How to Improve Your Doberman Pinscher's Skin and Coat

Doberman pinschers have the potential to have one of the shiniest coats of any dog. With their short slick coats, they are more of a low-maintenance dog when it comes to grooming than their long-haired counterparts. However, they do require regular brushing and a high-quality diet to keep their skin and coat healthy and properly moisturized.

To improve your Doberman pinscher's skin and coat, ensure your dog is well-fed, regularly groomed, and visits the veterinarian to resolve any health issues. That's because some Doberman skin conditions like irritation and dryness are actually caused by health problems more common with this breed than others. Taking these steps can make a dramatic difference in the health and appearance of your Doberman's skin and coat.

A Doberman pinscher should have a glistening and smooth coat. If your dog's coat is marred by dandruff caused by dry skin, it could mean that your Doberman is due for some grooming. Regular brushing two to three times a week with a short-bristle brush or a rubber grooming mitt will help promote the production of the skin's natural oils, increasing shine and moisturizing the skin.

Dobermans are active and energetic dogs that only need a bath when they are dirty from their outdoor adventures. Otherwise, wash your dog every few months with a canine-specific shampoo. Avoid using human shampoo which may dry out the skin and coat. Doberman dry skin may be the result of bathing him too often.

Due to a Doberman's short coat, they do not require frequent bathing. Always finish up a bath with a moisturizing conditioner or conditioning spray for dogs to leave the coat lustrous.

Doberman pinschers are more prone to certain skin problems than other breeds. Dogs with any crusty skin and hair loss on the nose, feet, or ears are likely to have a skin condition called pemphigus foliaceus. And Dobermans with sores and hair loss on the flanks, legs, or feet may suffer from a condition known as lick granuloma. This is caused by obsessive licking of the same area over and over again.

At the first sign of any Doberman skin problems, get your dog to the veterinarian for an examination. The doctor can prescribe a medicated shampoo to treat the affected areas of your dog's body and get the skin and coat back to normal.

The reason for some Doberman skin problems is a poor diet. Dobermans are active dogs who need a lot of exercise to stay healthy. This means that they require a good amount of calories in their diet to support their high activity level. Their diet should consist of a complete and balanced dog food containing a hearty amount of meat-based proteins and fats. A good diet will ensure a rich, glossy coat and reduce shedding issues too.

Foods rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids also help moisturize your dog's skin from the inside out. Fish oil supplements for dogs are rich in these ingredients and may help keep your pup's coat shiny and healthy.

For Doberman pinschers experiencing dry skin and coat issues, even with regular grooming and supplements, a thyroid problem could be the cause. Dobermans tend to suffer from hypothyroidism, which can cause a variety of symptoms including dry skin and a thinning coat, especially along the dog's back.

Bring your Doberman pinscher to the veterinarian for a proper diagnosis to determine if a thyroid problem is to blame for the poor quality of his coat. The doctor will run a series of blood tests on your dog to see if this is the case. Your vet will then prescribe a thyroid supplement for your Doberman if needed, which should resolve any skin and coat issues.