The Doberman pinscher managed to be one of the most popular dogs. It ranked 12th in AKC’s 2012 and 2013 ranking for the most popular dog breeds. At present, the Yorkie terrier replaced it, and it’s currently on the 19th spot.
So what could’ve contributed to this significant drop? The culprit might be a condition that most Dobermans are weak against – dry and flaky skin.
Most owners of Dobermans dread their pets having dry skin. So what could be the reasons for a Doberman dry skin? This article presents you with the most common ones.
Genetics
The Doberman is a breed that’s naturally weak against skin conditions. If you trace the history, the Doberman is a result of breeding cattle and shepherd dogs. Both are very susceptible to various skin conditions despite being widely used as farm animals.
And as a result, the Doberman has inherited the fatal weakness of its progenitors. Its genetics doesn’t make it resilient against conditions that could significantly affect the skin.
Hyperthyroidism
In as much as Doberman’s genetics is concerned, there’s a condition that most vets call hyperthyroidism. Doberman and its relatives -the sheepdogs and cattle dogs – are very susceptible to this.
So what does hyperthyroidism do? A Doberman that’s suffering from this condition doesn’t make enough thyroxine via the thyroid gland. For dogs, thyroxine is important because it’s crucial for the metabolic process, converting food into energy.
The decreased levels of thyroxine don’t only affect Doberman’s metabolic process. It also shows overt effects such as the shedding of fur and the emergence of dry, calloused skin.
Allergies
Next are food allergies. This is a condition that not only the Dobberman but also other dogs are highly susceptible to. Dry skin that food allergies cause doesn’t emerge right then and there. Noticeable effects might take weeks or months to occur.
So what are the most common foods that Doberman is allergic to? You should avoid feeding shrimps, eggs, chocolate, and nuts. Dried fish is also a big no.
Aside from food, the Doberman is also allergic to pollen or dust. Dry skin caused by these usually occur during the summer, where the surrounding air is commonly filled with particles that might act as allergens.
But whether it’s food, dust, or pollen, know that dry skin, which is a result of allergic reactions, can be very agonizing for the Doberman. It will experience periodic itching of its body and will continuously scratch its coast with its paws. If left unattended, scratching will eventually wound the exposed skin and make the Doberman foul-smelling.
How Do You Treat and Prevent Doberman Dry Skin?
If you’re Doberman is already experiencing dry skin, using an ointment will be the best treatment mode. And one specific ointment that you should use is Neosporin. Neosporin helps to discourage bacterial infections, which make dry skin smelly.
You can also use apple cider vinegar. However, be sure to dilute it water. If not diluted and use on its own, apple cider vinegar can be very painful for the Doberman. This natural remedy is great at relieving the itchiness that the Doberman is feeling.
If caused by hyperthyroidism, a canine thyroid medication will relieve the Doberman from dry skin. A highly effective product is thyroid canine tablets. This med is available at most veterinary clinics.
I’ll also teach you how to keep Doberman’s skin healthy before ending this article. For maintenance, bath the Doberman with oily hypoallergenic substances. Use dog shampoo that has a high concentration of aloe vera oil. Extra virgin coconut oil is also an option. These provide the Doberman’s coat with a thin protective layer that’s useful against dust and other particles.
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