Understanding Saggy Skin in Dogs: Causes and Key Treatment Options

If your full-grown dog with loose skin that is droopy and saggy, she may be suffering from one of several genetic disorders that reduce the levels of collagen in her body. Because the condition, also known as cutaneous asthenia or Ehler-Danlos syndrome, may cause your pet chronic joint pain and pain associated with skin tears, easy bruising, and scarring, you will need to speak to your veterinarian about the most humane treatment options or solutions for your pet.

You may wish to take your dog to the vet to check for cutaneous asthenia if she exhibits saggy, delicate, thin skin that is easily torn and prone to scarring. If your dog has swelling, bruising, and bleeding under her elbow area, she may be suffering from the condition and should be given a thorough medical examination. Cutaneous asthenia may also cause pain, weakness, fractures, and swelling of the joints, and because internal organs are also affected by the lack of collagen, the affected dog is also vulnerable to internal injury or bleeding.

Breeds commonly affected

Cutaneous asthenia is a rare condition that can occur in any breed of dog, but several breeds have a higher incidence of the genetic mutation. These include beagles, boxers, miniature and standard Dachshunds, English setters and springer spaniels, German shepherds, greyhounds, Irish setters, keeshounds, Manchester terriers, poodles, red kelpies, springer spaniels, St. Bernards, and Welsh corgis.

Treatment options and considerations

Because cutaneous asthenia is not curable and can lead to a lifetime of pain and injury for the afflicted dog, many pet owners choose to euthanize their dog. If your dog is diagnosed with cutaneous asthenia, your veterinarian may suggest that you have it neutered or spayed to avoid passing the gene mutation on to another generation of dogs.

If you decide to keep the dog, you will need to carefully monitor her surroundings and activities to ensure that no harm comes to her skin. Keep children and other pets away from your dog, and take care when putting her on a leash or any type of restraint, as the friction involved could rip her skin and cause pain and scarring.

Use child-proofing materials to protect your dog from sharp edges in furniture, and be sure her bedding is plump and soft, to avoid bruising that could easily occur from lying in one position too long. Treat all wounds promptly to keep your dog's skin from becoming infected.