Skin Issues on a Blue Doberman

The Doberman Pinscher is a square, medium sized dog developed in Germany around 1900 for the purpose of guarding and became a recognized breed by 1908. While these dogs require little grooming because of their short coat, like all dogs Dobermans are susceptible to skin issues ranging from mild to severe. By being familiar with the types of skin issues Dobermans can suffer from can help prevent common skin disorders.

  1. Mild Skin Issues

    • Mild skin issues that Dobermans can suffer from include allergies and parasites. Allergies can occur from food and detergents and increase dry skin. Treatment usually includes changing one thing at a time to reduce irritant sources, with some veterinarians prescribing a mild antihistamine. Parasites such as fleas, ticks and mosquitoes can also cause mild skin issues such as redness and tenderness. Treatment begins with committed grooming schedule and quality flea and tick control. Using a mild pet oatmeal shampoo and conditioner can relieve surface itching and dry skin.

    Moderate Skin Issues

    • Bacterial skin infections are collectively called pyoderma and generally stem from staphylococcus. Symptoms include pus and drainage and can be superficial such as is caused with mange or deep muscle, which is usually caused by trauma or injury. Fungal skin issues such as ringworm can be transmitted across species and requires veterinary treatment and medication before symptoms and worms disappear. Moderate skin issues can be prevented by practicing good sanitation practices in kennels and sleeping areas, routine grooming and quality nutrition.

    Severe Skin Issues

    • Severe skin issues that Doberman Pinschars are at risk for is follicular dysplasia, which creates patchy hair loss over the lumbar region. As of 2011, there has been no suggested treatment option for this skin issue. Other severe skin issues include cysts and tumors that always require a veterinarian to remove and perform a biopsy on. Depending on the type and stage of the cyst or tumor, a treatment option may include simply removing the cysts to chemotherapy or limb amputation for cancerous tumors.

    Considerations

    • Mild and moderate skin issues such as allergies, bacterial and parasitic can turn into severe skin issues if not promptly treated. Many skin issues will mimic others, which means that all skin issues should be examined by a veterinarian before being treated. And while some skin treatments are available for purchase at pet supply stores, many medications can worsen symptoms if they contain alcohol or other ingredients that can burn or irritate the skin.