Can humans get seborrhea from dogs
Seborrhea in Dogs
What is seborrhea
Seborrhea, commonly called seborrheic dermatitis, is a skin disease that commonly occurs in dogs, and is characterized by an excessively oily, greasy, and flaky skin [1, 2]. It affects the areas rich in sebaceous glands, either causing them to overproduce sebum (a thick, oily secretion) or developing dryer skin that often flakes off [3].
Seborrhea in Dogs
Signs and symptoms
The signs and symptoms of canine seborrhea vary depending on its type:
Types of canine seborrhea
- Seborrhea oleosa or oily seborrhea [3]
- Seborrhea sicca or dry seborrhea [3]
- A combination of both the oily and dry forms [3]
In canine seborrhea, it is mostly a combination of seborrhea oleosa and sicca [1, 3] and its visible symptoms are:
- Whitish, scaly, flaky skin (dandruff) on the face, flanks, and along the back, which can be seen on your dogs bedding and the places where it lies [3, 4]
- Redness, inflammation, and itching at the affected part with an oily or dry feel [3]
- A distinctive odor, caused by the greasy substance exuding from the affected area [2]. The odor may worsen with the occurrence of further complications ( especially when occurring due to a secondary yeast or bacterial infection) [3]
- Hair loss (alopecia) [4]
- Thick crusted skin [4]
What causes seborrheic dermatitis in dogs
Primary seborrhea
In some cases, seborrhea is an inherited disorder (idiopathic or primary seborrhea), and the exact cause cannot be determined [1, 3].
Secondary seborrhea
Most often the condition in dogs is associated with an underlying health problem, in which case it is called a secondary seborrhea [2, 3]. Some of the medical conditions that may lead to seborrhea include:
- Allergies [3, 4]
- Internal and external parasites (like ticks, fleas, and mange mites) [3, 4]
- Hormonal imbalances (such as thyroid disorder and Cushings disease) [3]
- Fungal and bacterial infections, particularly yeast infections caused by Malassezia [3]
- Obesity [4]
- Temperature or humidity changes [3, 4]
- Dietary deficiencies of omega-3 fatty acids [1, 3]
- Musculoskeletal pain or disease that prevents the dog from grooming itself properly [3]
Dogs more at risk for primary seborrhea
It commonly occurs before the dog is two years old, and progresses all through its life [2]. Dog breeds that are genetically predisposed to idiopathic seborrhea are:
- English Springer Spaniels [5]
- German Shepherds [2]
- Golden Retrievers [5]
- Dachshunds [2, 5]
- Labrador Retrievers [2]
- American Coker Spaniels [2]
- West Highland White Terriers [5]
- Basset Hounds [2, 5]
- Shar-Peis [2]
- Doberman Pinschers [2]
Another type of the condition, called ear margin seborrhea, is common in dog breeds with pendulous ears including Dachshunds and Cocker Spaniels [8].
Is it contagious
Seborrhea is not known to be contagious from dogs to humans or vice-versa.
Diagnosis of seborrheic dermatitis
After the initial assessment of your dogs symptoms, a comprehensive physical examination of its skin and internal organ system may be done for identifying all possible underlying causes [5]. The following laboratory tests and procedures may help in diagnosing canine seborrhea:
- Blood tests like CBC (complete blood cell count) and serum chemistry for determining underlying conditions or electrolytic imbalances [3].
- Skin culture for confirming underlying fungal and bacterial infections [3].
- Examination of dead skin layers (scraping) and tissue samples (cytology) [3].
- Hormone tests for Cushings and thyroid diseases [3].
- Skin biopsy for infections, cancer, or other disorders [3].
Diagnosis of idiopathic seborrhea is made only when no underlying conditions suggesting a secondary seborrhea are found [2, 3].
Treatment for seborrhea in dogs
The treatment of seborrheic dermatitis in dogs involves controlling the symptoms, frequent monitoring, and focusing on eliminating the cause [4].
Treating with medicated antiseborrheic shampoos
A combination of mild, antiseborrheic shampoos and conditioners is considered to be one of the most effective treatments since it may help in lessening flakes, keeping your dogs skin clean, and alleviating redness or itchiness [2, 4]. Ingredients commonly found in medicated shampoos include coal tar, salicylic acid, sulfur, propylene glycol, selenium sulfide, benzoyl peroxide, and fatty acids [5].
Sprays and moisturizers may be used between baths or after shampooing because it helps prevent loss of water from your dogs skin [2, 5]. Consult your vet regarding the amount of shampoo and the number of baths that works best for your pet.
Do not use human shampoo on your dog without talking to your vet.
Treating seborrhea in dogs with medication
- For treating hormonal imbalance, oral medications may be prescribed [4].
- If your pets seborrheic dermatitis is caused by an allergic reaction, your vet may first recommend a diet change to find out what food may be triggering the allergy [4].
- In case the allergy is a severe form of autoimmune response, an immunosuppressive drug like oral cyclosporine may be prescribed [3, 4].
As shown in a study, treating idiopathic seborrhea with an oral retinoid may successfully treat it [3]. Antibiotic and antifungal therapies may be needed for treating secondary infections [2].
Natural home remedies for seborrhea in dogs
Your vet may recommend omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin or mineral supplements in cases of dietary deficiencies [2]. Giving natural supplements with digestive enzymes and vitamins A, C, and E may also be beneficial for your dogs skin [6].
In addition to strengthening its immunity, herbs like sarsaparilla, red clover, and Oregon grape found in supplements may help in detoxifying blood [6].
Applying a topical solution of 50 percent apple cider vinegar mixed with 50 percent water on the affected areas may help with itchy skin due to seborrhea caused by secondary yeast infections [7].
According to some dog-owners, a bunch of fresh or dried thyme or rosemary boiled in one liter of water may be used to bathe your pet for a mild seborrhea, whereas coconut oil may also be applied for reducing odor and minimizing allergic reactions.
Consult your vet before trying these remedies.
Prognosis for canine seborrhea
The recovery rate of secondary seborrhea depends on the severity of your dogs condition and how quickly its cause has been pinpointed and treated [3, 4]. The Idiopathic form on the other hand, is not curable, but with proper treatment it is possible to keep the symptoms in check [2].
Seborrhea in Dogs: Signs, Symptoms, Treatment
Unless you have a hairless dog breed, your dogs skin is often hidden by hair or fur. But for all breeds, skin health is a factor in your dogs overall well-being. Canine skin disorders like seborrhea, also known as seborrheic dermatitis, can lead to flaking and greasy skin. Learn how to recognize canine seborrhea and how to treat seborrhea in dogs.
What Is Seborrhea in Dogs?
Seborrhea is caused by a defect in skin keratinization (the formation and turnover of skin cells). It happens when the body produces too many skin cells and/or too much sebum (a naturally-occurring, oily substance).
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?
Primary Seborrhea
Primary seborrhea is an inherited disorder where the cells in the top layer of skin, known as the epidermis, multiply excessively. Dr. Pye explains that primary seborrhea is often seen 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, and 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 occurs when a separate disorder, rather than cell multiplication in the epidermis, causes seborrhea in dogs. The secondary disorder could be anything that creates skin inflammation, such as canine allergies, external dog parasites, endocrine disorders, immune-mediated disease (conditions where the immune system may attack the bodys cells), or nutritional deficiencies.
Skin inflammation can lead to increased skin cell turnover, as well as changes to skin fats and fatty compounds called lipids. In particular, lipids within the skin may begin to overproduce. And all that results in a seborrheic appearance to the dog.
Whether the dogs have 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?
Because secondary seborrhea can be caused by so many different conditions, the signs of the disease can vary. However, the following list of symptoms may help you identify when theres reason for concern:
- Increased skin flaking, often seen as dog dandruff in their bedding
- Increased skin oiliness, meaning the coat and skin may look greasy
- Foul odors (often associated with seborrhea oleosa and caused by keratin deposits sticking to hair, but they may also be the result of secondary bacterial or yeast infections.)
- Red or inflamed skin, which may appear in areas with skin folds (such as around the armpits or thighs)
- Hair loss
- Bumps or pimples, which can indicate a secondary infection
- Itching in dogs, which may be caused by a secondary issue such as allergies
Does Puppy Seborrhea Exist?
Primary seborrhea usually begins when a dog is under 2 years of age. So puppies are not immune to seborrhea. In fact, any dog can get secondary seborrhea if they have a separate 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?
Dr. Pye clarifies that seborrhea itself is not contagious. In addition, many of the diseases causing secondary seborrhea, like allergies or endocrine diseases, are also not contagious.
However, other causes of seborrhea (like certain parasites or fungal infections, including ringworm in dogs) can be contagious. If your pet is diagnosed with a contagious disease that leads to seborrhea, your vet may recommend treating other dogs in the house for that underlying condition. They may also recommend that you avoid taking your dogs to public places until the disease has been treated. If your dog has a contagious disease, use good hygiene practices to keep yourself safe, including wearing disposable gloves while handling them and washing hands thoroughly afterwards.
How Is Seborrhea in Dogs Diagnosed?
Depending on your dogs clinical signs of seborrhea, your vet might recommend a range of tests. These could include:
- Cytology (examining skin cells) to check for infection
- Skin scrapings to identify the presence of certain parasites
- Trials of parasitical medications (Some parasites are difficult to identify with scrapings, so medication trials can help rule them out as causes.)
- Blood work to rule out systemic disease in dogs (conditions that affect multiple systems or the whole body) and endocrine disease
- 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?
The main treatment for secondary seborrhea involves addressing the underlying disease. Once this is treated, the seborrhea should resolve within a few months.
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 treating the symptoms, as well.
According to Dr. Pye, your vet may recommend several potential seborrhea in dogs. These include:
- Bathing: Your vet will recommend either an antimicrobial shampoo or a dog shampoo aimed at removing excess sebum. Be sure to follow your vets instructions about how often to wash your dog and how long to leave the seborrhea dog shampoo on for. In the beginning, they may instruct you to bathe your dog one to two times a week. Its a good idea to avoid using very hot water, which can further dry out the skin. Also, shampoos will often need a contact time of five to 10 minutes on the skin to work best. If a dog is very greasy, your vet may recommend two dog shampoos, one to degrease the dog and another to moisturize the skin.
- Spot-on anti-seborrheic products: Spot-on anti-seborrheic products are small pipettes containing a liquid that can be applied directly to the skin once a week. They help to regulate skin turnover and the production of lipids.
- Omega fatty acids and other vitamins and supplements: Always talk to your vet before giving your dog any supplements, but they may recommend adding omega fatty acid supplements to your dogs diet, as these can decrease inflammation (in certain cases of secondary seborrhea) and moisturize the skin barrier (in cases of seborrhea sicca). Fish oils for dogs may also be helpful.
How to Treat Seborrhea in Dogs 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 dogs skin disease is not resolving, your veterinarian can refer you to a board-certified veterinary dermatologist who will be able to help address your dogs 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 vets approval, you can try some at-home seborrhea dog treatments, such as using medicated anti-seborrheic shampoo. A once-a-week bath for your dog with lukewarm water can also help reduce the signs. However, Dr. Pye warns that secondary seborrhea will return (even with at-home treatment) unless the underlying disease is addressed. Plus, your dog could potentially develop other clinical signs in the meanwhile.
Can Seborrhea in Dogs Be Cured?
Primary seborrhea is genetic and lifelong, and many of the diseases that lead to secondary seborrhea do not have a cure. Instead, they are chronic conditions, like allergies or endocrine disease, that require lifelong management. Therefore, in most cases, your vet may place emphasis on controlling the secondary disease so you no longer see any of the clinical signs of seborrhea. However, if the secondary seborrhea is caused by a curable condition (like the presence of parasites), your dog should be fully healed once treatment is complete.
