O’Neill, D. (2018). Breed dispositions to disease in dogs and cats (3rd ed.). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley Blackwell

Lenox, C. E. (2016). Role of dietary fatty acids in dogs & cats [PDF file]. https://todaysveterinarypractice.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2016/08/TVP_2016-0910_NN-FattyAcids.pdf

Lenox, C., & Bauer, J. (2013). Potential adverse effects of omega-3 Fatty acids in dogs and cats.. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 27(2), 217-26. https://doi.org/10.1111/jvim.12033.

Orivet. (n.d). Follicular dysplasia. Fact sheet [PDF file]. https://www.orivet.com/media/c4ca4238a0b923820dcc509a6f75849b/Follicular%20Dysplasia.pdf

Outerbridge, C. A., & Jordan, T. J. M. (2021). Current knowledge on canine atopic dermatitis: Pathogenesis and treatment. Advances in small animal care, 2, 101–115. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yasa.2021.07.004

Saevik, B., Bergvall, K., Holm, B., Saijonmaa-Koulumies, L., Hedhammar, Å., Larsen, S., & Kristensen, F. (2004). A randomized, controlled study to evaluate the steroid sparing effect of essential fatty acid supplementation in the treatment of canine atopic dermatitis. Veterinary dermatology, 15(3), 137-45. https://doi.org/10.1111/J.1365-3164.2004.00378.X.

White, S.D. (2018, June). Whole-body disorders that affect the skin in dogs. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/dog-owners/skin-disorders-of-dogs/whole-body-disorders-that-affect-the-skin-in-dogs