8 German Shepherd Skin Issues and How to Treat Them

German Shepherds, known for their intelligence, loyalty, and strength, are a popular breed worldwide. Whether a German Shepherd is part of your family, or you are interested in the breed, it’s important to be aware that certain health conditions may be more prevalent in specific dog breeds.

For German Shepherds, this list often includes hip and elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, exocrine pancreatitis insufficiency, bloat, cancer, and skin issues such as allergies.

Here, we’ll explore common German Shepherd skin issues, discuss the underlying causes, and provide tips on how pet parents can work with their veterinarian to keep their dog’s skin healthy and comfortable.

Common Skin Issues in German Shepherds

Common skin issues in dogs, can range from mild itching and irritation to severe conditions requiring prompt veterinary treatment. Regardless of the type of skin issue, many cause similar symptoms, including pruritus (itchy skin), redness, hair loss, sores, bumps, crusting, and changes in odor or texture of the skin. Dermatitis is a general term used to describe inflammation of the skin, and can occur for several reasons.

Allergies

Just like people, dogs often suffer from allergies; however, instead of sniffles and sneezing, the most common symptom of canine allergies is itchy skin and skin irritation. Dogs can be allergic to a variety of things:

Environmental allergens such as pollen or dust mites (atopy)
Ingredients in their food (food allergies)
Fleas (flea allergy dermatitis)
Materials that come into contact with their skin (contact allergies).

Compared to other breeds, German Shepherds tend to have a higher incidence of allergies, especially atopy. Symptoms include excessive scratching, chewing, or licking of the body, paws, face, and ears. You might also notice redness, inflammation, recurrent ear and skin infections, scabs or sores, and hair loss.

If you suspect your German Shepherd has skin allergies, it’s important to see your veterinarian to determine the underlying cause and best treatment options. Diagnosing skin allergies in dogs can be a complex process, often involving a combination of diet trials, skin tests, and blood tests.

Treatments may include a hydrolyzed protein diet for food allergies, medications (such as Apoquel, Cytopoint, or steroids) to manage itching and inflammation, medicated shampoos or ointments, and antibiotics if a skin infection is present. In some cases, allergen-specific immunotherapy (allergy shots) may be recommended to gradually desensitize your dog to the allergens they are sensitive to.

Managing allergies is an ongoing process, and it may take time to find the most effective treatment plan.

Hot Spots

Hot spots (also known as acute moist dermatitis or pyotraumatic dermatitis) are localized areas of skin inflammation and infection commonly seen in dogs. They appear as red, moist, and oozing sores that can develop suddenly and can spread rapidly. These lesions often have a circular shape and range in size from small spots to several inches in diameter. Hot spots can occur anywhere on the body, but are often found on the head, neck, hips, and limbs.

Hot spots are caused by excessive licking, chewing, or scratching at a particular area. This is often a response to underlying skin irritation, such as allergies, pain, or an insect bite.

Treatment for hot spots involves addressing the underlying cause, shaving and cleaning the area, using an E-collar to prevent further licking and trauma, and using topical or oral medications to treat inflammation and infection.

A German Shepherd lying down on a lush green field, panting with its tongue out, looking relaxed.

Mange

You’ve probably heard of it, but exactly what is mange in dogs? This common issue is caused by microscopic mites that live on or in a dog’s skin. German Shepherds, like other breeds, can be affected by two types of mange.

Demodectic mange is caused by Demodex mites, which are normally present on the skin of dogs. However, in puppies or dogs with a weakened immune system, these mites can multiply, leading to patchy hair loss, redness, scaling, and skin infections.

Sarcoptic mange (scabies) is caused by Sarcoptes scabiei, a mite that burrows into the skin and causes intense itching, hair loss, infection, and crusty skin. Scabies is highly contagious and can be spread to other dogs and humans.

Veterinarians diagnose mange by taking a skin scraping (sample of skin) for observation under the miscroscope. Depending on the severity and type of mange, your veterinarian may prescribe topical and/or oral medications. Some types of flea and parasite prevention also treat mites.

Parasites

Two other common skin parasites affecting dogs are fleas and ticks. Fleas are small insects that feed on animal blood. Their bites can cause itching, discomfort, hair loss, and secondary skin infections. Some dogs develop flea allergy dermatitis (FAD), a hypersensitivity reaction to flea saliva that results in severe itching from the bite of even a single flea. In severe cases, especially in puppies, flea infestations can lead to anemia due to blood loss.

Ticks are small arachnids that attach themselves to the skin to take a blood meal. This can cause inflammation and irritation, as well as transmission of various diseases (such as Lyme disease) to both humans and animals.

Veterinary-prescribed flea and tick prevention, used year-round, is the best way to help protect your German Shepherd from these parasites. If you are already dealing with a flea or tick infestation, your vet may recommend additional testing and medications.

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Pyoderma (Skin Infection)

Dog skin infections are extremely common and may be caused by bacteria, yeast, or fungi. They often occur secondary to allergies, hormonal imbalances, or other skin conditions.

Bacterial skin infections, known as pyoderma, are the most common type of skin infection in dogs. Superficial pyoderma often causes red, itchy skin, pustules (pimples), or hot spots. Deep pyoderma can cause more severe symptoms, such as pain, crusting, draining tracts, and hair loss.

Yeast infections are another common type of skin infection and cause itching, redness, thickened hyperpigmented skin, and a characteristic musty odor. They can affect various areas of the body, including the ears, paws, armpits, and groin.

Ringworm is not actually a worm but a fungal infection that causes scaly lesions and hair loss. While less common in dogs, ringworm is highly contagious and can be transmitted to other animals and humans.

Diagnosing skin infections involves a combination of physical exam and skin testing, such as cytology (examining a small swab or skin sample under the microscope).

In some cases, a culture is needed to isolate and grow the organism causing infection. Treatment varies based on the type of infection, but generally includes topical or oral antifungal or antibacterial medications, an E-collar to help prevent further damage, and medications to manage itchy and inflamed skin. Controlling and treating underlying conditions, such as allergies, is also crucial to prevent the recurrence of skin infections.

Perianal Fistulas

Perianal fistulas are a painful condition (often mistaken for anal sac disease) more common in German Shepherds than other breeds. They are characterized by draining tracts or tunnels around the anus. Symptoms include pain (especially during defecation), diarrhea or constipation, scooting, licking the anal area, and bloody or foul-smelling discharge. This chronic condition requires veterinary treatment, ranging from medications to surgery.

Autoimmune Disease

Autoimmune skin diseases in German Shepherds occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own cells. Pemphigus is the most common, and includes several different types (pemphigus foliaceus, pemphigus erythematosus, and pemphigus vulgaris) which lead to varying severity of blistering, crusting, ulcers, depigmentation, and hair loss, often around the eyes, nose, and face.

These conditions are diagnosed with a skin biopsy, where a small sample of affected skin is removed and examined under the microscope by a specialist. They require prompt veterinary treatment with immunosuppressive medications.

Dry Skin

Dry skin or dandruff is common in German Shepherds and can cause a dull, flaky coat. This may be caused by several factors, such as cold, dry weather, a diet lacking essential fatty acids, allergies, parasites, or underlying health conditions like hypothyroidism.

A German Shepherd standing in a grassy field with its tongue out, showing a happy expression.

Underlying Causes of Skin Issues

Dog skin issues may occur for a variety of reasons, usually due to a combination of genetics and other factors. Understanding the specific cause and condition can help your vet determine how to treat dog skin issues appropriately. Here are a few reasons why German Shepherds may experience skin issues.

Genetics: German Shepherds inherit genes that can make them more susceptible to certain skin issues. Additionally, the thick double coat, can trap moisture, dirt, and allergens close to the skin. This can lead to skin irritation and contributing to bacterial or yeast overgrowth.
Diet: Nutritional deficiencies can lead to dry, flaky skin, dull fur coat, increased susceptibility to skin infections, and other serious health conditions. Problems are especially common in dogs who are fed raw, grain-free, or unbalanced diets. Additionally, some dogs may develop food allergies to the protein source in their diet, such as chicken or beef.
Environment: This athletic breed was originally bred for herding, and thrive when they are active and outdoors. Exposure to common allergens such as pollen or grass, external parasites, and harsh weather conditions can all trigger skin reactions.
Anxiety and Stress: German Shepherds are a highly intelligent and active breed. If they are bored, stressed, or anxious, they may lick or chew excessively, leading to skin damage. Additionally, chronic stress can weaken the immune system, making dogs more susceptible to infection.
Other Disease: The skin is often a reflection of overall health. Several disease processes, such as hypothyroidism, Cushing’s Disease, liver disease, and cancer, can affect the appearance of your dog’s skin, predispose them to recurrent skin infections, or cause unhealing sores.

Two German Shepherds sitting on a sandy beach with a scenic background, both looking directly at the camera.

How to Help Your German Shepherd Maintain Healthy Skin

The skin is the largest organ in the body and has many important roles, ranging from acting as a protective barrier to contributing to temperature regulation, and more. Here’s how you can work with your vet to keep your dog’s skin and coat in good condition, both at the vet clinic and at home.

Veterinary Care

Staying up to date on annual exams and preventative vet care is important for keeping your dog healthy and catching any issues early. If your German Shepherd is suffering from itchy skin or other skin issues, schedule an appointment with your vet as soon as possible.

Your vet will start by taking a medical history and performing a nose-to-tail physical exam, including a close look at your dog’s skin and ears. Testing often involves a combination of skin tests:

Cytology
Skin scrape
Culture
Biopsy
Allergy testing
Bloodwork to rule out other medical conditions.

Common treatment options will depend on the underlying cause, but may include:

Hypoallergenic diet
Oral and topical medications to treat infection
An E-collar to prevent further trauma to the skin
Flea prevention
Medications such as Apoquel, Cytopoint, or steroids to calm itchy and inflamed skin.

Skin issues are extremely common but can be some of the most frustrating conditions to treat.

At-Home Care

Diet and Nutrition: Feed a WSAVA-compliant or AAFCO-certified diet to ensure that your dog is getting all the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that they need.
Regular Grooming: If you have a German Shepherd, you already know that this is a high-shedding breed. Brushing their coat several times a week helps remove dirt and loose hair. Bathe your dog as needed with a gentle shampoo formulated for dogs. Be sure to avoid harsh shampoos, human products, or bathing too frequently, which can cause dryness and irritation, and be sure to dry them thoroughly afterward.
Manage Allergies: If your dog suffers from allergies, work with your vet to identify triggers and create a management plan. Some strategies may include using hypoallergenic products (such as shampoos, cleaning products, and bedding), wiping off your dog’s paws after they come indoors, keeping your home free from cigarette smoke, and using air purifiers. Additionally, give allergy medications as directed by your vet.
Parasite Prevention: Regularly check your dog for ticks and use a broad-spectrum veterinary-recommended product to protect it from fleas, ticks, heartworm, and intestinal parasites year-round.
Exercise and Enrichment: In addition to other forms of care, your German Shepherd needs a significant amount of physical and mental stimulation to keep them happy, healthy, and engaged. If your dog is showing signs of anxiety, be sure to discuss options with your vet.
Home Remedies and Natural Treatments: Some home remedies may be helpful for managing minor skin issues in dogs, but others may not be beneficial or could even cause harm. Some veterinary-approved options include soothing oatmeal baths, Douxo skin care products, and fish oil supplements. Always consult with your vet before trying a home remedy or adding a supplement to your dog’s diet.
Responsible Breeding. If you opt to get a puppy from a breeder, it’s critical to find one who uses responsible breeding practices. Including screening and genetic testing. This can help ensure the health of the puppies in their line and reduce the prevalence of certain inherited conditions over time. However, don’t let this discourage you from adopting through a shelter or breed-specific rescue, where there are many wonderful dogs in need of homes.

Final Thoughts on German Shepherd Skin Issues

These robust and intelligent dogs are, unfortunately, predisposed to several skin issues. They can range from common concerns like allergies or hot spots to more breed-specific conditions, such as perianal fistulas. Although rarely life-threatening, skin issues can be especially frustrating for pet parents and dogs alike. So, do your research and team up with your vet. Together, you can help your furry family member maintain healthy skin and enjoy a happy, active life.