Seborrhoea: Chronic Scaling Welfare in Dogs

Key Welfare Facts

Seborrhoea causes abnormal keratinisation resulting in greasy or scaly skin and coat with secondary odour.
Most cases are secondary to underlying causes including allergies, endocrine disease, or ectoparasites.
Affected dogs experience discomfort from inflammation, secondary infection, and persistent pruritus.
Medicated shampoos including benzoyl peroxide, selenium sulphide, and chlorhexidine improve clinical signs.
Essential fatty acid supplementation supports skin barrier function and reduces seborrhoeic changes.
Primary idiopathic seborrhoea is heritable in Cocker Spaniels and requires lifelong management.

Welfare Assessment

Seborrhoea causes chronic welfare compromise through discomfort and secondary infection that is largely manageable with appropriate treatment of underlying causes. Investigating and addressing the underlying condition alongside topical management achieves the best long-term welfare outcome.

What You Can Do

Investigate underlying causes including allergies, thyroid disease, and ectoparasites before treating
Implement regular medicated bathing on a schedule appropriate to severity of clinical signs
Add essential fatty acid supplementation to support skin barrier function and reduce inflammation
Work with a dermatologist for primary idiopathic seborrhoea requiring long-term specialist management