What causes seborrhoea in dogs?

Read time: 3 minutes

Overview

Seborrhoea in dogs is usually a sign that the skin is producing too much oil, not enough oil, or shedding skin cells in an unusual way. It can happen on its own, but it’s also commonly linked to an underlying issue such as allergies, parasites, infections or another health problem.

It’s worth checking the pattern, the smell, the coat condition and whether there are any other skin changes. That can help you work out whether this looks like a simple coat care issue or something that needs a vet’s input.

Things To Check

1. Look at where the seborrhoea shows up. Is it on the back, ears, face, paws, under the tail, or over the whole body?

2. Check whether the skin feels greasy, flaky, scaly, dry or a mix of these.

3. Notice any smell. A strong, musty or rancid odour can sometimes suggest infection or heavy oil build-up.

4. Look for redness, soreness, scratching, licking, chewing, scabs or broken skin.

5. Think about when it started and whether it’s new, seasonal, recurring or getting worse.

6. Check for other changes too, such as ear issues, patchy hair loss, weight change, tiredness or changes in thirst or appetite.

7. Review any recent changes in diet, grooming, bedding, shampoo, flea control or environment.

Common Causes

The most common causes are skin irritation, allergies and infection. Dogs with allergic skin disease often have recurring flaking, grease or odour, and they may also scratch or lick more than usual.

Parasites, including fleas and mites, can also trigger skin changes and seborrhoea-like signs. Even if you don’t spot fleas straight away, they can still be involved.

Yeast or bacterial skin infections are another frequent cause, especially if the skin is greasy, inflamed or smelly. These often happen alongside another skin problem rather than being the original cause.

Some dogs have seborrhoea linked to hormonal or metabolic conditions, such as thyroid problems, which can affect coat quality and skin turnover.

Less commonly, seborrhoea can be part of an inherited skin condition or a more general health issue. In some dogs, it’s simply a chronic skin tendency that needs ongoing management rather than a one-off fix.

What To Do

Start by keeping a simple note of where the skin changes are, how often they appear and whether anything seems to make them better or worse. Photos can help if the problem comes and goes.

Stick to gentle, regular grooming so loose scale, dirt and excess oil don’t build up. Avoid over-washing, as that can sometimes make dry skin worse, and avoid using human products unless your vet has specifically advised it.

If you suspect fleas or another external trigger, make sure your dog’s routine parasite control is up to date and keep bedding, brushes and sleeping areas clean.

It’s also sensible to review diet and recent changes in the home or grooming routine, since these can sometimes give useful clues.

If the problem is persistent, worsening, smelly or linked to itching, soreness or hair loss, a vet can help identify the cause and suggest the right skin management plan.

Products That May Help

For dogs with flaky, greasy or sensitive skin, suitable grooming and cleansing routines can be useful as part of day-to-day coat care.

Pet Care

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