Nope, the seborrhea in dogs is not contagious. Most often, it is an internal skin condition triggered by a genetic predisposition, hormonal issues, or allergies. Seborrhea, unlike fungal or parasitic infections, is not transmissible between dogs or pets and humans. It seems to be like contagious diseases, which can cause a misconception in the minds of the pet owners.
Seborrhea is an ailment that should be cured and treated, and it helps the health and welfare of your dog. We are now going to see what exactly seborrhea is, its symptoms and causes, and how one can treat the same within the confines of his/own home.
Seborrhea in dogs: what is it?
Seborrhea is a type of chronic skin disease that affects the process of skin renewal. In dogs, it usually causes scaly and flaky skin, overproduction of oils, and foul odor. The two predominant types include
- Seborrhea Sicca (dry): It is a disease that causes dry, dehydrated skin, which is covered by white scales.
- Seborrhea Oleosa (oily): Causes the production of greasy skin, leaving yellow matted scales with a strong odor.
The majority of dogs have a mixture of both, and this can either be mild dandruff or, in other cases, tough, greasy crusts on the skin.
Seborrhea in Dogs: Causes
Seborrhea could either be primary (genetic) or secondary (as an indication of another underlying problem).
Primary Seborrhea
It is an inborn deformity and is largely common in species like
- Cocker Spaniels
- Basset Hounds
- The West Highland White Terriers.
- Springer spaniels in England.
- Dachshunds
It mostly occurs in young dogs and must be managed throughout the life of the dog.
Secondary Seborrhea
This is a more widespread form, and it is caused by other illnesses, including:
- Flea Allergies, Food, or Environmental Allergies.
- Hypothyroidism
- Cushing’s disease
- Locusts or fleas as parasites.
- Infection by a fungus or bacteria.
- Weak nutrition or vitamin deficiencies.
Where secondary seborrhea is involved, palliative treatment lies in correcting the underlying cause that triggers the skin condition so that the problem can be eliminated.
The Reason Seborrhea may be Confused With a contagious Disease
The symptoms of seborrhea, such as redness, dry flaky rash, and hair loss, along with offensive smell, may even resemble other diseases such as mange, ringworm, or yeast infection, all of which are contagious.
For example:
- Ringworm is a kind of fungus that causes hair loss in circumscribed areas and is contagious to other pets as well as humans.
- Mange is an infection caused by mites that results in hair loss and itchiness that is contagious in some types.
Due to such similarities, seborrhea is, at first, thought to be an infectious condition by many pet owners. This is the reason why it is very important to have the appropriate veterinary diagnosis before jumping to conclusions.
Are My Pet and Other People Contractible for Seborrhea?
No, seborrhea is a non-zoonotic disease. That means:
- Dogs are capable of contracting it from human beings, but human beings are not capable of contracting it from dogs.
- Contact with other animals in the house will also not cause it to transfer to other animals in the house.
Although it is not contagious, a dog with seborrhea can scratch or lick its head too much, so they leaves trash on the bed or furniture. This may give a notion of having an infectious issue, and yet, it does not transmit the condition.
Nevertheless, secondary infections such as overgrowth by yeast or bacteria on seborrheic skin have a weak possibility of causing risks to immunocompromised people in case hygiene is not observed. This is exceptional, but it shows how important it is to be clean in case of flare-ups.
Symptoms and Signs of Seborrhea
Watch out for the following symptoms:
- Skin is flaky and scaly (particularly at the back, belly, and ears).
- Greasy or oily skin and fur.
- Stench, dirty smell.
- Inflammation and redness.
- Over-scratching or licking.
- Darkened or thickened skin with time.
- thinning out or bald spots on the hair.
These symptoms usually develop over time and worsen with time if left unattended.
What are the Diagnosis Methods of Seborrhea?
Veterinarians treat seborrhea with a combination of:
- Physical examination
- To exclude mites with skin scraping.
- Fungal bellies help reduce the chance of ringworm.
- Blood tests to test the imbalance of hormones.
- Severe or chronic cases are identified by biopsies.
One of the priorities is to rule out contagious illness, particularly where there is an overlap of symptoms.
Dog Seborrhea Treatment Solutions
There is no magic cure for seborrhea, but a combination of treatment options certainly helps put this condition under control.
1. Medicated Shampoos
There are mostly shampoos that include salicylic acid, sulfur, benzoyl peroxide, or coal tar. They relieve itchiness, loosen flakes, and minimize oil.
2. Dietary Changes
Incorporation of Omega-3 fatty acids in the diet of your dog helps toward healthy skin. Inflammation can also be lowered with a hypoallergenic, well-balanced diet.
3. Taming the Ground Cause
The second seborrhea requires treatment at the root of the problem, be it hormonal, allergic, or parasitic.
4. Regular Grooming
You can reduce it by bathing it (as suggested by the vet) and brushing and providing bacteria-free surroundings for your pet.
Will Seborrheic Dermatitis Worsen?
Yes. Seborrhea, which is left untreated, may cause:
- Secondary infection with bacteria or yeast.
- Scales and thickening of the skin, as well as chronic itchiness.
- Unacceptable coat quality.
- Behavioral changes and discomposure.
It is not contagious to other dogs, but it is an outrageous quality-of-life concern to dogs with the condition.
Is Seborrhea Another Health Problem?
Although seborrhea is not a condition with an immediate threat to life, the chronic inflammation and an excess of oil in the skin can harm the protective film of the skin. This lets in the possibility of:
- Candidiasis (Malassezia)
- Staph bacterial infections (Staph)
- Constant scratching and ulcers
In other cases, your dog will be able to receive painful secondary infections that will worsen its quality of life and will require lasting treatment. With early diagnosis and early treatment, prevention is possible.
Emotional Support of Your Dog in Flare-Ups
Physical ailments such as seborrhea may not only have physical effects. Itching, discomfort, or having to bathe your dog regularly may make them stressed.
These are some of the ways we can help them:
- Have a resting place that is peaceful and hygienic.
- Do not use aggressive shampoos and overbathe.
- Use relaxing sprays and vet-approved anti-anxiety products in case of necessity.
- Give rewards and care after grooming to make it positive.
- Mental happiness is one of the major factors in the recovery and strength of your dog.
Final Words
Seborrhea is not a contagious disease, but it needs special treatment, time, and temperance. It can be extremely threatening in appearance; however, with an appropriate diagnosis and treatment, the greater part of the dogs will experience a good, comfortable life.
In case your dog has dry, itchy, or orange and greasy skin, or you notice that your dog has flaky skin, you should not think that it is an infectious disease.
FAQs
1. Can seborrhea be transferred to humans?
No, human beings cannot contract seborrhea. It is a noncontagious disorder, which is often caused by internal factors such as genetics or allergies.
2. Can seborrhea in an infected dog be transferred to other pets?
No, seborrhea cannot be transferred to other animals. It is neither bacteria nor fungi nor parasites transmitted between animals.
3. I have a dog with seborrhea, which smells: what can I do?
Bathe with a medicated shampoo recommended by the vet, make sure that they have a good diet, and treat secondary infections.
