Get Relief from Hormonal Skin Disease
We often see skin problems in older pets that are due to changes in their metabolism. This change can be caused by the thyroid gland (hypothyroid), the adrenal gland (Cushing’s or Addison’s disease), diabetes, kidney issues, or liver issues. In spite of what is going on inside the pet’s body, a lot can be done to feed and hydrate the hair and skin. The better regulated the internal issues are, the easier it will be to maintain the hair and skin. If you see older dogs with skin problems, it is important to have the client see a veterinarian and to get the appropriate blood tests.
Working with a veterinarian who is addressing the inside issues while you address the outside issues, will greatly improve the well-being of the pet.
How Hormonal Disease Shows Up on the Skin
Hormones control how fast skin cells renew, how much oil the skin produces, and how hair grows and sheds. When a gland is not working properly, the skin and coat are often the first place it shows. Common skin and coat signs include:
- Thinning hair or symmetrical hair loss on both sides of the body, often on the flanks or tail (“rat tail”)
- A dull, dry or brittle coat that does not grow back after clipping
- Greasy or flaky skin (seborrhea)
- Darkened or thinned skin
- Recurring skin and ear infections
- Slow healing
Conditions Commonly Linked to Skin Changes
- Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid): dry coat, hair loss, greasy or flaky skin and repeat infections.
- Cushing’s disease (overactive adrenal glands): thin skin, hair loss on the body, a pot-bellied appearance, and often increased thirst and urination.
- Addison’s disease (underactive adrenal glands): affects overall health and stress response.
- Diabetes, kidney and liver disease: can affect skin hydration, healing and infection resistance.
These conditions are diagnosed with blood tests and managed by a veterinarian. Grooming cannot treat them, but it can make a big difference to how comfortable the pet’s skin is.
A Team Approach: Inside and Outside
The best results come when a veterinarian manages the internal disease while the groomer or owner cares for the skin and coat on the outside. The better the internal condition is controlled, the easier the skin is to maintain.
Gentle Bathing Care for Hormonal Skin
- Cleanse gently. Avoid harsh, stripping shampoos. Read why to use a gentler shampoo.
- Always hydrate. Condition after every bath to replace the sebum layer. See why replacing the sebum layer matters.
- Give products time. Dilute about 1 part product to 3 parts water and leave on for about 5 minutes.
- Address infections that develop, since hormonal pets are prone to bacterial and yeast overgrowth.
- Support regrowth once the condition is controlled, using Mineral H Shampoo followed by pH Balance Conditioner.
- Keep a routine. The skin renews in about 21 days, so regular bathing every 3-4 weeks supports steady improvement.
See our skin therapy products, sensitive skin products and hair regrowth products.
For Groomers: When to Refer a Client
If you notice symmetrical hair loss, thin skin, a coat that will not regrow, or repeat skin infections in an older pet, encourage the owner to see a veterinarian and ask about blood work. Early detection helps the pet’s overall health, not just the coat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can thyroid problems cause hair loss in dogs?
Yes. Hypothyroidism commonly causes a dry coat, thinning hair or hair loss, greasy or flaky skin and recurring infections. A veterinarian diagnoses it with blood tests.
What does Cushing’s disease do to a dog’s skin?
Cushing’s disease can cause thin skin, hair loss on the body, slow healing and recurring infections, often with a pot-bellied appearance and increased thirst.
Can bathing help a dog with hormonal skin disease?
Bathing cannot treat the internal disease, but gentle cleansing and hydrating conditioners can keep the skin more comfortable and healthy while a veterinarian manages the condition.
Why won’t my older dog’s coat grow back after clipping?
Slow or absent regrowth in an older dog can be a sign of a hormonal condition such as hypothyroidism or Cushing’s disease. Ask your veterinarian about blood work.