A Blue Doberman With Flaky Skin and Oozing Bumps

Your vets are probably right that this is genetic. Blue and fawn Dobermans often develop a condition called color dilution alopecia. The color genes affect how pigment is packed into the hair, which makes the hairs weak and the follicles prone to blocking and breaking. Over the years, that leads to thinning coat, dry flaky skin, and bumps and plugged follicles that get infected and ooze, mostly on the back and sides. It can't be cured, but it can usually be managed better.

Things that help: regular baths with a gentle, vet-recommended shampoo, often an antibacterial one during flare-ups, followed by a moisturizing rinse; treating each skin infection fully, ideally with a culture if infections keep coming back; gentle grooming (avoid harsh brushes and clipping); and continuing the omega-3 your vet recommended. Changing foods rarely makes a difference for this condition.

If you haven't yet, ask for a referral to a veterinary dermatologist. A skin biopsy can confirm the diagnosis, and a dermatologist can tailor a long-term bathing and infection-control plan. See hair loss in dogs and skin infections in dogs.

This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.