10 Common Skin Issues In Dogs, and When To Worry When Itching Becomes Problematic

10 Terrible Skin Issues In Dogs [When To Seek Help]

Your dog expects you to fly in like a superhero and protect it from the pain of scratching, licking, and flaking caused by irritating skin issues. Ignoring a solitary dog rash on the leg or a cluster of blisters on dogs can have serious consequences. As a responsible pet parent, you need to learn to read the signs and symptoms and quickly identify different skin issues in dogs. This article answers basic questions such as when to worry and rush to the vet’s office.

What do you do when you spot that your dog has bumps on its skin or suffering from a nasty rash? The first step is to get a correct diagnosis from your vet. He or she can tell you if it’s harmless pigmentation spots on dog skin or something that needs to be treated right away. Check out these 10 common skin issues in dogs, and get the scoop on which conditions could be serious.

1. Allergic Dermatitis

Just like people, dogs can be allergic to things like medicines, shampoos, food, pollen, or bug bites. Also, like people, evidence of the allergy may come in the form of scratching and an itchy rash. For many pets, the simple elimination of the allergen will solve the problem.

Flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) is the most common skin condition in dogs, and it’s the result of an allergic reaction to flea saliva. When an allergic dog is exposed to flea saliva, the area will become red, bumpy, and inflamed.

2. Ringworm

If you notice scaly or inflamed circular bald patches on your dog, they may have ringworm (which isn’t actually a worm, but a fungal infection). The infection is more commonly found on a dog’s head or legs, but it can spread to the rest of the body as well. Ringworm is highly contagious and should be treated immediately to avoid infecting other pets or people.

3. Mange

Another skin issue that can cause scaly, bald patches on your dog is mange, typically affecting areas around the dog’s ears, belly, and chest -- although it can appear anywhere on your dog’s body. Mange is caused by an overabundance of mites or when a dog comes in contact with an invasive species of mite. Click here to read about two types of mange.

Contact your vet immediately if you see symptoms of Walking Dandruff (Cheyletiellosis), a mild but highly contagious condition characterized by dandruff that appears to move on your dog’s body, caused by mites carrying flakes of your dog’s skin.  

4. Pyoderma

A bacterial infection of the skin resulting in the presence of pus is called pyoderma. If your dog has an underlying skin condition that causes them to scratch, the scratched skin can become home to a bacterial infection. Your dog may scratch their skin due to any of the following:

• Insect bites, like from fleas or ear mites
• Food allergies
• Allergens like dust, dust mites, mold, grass, and plant pollen
• Over-grooming to the point where their skin becomes dry and flaky,
• A lack of grooming resulting in inadequate exfoliation of dead skin cells
• Hypothyroidism, which can cause skin infections or flaking
• Hyperadrenocorticism (also known as Cushing’s disease) leads to fragile skin syndrome in which the skin is thin and easily damaged

5. Yeast Infection (Malassezia Dermatitis)

Symptoms of a yeast infection on your dog include itchy, irritated skin, commonly around the ears or toes. While yeast dermatitis is not contagious, your dog should be treated to cure the condition and restore comfort. Depending on the severity of the infection, it can be treated topically with shampoo or cream, via an oral medication, or a combination of these treatments.

6. Cancer

If your dog has a wound that just won’t heal, this could be a symptom of cancer. It’s more treatable when caught early, so take your dog to see the vet if you notice your dog has a wound that doesn’t heal in a normal amount of time. Other signs of canine cancer include lumps, tumors, lameness, and enlarged lymph nodes.

7. Impetigo

Most common in puppies, impetigo is a bacterial infection that causes pus-filled blisters that may break and crust over, typically on the hairless lower belly. It’s not usually serious and is treated easily with a topical cream.

8. Acral Lick Dermatitis

High-energy breeds are more prone to acral lick dermatitis or lick granuloma. This is a self-inflicted injury caused by obsessive licking of a leg or foot that results in hair loss and redness, or even an open sore. Obsessive licking is an anxiety-related behavior that could be a result of boredom or inactivity, separation anxiety, lack of socialization, past cruelty, or other stress.

It’s possible that your dog’s vet could prescribe an anti-anxiety medication to help your dog stop injuring itself while you make changes to your pet’s routine or environment.

9. Hot Spots

A hot spot is a painful, circular patch of red, swollen skin, typically 1-4 inches across. A hot spot may ooze with pus, or a watery discharge may have an unpleasant odor, and you may notice hair loss on and around the affected area. Hot spots are extremely painful, and your dog may react with fear or aggression when approached.

Hot spots are caused when your pet excessively licks, bites, or scratches its skin due to an underlying condition. Because hot spots are so painful, your vet may need to sedate your dog in order to administer treatment. While all animals can suffer from hot spots, pets with long hair or heavy coats are more susceptible.

10. Dandruff

Dandruff, or flaky skin, is a common symptom of skin issues of varying types. The most common causes include a cold or dry climate, grooming, or diet. However, pet dandruff can also be a sign of a more serious concern, like a hormonal imbalance or parasites. If your dog’s dandruff is chronic or severe, then it should be examined by a veterinarian to determine the cause and treatment.

The Top 8 Causes Of Dog Skin Allergies

If you’ve noticed your dog doing an unusual amount of itching, licking, or scratching, allergies may be to blame. Many vets report skin allergies as a top reason they see dogs. Allergies can affect dogs of all breeds and sizes, and they can be hereditary or appear suddenly.

Inflamed, itchy, red, or scaly skin can be a sign of an allergic reaction. Abnormalities in a dog’s coat or skin should be a cause for concern, as they can indicate discomfort or an underlying health problem. Your vet will perform a full examination to determine if allergies are affecting your pup’s wellness.

Here are the 8 most common causes of dog skin allergies:

1. Seasonal Allergies

Common allergens like pollen, dust, grass, trees, mold, and weeds that affect humans seasonally can also affect dogs and their skin. Sensitivity to grass pollens (often misidentified as a grass allergy) is surprisingly common among dogs. Regular cleaning of paws, baths, and air purifiers can help lower incidences of seasonal allergies.

2. Food Allergies

Food allergies or intolerance have unfortunately become very common in dogs. They can manifest suddenly, affecting your dog’s skin and digestion. Beef, soy, dairy, and wheat are common allergens. Exclusively feeding your dog hypoallergenic food for several weeks can help unmask a food allergy.

3. Shampoo/Soap

If your dog has a history of sensitive skin, consider switching to a hypoallergenic soap or shampoo as a proactive measure. A dog’s skin may react to insecticides or anti-flea chemicals in specialty shampoos. Also, never use your own hair products to groom a dog, and only use products intended specifically for dogs.

4. Fleas

Saliva from even one or two flea bites can trigger an allergic reaction on your dog’s skin. Flea allergy dermatitis causes red, bumpy lesions that can be very uncomfortable for the dog and require medical intervention.

5. Chemical Contact

Things like household cleaning products and detergents can occasionally cause allergic reactions when they come into contact with a dog’s skin. Harsh carpet cleaners are one of the more common causes of a contact allergy indoors. Be cautious when applying chemicals anywhere your dog might step on or rub against.

6. Medications

Antibiotics and vaccinations can sometimes cause a skin reaction in the form of hives. The hives often disappear within 24 hours of exposure to an allergen or medication, but if they do not, contact your vet.

7. Fabric

Your dog’s bed could be contributing to a skin allergy. Fabrics like wool can cause itchy reactions in dogs. Choose hypoallergenic fabrics and keep bedding clean to avoid any triggers. Also, check labels because fillings like feathers can also be allergens.

8. Bacterial hypersensitivity

An underlying condition like hypothyroidism can make your dog’s skin overly sensitive to a regular amount of staph on its body.

If allergies are behind your dog’s discomfort, your vet will help you determine a management and treatment plan. It may include environmental control, immunotherapy, regular bathing and foot washing, antihistamines, or a new diet. With some extra care, your dog’s skin and coat can be healthy and bright once more.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are these crusty scabs on my dog's skin?

How do I know if my dog has mites?

What kills mites on dogs instantly?

What does folliculitis look like on dogs?

If your dog's skin is dry, itchy, smelly, or flaky, he may have a condition that needs veterinary care. The good news? Several options can help you and your doctor determines what's causing the problem.

Dogs With Smelly Skin

If you notice that your dog's skin is smelly, it can be a sign of a health issue. If your dog has a yeast infection, his or her skin will have an offensive odor that smells like bread or beer. In addition to the smell, it may also have redness and irritation around the affected area. 

Allergies are another possibility for why your pup's skin might stink. If so, there will be flaky patches on his or her body with dry, scaly skin underneath. Parasites like fleas are also common culprits behind stinky dogs. Their bites can cause itching and scratching, as well as an unpleasant odor emanating from the infected areas. 

Finally, bacteria in dirty fur can cause bacterial infections that result in foul odors coming from not only the dog but also its coat. Good allergy medicine for dogs is Apoquel for Dogs. Be sure to use the Apoquel dosing chart when you administer it. 

More Details

Allergies: Many dogs develop allergies as they age. The most common allergy-causing agents include dust mites, fleas, and other insects such as bedbugs and ticks. Other allergens include food additives. Preservatives in some foods that contain beef or chicken, houseplants, and trees can also be culprits.

Parasites: Parasites such as mites can also cause a severe allergic reaction in dogs leading to itching symptoms. They can lead to scabs on their body which can be frustrating for owners trying their best to keep them comfortable. For parasite problems, you can use Advantage Multi Dogs or Revolution Plus.

Bacteria: An infection with Staphylococcus pseudintermedius is responsible for 80% of all cases of hot spots. This infection only affects dogs with short hair coats like poodles but can be treated easily with antibiotics prescribed by your vet.

Dog Bites and Wounds

Bites are a serious problem. They can cause infections, pain, and injury to your dog. Dogs can also get diseases like rabies or Lyme disease after being bitten by an infected animal. The first symptom of rabies shows up as redness on the skin with an itching sensation. 

Dogs that have been trained not to bite should be praised when they behave well during encounters with people or other animals. However, some dogs may still bite because of fear or pain.

Dry Skin

Dry skin is a common problem in dogs, but it can have many causes. It may be due to diet or other conditions. Signs of dry skin include itching, flaking, and redness of the skin.

Dry skin can be caused by several different factors. These include food allergy or sensitivity, digestive issues like obstruction or IBD, and dermatological diseases such as mange mites or fungus infection. For stomach-related issues, pet food like the Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach is recommended. If the issue is more serious, you could use Famotidine for Dogs or Azodyl for Dogs.

One common cause is a yeast infection called Malassezia. This fungus thrives in warm, moist areas like armpits and groin creases on humans, so it also seems to enjoy getting cozy under your dog's fur. Once established in the skin, it produces enzymes that cause inflammation and release by-products that can stink up the joint.

Lesions are most commonly found in the interdigital spaces, ventral neck, axillae, perineum, external ear canal, or folds. If your dog has Malassezia on his skin, then topical antifungal treatments should do the trick. It's important not to use human products, though, as they're formulated differently than those made specifically for pets.

Environmental factors such as extreme temperature changes outside during winter months when you walk your dog and hormonal imbalances that occur during various stages of life, including pregnancy, could also be the cause.

Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis impacts pets in the same way that it does humans. For animals such as dogs who have adopted comparable lifestyle modifications to humans (e.g., increased exposure to sterile, indoor settings and higher ingestion of packaged foods), these changes have raised the likelihood of allergy disease development.

If your dog has atopic dermatitis and you want to treat the underlying cause(s) of its skin condition, you must speak with your veterinarian as soon as possible. Your vet will recommend an appropriate treatment plan based on your dog's particular needs.

Hot Spots & Moist Dermatitis

Hot spots and moist dermatitis are both skin infections that can occur in dogs. However, they have different causes and manifestations.

Hot spots are red, oozing sores on the skin’s surface. They can be caused by allergies or fleas, or both.

Moist dermatitis is a bacterial infection of the hair follicles and skin beneath it. The result of excessive licking or scratching at an area of irritation. It will only respond to an antibiotic for dogs if the underlying cause has been treated first. One example is Clavamox for Dogs.

Dandruff in Dogs

Dandruff in dogs is a common problem and can cause dry, flaky skin. The real question is, what causes dandruff in dogs?

With a few exceptions, the exact cause of dandruff in dogs isn't known. Experts believe that it may be caused by several factors, including allergies, hormonal changes, or even stress. If you notice stress excessively, you could use a mild sedative for dogs like Diphenhydramine for Dogs.

Symptoms of dandruff include itching and excessive shedding of fur on the dog's body, especially around its back. There may also be white skin flakes visible on your pet's coat or on furniture he or she sleeps on.

If you notice symptoms of dandruff on your dog's coat or if your veterinarian has diagnosed them, it's important to treat them right away, so they don't get worse.

We hope this post helped you learn more about your dog’s skin problems. If he or she is suffering from an itchy dry coat, consider trying one of the remedies listed above. If not, we recommend seeing a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Dog Skin Tags: Causes and Treatment

You have just discovered a lump of fleshy skin on your pet's paw – it is bendy and an eye sore. Panic sets in because a skin tumor can be bad news.

Relax, that fleshy growth is a skin tag, a mass of fibrous tissue, and it is most probably a benign growth. Skin tags are common in dogs, even puppies. No breed is

immune. However, older dogs and larger breeds appear predisposed to contracting skin tags.

Identifying skin tags

How do you know what you've seen is actually a skin tag? Skin tags on dogs look like skin; they are quite easily distinguishable from warts and big ticks. They are

attached to the skin by a stalk, may comprise of one or multiple growths or have hair follicles.

Dogs may have a solitary skin tag or a number of them on their face, torso, legs, back, armpits and other areas. Also known as hamartomas, skin tags are mainly of two types:

- Hairless lumps of flesh on lower limbs (fibroadnexal hamartomas)

- Multiple growths that appear flattened and have hair growing out of them (follicular hamartomas)

Causes of skin tags in dogs

Overactive fibroblasts, cells that promote the production of fibers and collagen required by your pet's connective tissues, can cause an overproduction of fibrous tissue, giving rise to masses on or near the skin.

Certain factors may produce a conducive environment for skin problems in dogs, which can co-exist with skin tags as a secondary growth or infection:

• Exposure to chemical pollution in the environment
• An ill-fitting collar
• Parasites inhabiting your pet
• Poor skin care
• Insufficient nutrition

Too much bathing, which can strip your dog's skin of natural oils, is one of the culprits for dryness and chafing. An organic shampoo that has a mild effect yet gets the

job done is a safer bet than products that can make your dog's skin unnecessarily dry. A healthy diet is also essential to keep your pet's immune system functioning

optimally, minimizing the risk of cracks, rashes and skin disorders.

Now to the big question – how do you address the issue of skin tags in your pet?

Dog skin tag treatment

The first thing you want to do is have your vet take a look at the skin tags. Your vet may either ask you to monitor the tags for growth or recommend a biopsy. A biopsy

will reveal if the growth is benign or malignant and enable you to plan next steps without delay.

If the skin tags are growing quickly or have turned dark, or if your pet seems to have lost his/her appetite, gets tired easily, frequently vomits, or has loose bowels, get a medical opinion at the earliest.

1. Surgical removal

Skin tags on dogs can get smaller over time. If they persist, you can have them surgically removed. Some pet owners may choose to opt out, especially if the skin tags

have been deemed harmless. Vets may recommend surgery if the tags are causing a secondary infection or if your pet can't stop chewing on them. Torn tags can bleed

and give rise to infection – in particular, tags near the tail are prone to bruising. When the tags appear close to your pet's eye or mouth, interfering with activities of daily

living, it is best to have them removed.

The surgical procedure is often a quick one, performed with local anesthesia and sedation. Total anesthesia may be used for fidgety pets.

Though there are anesthesia protocols for all dogs, some breeds require extra caution. To minimize risk, your vet may recommend an outpatient procedure called

cryosurgery that uses nitrous oxide or liquid nitrogen to freeze out and destroy unwanted tissue, which then dissolves or falls out within a few weeks. Your pet may feel

a slight pain during the freezing process, but it goes away as quickly as it comes, and recovery is entirely painless. Depending upon the severity of the skin tags, the

procedure may be repeated within 2-3 weeks if the first treatment is not adequate.

After skin tags have been removed, make sure that your pet does not scratch or chew at the area. One option is to use an Elizabethan collar. In any case, monitor for

changes, if any. Skin tags may appear on other areas, and when determined to be harmless, you can let them be. They may shrink on their own, and if they're not causing

your pet any problem, medical intervention is not necessary.

Note: Avoid a do-it-yourself (DIY) dog skin tag removal at home. Even though the procedure may seem simple enough, there is always a risk that you may

inadvertently injure your pet or cause him/her a lot of pain during the procedure. In a worst case scenario, a flawed procedure can lead to infection and create more

problems.

2. Holistic prevention

If your dog is maturing or is genetically predisposed to skin tags, there isn't much you can do to prevent the onset of these fleshy masses. A few small harmless ones that

your pet isn't bothered by shouldn't bother you either! However, you should keep a tab on your pet's skin condition and invest in the right skin care products. Some

holistic measures that are in the best interests of your furry buddy include:

• Ensuring that you don't use expired products
• Avoiding harsh bathing and/or grooming products
• Minimizing chemical exposure in your surroundings – pesticides, insecticides, lawn chemicals, and sprays.
• If bites from fleas, ticks, and other parasites are frequent and getting problematic, address them quickly or prevent unnecessary skin problems.
• Feeding your pet nutritious food, ideally something that keeps his/her immune system in good shape and promotes healthy digestion.

Once you spot skin tags on your pet, get a quick diagnosis to take informed action. It will alleviate stress and help you return your pet to good health.

How to keep your dog’s skin healthy

You probably take great care of your skin and use a myriad of products. Well, it should be no different for your pupper. In fact, there are a variety of skin disorders that affect dogs, and skin conditions can be painful, not to mention very expensive to treat.

Keeping your dog's skin healthy is a year-round endeavor and requires a consistent skin-care routine. After all, that soft clean coat you run your fingers is going to need some love to stay that way year round.

Here are a few tips for keeping your dog’s skin healthy:

1. Don’t give your dog a bath too often
   
   

Just like humans, dogs have natural protective oils in their skin. If you wash your dog too often, this is stripped away and results in itchy and dry skin.   In such cases, your dog can end up scratching themselves more often and creating open wounds, which can then get infected.

Additionally, drier damaged skin means your dog will start to compensate with more natural oils, which can heighten the too familiar dog odor.

Not pleasant for you!

Bathing too often is a problem, and if you need to keep your dog clean, try alternatives such as dry shampoo or wet puppy wipes between bathing sessions.

1. Use the right bathing products

Supplementing the above is making sure when you do give your dog a bath, and you’re using the right bathing products.

If your dog has dry skin, shampoo and soap that has ingredients such as shea butter or other moisturizing ingredients are recommended.

You can also use conditioning spray when you brush your dog to keep his/her fur healthy and skin clean.

The skin pH balance for dogs is different from that of humans, so never use human products on your pupper. 

1. Monitor your dog's diet

Keeping an eye on your dog's diet can also greatly influence their skin health. For example, dog foods that are grain heavy and high in carbs can contribute towards drying out your dog's skin.

Raw diets have been known to be much more suitable and healthy for dogs. They are usually high in moisture and provide the essential nutrients and minerals to keep skin healthy and soft. You can also buy vet-approved supplements, such as Bixbi Skin & Coat to add to your pet's diet.

1. Supplements are your dog’s best friend (after you!)

Along with a healthy diet, supplements is the next trick up your sleeve and have been proven to keep skin healthy, moist, and reduce causes for itching and fur loss. Some great supplements to stock up on are Omega 3 Fatty Acids, Vitamin E, and Salmon Oil.

All of these help support a healthy skin and coat, reduce flakiness, helps keep skin inflammation down, and minimize chances of an allergic reaction.

You can also mix certain oils with your existing dog’s diet or feed them to your dog directly, such as coconut oil, flaxseed oil, and hemp oil. All of which help promote healthy and moisturized skin.

1. A brush a day keeps the diseases away

Whether your dog has short or long coats, brushing is essential. If your dog has a short coat, they may not need it every day, but with frequent brushing you can remove any loose fur, debris and massage your dog’s skin promoting natural oil secretions. If your dog is double coated, brushing regularly can also prevent matting which leads to hot spots and skin irritations.

1. Puppers need sun protection too

Too much time out in the sun is also not great for your dog’s skin. The paler your dog is means they are also less protected naturally by the UV rays of the sun and could get sunburned.

As with humans, limiting exposure to the sun paired with a pet safe sunblock is necessary, and if your dog is short-haired, a reflective jacket to help protect and keep your dog cool is a good choice.

Keeping an eye on if your dog is getting sunburned is key in any case when out in the sun, regardless of preparation. If you see signs of sunburn, it’s best to consult a vet immediately. 

1. Frequent check-ups

Finally, the best way to keep a pulse on your dog’s health is frequent check-ups with your nearby vet. Your vet can also recommend specific dietary changes and skin regime adjustments to ensure your dog’s health remains great.

By following these steps, you can set your pupper on the path to great skin health and prevent any future skin disorders. As always, if you have any concerns about your dog’s skin health, please consult a vet immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my dog getting so many skin tags?

How do I get rid of my dogs skin tags?

Should you remove skin tags on dogs?

Can dog skin tags turn cancerous?

What does a cancerous skin tag look like on a dog?

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