Many people love Dobermans for their goofy personalities and regal appearance. But these lovely pups can experience a variety of skin issues. Let’s talk about the most common Doberman skin issues and how you can help your pup if they encounter them!
Your Doberman’s Skin and Coat
Like many other breeds, your Doberman has a short, sleek coat that lays close to the body. All short-haired dogs shed more than you might expect. To help reduce the amount of fur around your house, consider using a curry-comb style brush to help remove loose strands before they fall out.
Regular grooming can also help you catch the early signs of skin issues, and it is always easier to treat conditions caught early. Most Dobermans don’t need to be bathed more than once a month. If your pup gets stinky, greasy, flaky, or dry more often than that, it could be a sign of skin disease. Otherwise, using an unscented, hypoallergenic shampoo to bathe your pup every month or two can help keep everyone happy and healthy!
Dobies come in various colors, and their coat color can affect their health. Blue, fawn, and sometimes even red Dobermans are prone to worse skin problems than traditional black and tan Dobermans.
Dobies have bright, shiny coats that gleam in the sun when the skin and coat are healthy. Unfortunately, several conditions can dim their glow.
7 Common Doberman Skin Issues
1. Allergies
Dogs have a wide variety of allergies, and they are the most common cause of Doberman skin issues. Different allergies are identified and treated in different ways, so reach out to your veterinarian to help your pup!
Food Allergies
Food allergy is uncommon to rare but is well recognized as a cause of Doberman skin problems. Sometimes, a food allergy shows up as diarrhea or vomiting, but it causes skin issues just as often. Dogs with food allergies usually have chronic or recurrent ear infections, itchy skin, and spend a lot of time licking their feet.
Food allergies are diagnosed by identifying which protein your pup is allergic to. Identifying the protein is more complicated than it sounds and requires you to work closely with your veterinarian. There are no reliable tests for food allergies; a prescription diet trial is the only way to diagnose it. Sometimes you need more than one trial. So be sure to talk to your veterinarian if you think your pup might be allergic to their food.
Environmental Allergies (Also Called Atopy or Atopic Dermatitis)
Environmental allergies, which are reactions to the world around us, are the most common cause of Doberman skin issues. Reactions to pollen, mold, dust, or plants, among others, can cause severe itchiness, hair loss, and even rashes. If your pup licks their paws, this is the most likely problem.
You need to work with your veterinarian to determine whether your Doberman’s skin issues are related to environmental allergies. They can run skin and blood tests to help answer this question.
Treatment of environmental allergies depends on what works for your Doberman, so sometimes, you need to try a few different options to find the right combination for your pup. Options include minimizing exposure, oral medications, injectable medications, and immunotherapy.
Flea Allergy
Most people are already familiar with fleas, but it’s often surprising to hear that some dogs are allergic to flea bites. These pups can have problems with severe itchiness, hair loss, and rashes from as little as one or two flea bites.
If your Doberman’s skin problems are due to flea allergy, they must stay on prescription-strength flea protection year-round to minimize bites. Some particularly sensitive pups need to be on two separate products during heavy flea seasons. Be sure to work with your veterinarian to pick the best products for your dog.
2. Skin Infections
Skin infections are always secondary conditions, meaning they happen because something else is wrong. Bacteria can cause infection through damaged skin, but the damage isn’t always readily visible. Red and swollen skin from allergies is damaged enough to let bacteria in, even before there are any visible scratches or cuts. Yeast does the same thing but tends to stay on the skin’s surface and doesn’t usually cause deeper infections.
Pyoderma (Superficial Bacterial Infections)
Pyoderma is an extremely common condition in Dobermans with skin issues. A superficial bacterial infection is the most likely explanation if your pup has little pus-filled bumps that look like pimples. Pyoderma can also look like small crusts or scabs or a red, bumpy rash on the skin. It is often itchy, so you may also notice them scratching or biting at the areas where the rash is worst.
Superficial Yeast Infections
Yeast infections on the skin are another common cause of Doberman skin problems. These infections are generally quite itchy and tend to show up in warm, moist areas of the body like the armpits or groin. When your pup has a yeast infection, their skin may become dark, thickened, and look flaky and dry but feel greasy.
Treatment of Superficial Infections
Topical products, which means they are applied to the skin, are usually used to treat both bacterial and yeast infections. These are more effective than oral antibiotics since the medication contacts the infection directly. Antibacterial shampoo, mousse, and wipes are all common products used to treat skin infections.
Folliculitis
While folliculitis can be sterile or inflammatory, it is usually due to bacterial infection of the hair follicles. The follicles are deep in the skin, so folliculitis causes even more irritation and discomfort than superficial infections. Dobermans with folliculitis will have red, bumpy skin and be quite itchy and uncomfortable. Because of how uncomfortable folliculitis is, these pups often have scabs and wounds that they create from chewing and scratching.
Just like superficial bacterial infections, folliculitis is treated with topical medications first. However, because it is deeper in the skin, treatment often takes longer or may require oral medication in addition to the topicals. Especially for Dobermans whose skin problems keep coming back, it is essential to work with a veterinarian to determine the underlying problem.
3. Hot Spots
You might hear your veterinarian call these acute moist dermatitis or acute traumatic pyogranulomatous dermatitis (say that three times fast!). Still, even veterinarians call them hot spots most of the time. Hot spots can show up very quickly and be quite painful and difficult to fix.
Hot spots generally start with a minor injury, like a bug bite or splinter, that causes skin irritation. Your pup will start licking, chewing, or scratching, causing the skin to begin oozing. The oozing area dries out, crusts over, and mats fur down, which causes further irritation and itchiness. This cycle continues until something causes it to break.
The most important part of treating a hot spot is breaking the cycle of damage and irritation. This is usually done by clipping the area to remove the matted fur and prevent further spread of the wound. The affected area needs to be scrubbed, usually with a disinfectant, and kept clean and dry to allow healing. Topical or oral products like anti-itch medications or antibiotics may be prescribed to speed the healing process.
4. Demodectic Mange (Also Called Demodex or White Mange)
Demodectic mange is caused by microscopic mites that live in the hair follicles of dogs. These are transmitted from mother to pup during nursing, and over 98% of dogs carry these mites. Unfortunately, Dobermans are more likely to have problems with these mites than many other breeds of dogs.
When a dog has trouble with mange, it means that either they are allergic to the mites or, more commonly, the number of mites in their skin has increased dramatically. Overgrowth can be due to a suppressed immune system or hormonal changes. Things that suppress the immune system and allow overgrowth include age (the very young and very old), allergies, certain medications, and disease processes in other organs like the thyroid or adrenal glands.
Dogs that are allergic to the mites will be itchy and have patches of hair loss in various places on their body. If they are not allergic and only dealing with an overgrowth, they will have the same patches of hair loss without being itchy. These patches appear in different places on different dogs but commonly occur around the eyes and on the back or sides. Many dogs having trouble with Demodex also have secondary bacterial or yeast infections of the skin that can be itchy and cause additional rashes and hair loss.
There are various treatments available for mange, but all require a trip to your veterinarian. Traditionally, we have used injectable or oral medications and specialized shampoos to treat the mites. However, in the last several years, the newer flea and tick control medications have been shown to control Demodex mites quite well. So, you can kill two birds with one stone by keeping your Doberman with skin issues on one of these new products. They don’t work 100% of the time, but they’re much better than anything we’ve had before!
5. Seborrhea (Dry, Flaky Skin)
Seborrhea is a common condition in Dobermans, and it goes beyond regular old dandruff. If your Doberman’s skin issues look like thick yellow or brown flakes and dull or thinning hair, this might be the problem. The most common causes of seborrhea are poor nutrition and genetic predisposition, though some hormonal imbalances can cause it as well.
The key to treating seborrhea is to get the skin back to a normal, healthy condition. This usually includes improving nutrition and using topical products to treat the skin. Talk to your veterinarian about the diet most appropriate for your Doberman’s skin issue. They may also recommend a shampoo containing benzoyl peroxide, which can also help bring the skin back in balance and return the skin cycle to normal. Once things return to normal, regular bathing and brushing can help keep seborrhea from coming back.
6. Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid)
Doberman skin problems are frequently due to an underactive thyroid gland, commonly called hypothyroidism. When the thyroid gland isn’t working correctly, it has many different effects on the body. Skin disease caused by hypothyroidism is particularly common in Dobermans as they get older.
If your Doberman’s skin issues are due to thyroid disease, they might start losing fur on their sides or have problems with skin infections. These infections can appear anywhere on the body, but common areas include the back and belly. The infection will usually go away quickly with treatment but will likely return in a few weeks or months.
Your veterinarian will need to perform some blood tests on your pup to determine if their thyroid is working normally. If it is not, they will work with you to provide hormone supplements for your pup that will help resolve your Doberman’s skin issues and keep them from returning.
7. Color Dilution Alopecia
Color dilution alopecia is a unique skin problem in Dobermans. It primarily affects blue Dobies but can also affect red and fawn pups to some extent. Although it can be seen in other breeds with dilute color patterns, it is most well-known in Dobermans.
Color dilution alopecia is a genetic condition in which the genes that cause the fur to be lighter in color also damage the follicles that grow the fur. Over time, the damage builds, and the follicles stop working. This results in a slow loss of hair without visible skin damage. Hair loss is usually first noticed on the back, shoulders, or sides, but it isn’t itchy unless there is also an infection or allergies.
Unfortunately, color dilution alopecia doesn’t have a specific treatment. Many things that promote good coat and skin health can help slow hair loss, increase comfort, and decrease the risk of infection, but they will not regrow hair that is already gone.
How to Help Dobermans with Skin Issues
Nutrition
While most people don’t think of nutrition as skin care, it is arguably the most critical factor in coat and skin health. Healthy skin requires a diet with appropriate levels of fat and protein to support the growth of new skin cells and any healing that needs to occur.
Look for high-quality food brands that have a veterinary nutritionist on staff. A nutritionist ensures that the diets are formulated appropriately for the various needs and life stages they are labeled for. Feeding a high-quality, well-balanced, veterinary-approved diet provides the foundation for good skin health.
Environment
The environment we live in has a significant effect on our pup’s health. If your Doberman has skin issues, you’ll want to take a close look at their surroundings to see what you can improve.
Consider allergens in your pup’s environment. Dust, mold, pollen, plants, and many other things can cause allergic reactions in your pup. Minimizing exposure by dusting, vacuuming, using air purifiers, and changing air filters can help keep your Doberman’s skin issues at bay. If your pup has outdoor allergies, avoid outdoor exercise on high pollen days, and wipe your dog with a damp washcloth after going outside to remove excess pollen.
Also, think about how much stress your pup might be experiencing. Just like humans, stress hormones have a huge effect on your pup’s skin. Not only can it cause health issues, but it also increases self-soothing behavior like licking and chewing.
Stress can be due to boredom, lack of exercise, excessive noise, household changes, or any number of other things. Help your pup by providing plenty of exercise and mental stimulation in your household routine. Also, try to keep a regular routine so your dog knows what to expect in their day-to-day life.
Grooming
Since Dobermans have short fur, they don’t need the kind of grooming you might think of for a Poodle or Yorkie. However, regular bathing and brushing can still help promote healthy skin.
Bathing too frequently or using shampoo that is too drying can worsen your Doberman’s skin issues. Talk to your veterinarian to find your pup’s best shampoo and bathing routine. You may also want to add a conditioner to keep your pup’s coat and skin moisturized and shiny.
Brushing a short-haired pup is very different than brushing a dog with a curly coat or long hair. Use a curry-comb style brush to remove loose fur and bring up shine without injuring or irritating your pup’s skin.
Medications for Doberman Skin Issues
Over-the-Counter Options
Not many over-the-counter options are effective for allergies, but many topical products can help manage other skin conditions. It is important to work with your veterinarian to determine which ingredients will help and how to use them properly, but after that, you may be able to find similar products on the shelf at your local pet store.
Prescription Medications
While there are many over-the-counter options for treating your Doberman’s skin issues, sometimes, they just aren’t enough. Just like in humans, the products available without a prescription are weaker and may not work for your pup. Let’s talk about some of the prescription options your dog might need.
Allergy Medication
There are a wide variety of medications used to manage allergies. They include:
- Oral anti-inflammatory and anti-itch drugs like antihistamines or steroids
- Injectable anti-itch medications
- Oral medicines that work on the immune system
- Injectable or oral immunotherapy (allergy shots)
You will need to work with your veterinarian to determine which options to try for your pup and which ones work best for them.
Antimicrobials
These include both antibacterial and anti-yeast products. Sometimes, your Doberman’s skin issues will need one, sometimes the other, and sometimes both. When overused, these medications can have some serious side effects and increase the risk of more infections in the future. Your veterinarian will explain why your pup needs the medications they prescribe and how to use them appropriately to reduce these risks.
Flea and Tick Medication
While there are some over-the-counter flea and tick control options, the safest and most effective products are available through your veterinarian. Even if your pup doesn’t have fleas or flea allergies, preventing fleas and ticks is much easier than dealing with them after they appear. Also, as mentioned in the section on mange, some of these products go beyond just preventing fleas and ticks.
Hormone Supplementation
If your Doberman’s skin problems require medications in this category, you will need to work very closely with your veterinarian. Blood tests will be required to both diagnose the problem and monitor the dog’s progress and medication levels. Regular exams are also required to ensure your pup handles the medication well.
When to See Your Veterinarian
Doberman skin issues may seem like a simple problem you can manage at home, but sometimes it goes beyond that. If your pup has a minor problem that lasts more than a couple of weeks or seems to be worsening, schedule a visit with your veterinarian.
Signs that you should get your pup seen by your veterinarian as soon as possible include severe itchiness (think jumping up from rest to scratch or creating wounds on themselves), wounds that don’t appear to be healing, a smell that comes back quickly after baths, swollen skin, or super-fast hair loss.
To keep your Doberman’s skin as healthy as possible, schedule regular visits with your veterinarian and check your pup frequently at home.
Final Thoughts on Doberman Skin Issues
As much as we love our Dobermans, their skin issues can be a real pain. Good nutrition, supplements if diet alone isn’t enough, and parasite-prevention medications can help keep these issues at bay. Keep an eye on your pup’s skin with regular bathing and brushing, and reach out to your veterinarian if these simple steps aren’t doing the trick.
