German Shepherd Skin Issues and How to Help Them

Did you know German Shepherds are prone to skin issues? In this article, one of our veterinary experts explores the complex topic of skin issues in this popular dog breed.

German Shepherds, known for their intelligence, loyalty, and strength, are a popular breed worldwide. Whether a German Shepherd is part of your family, or you are interested in the breed, it’s important to be aware that certain health conditions may be more prevalent in specific dog breeds.

For German Shepherds, this list often includes hip and elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, exocrine pancreatitis insufficiency, bloat, cancer, and skin issues such as allergies. 

Here, we’ll explore common German Shepherd skin issues, discuss the underlying causes, and provide tips on how pet parents can work with their veterinarian to keep their dog’s skin healthy and comfortable.

Common Skin Issues in German Shepherds

Common skin issues in dogs, can range from mild itching and irritation to severe conditions requiring prompt veterinary treatment. Regardless of the type of skin issue, many cause similar symptoms, including pruritus (itchy skin), redness, hair loss, sores, bumps, crusting, and changes in odor or texture of the skin. Dermatitis is a general term used to describe inflammation of the skin, and can occur for several reasons.

Allergies

Just like people, dogs often suffer from allergies; however, instead of sniffles and sneezing, the most common symptom of canine allergies is itchy skin and skin irritation. Dogs can be allergic to a variety of things: 

• Environmental allergens such as pollen or dust mites (atopy)
• Ingredients in their food (food allergies)
• Fleas (flea allergy dermatitis)
• Materials that come into contact with their skin (contact allergies).  

Compared to other breeds, German Shepherds tend to have a higher incidence of allergies, especially atopy. Symptoms include excessive scratching, chewing, or licking of the body, paws, face, and ears. You might also notice redness, inflammation, recurrent ear and skin infections, scabs or sores, and hair loss. 

If you suspect your German Shepherd has skin allergies, it’s important to see your veterinarian to determine the underlying cause and best treatment options. Diagnosing skin allergies in dogs can be a complex process, often involving a combination of diet trials, skin tests, and blood tests. 

Treatments may include a hydrolyzed protein diet for food allergies, medications (such as Apoquel, Cytopoint, or steroids) to manage itching and inflammation, medicated shampoos or ointments, and antibiotics if a skin infection is present. In some cases, allergen-specific immunotherapy (allergy shots) may be recommended to gradually desensitize your dog to the allergens they are sensitive to. 

Managing allergies is an ongoing process, and it may take time to find the most effective treatment plan.

Hot Spots

Hot spots (also known as acute moist dermatitis or pyotraumatic dermatitis) are localized areas of skin inflammation and infection commonly seen in dogs. They appear as red, moist, and oozing sores that can develop suddenly and can spread rapidly. These lesions often have a circular shape and range in size from small spots to several inches in diameter. Hot spots can occur anywhere on the body, but are often found on the head, neck, hips, and limbs.

Hot spots are caused by excessive licking, chewing, or scratching at a particular area. This is often a response to underlying skin irritation, such as allergies, pain, or an insect bite. 

Treatment for hot spots involves addressing the underlying cause, shaving and cleaning the area, using an E-collar to prevent further licking and trauma, and using topical or oral medications to treat inflammation and infection.