The skin is your dog’s largest organ, performing vital functions for their overall health and well-being. However, various medical conditions can affect a dog’s skin, making skin disorders one of the most frequent reasons for veterinary visits. Recognizing common skin problems in dogs is crucial for timely intervention and ensuring your canine companion stays healthy.
Recognizing Symptoms of Skin Problems in Dogs
A healthy dog’s skin should feel soft and be free from irregularities such as bumps, scales, or discoloration. When a dog develops a skin issue, several symptoms may become apparent:
- Scales or flakes on the skin
- Redness and inflammation
- Hair loss
- Changes in skin pigmentation
- Unpleasant odors
- Excessive itching
- Oily or greasy coat
- Formation of scabs
- Development of bumps or nodules
- Oozing sores
Top 10 Most Common Dog Skin Disorders Explained
1. Allergies
Allergies represent one of the most prevalent conditions impacting a dog’s skin. Dogs can develop sensitivities to various substances, including fleas, specific food ingredients, or environmental allergens like pollen, grass, dust, and mold. It’s common for dogs to be allergic to a combination of factors, such as chicken and pollen simultaneously. When exposed to allergens, a dog’s body releases histamine, a chemical that triggers intense itching. Fortunately, allergies can often be managed through allergy medications or by identifying and avoiding the specific allergen.
2. Parasites
External parasites are a frequent cause of skin problems in dogs. The most common culprits include fleas, ticks, and mites. Fortunately, most parasitic skin issues can be prevented using a high-quality prevention product, such as NexGard®, Bravecto®, Credelio™, or Revolution®.
Fleas can infest various animal species, and a single flea can lay hundreds of eggs within a month. You might notice adult fleas or flea feces (flea dirt) – small black specks – in your dog’s fur. Some dogs exhibit extreme sensitivity to flea bites, where even a single bite can lead to intense itching, hair loss, and significant self-inflicted injury from scratching.
Ticks latch onto a dog and can remain attached for days while feeding. Ticks are capable of transmitting numerous diseases. If you discover a tick on your dog, it’s essential to remove it promptly, ensuring the entire tick, including its head, is extracted.
The most commonly diagnosed mites in dogs include:
- Sarcoptes: These mites are highly contagious and spread easily between dogs, causing hair loss and intense itching.
- Demodex: While normally present in the skin, Demodex mites can proliferate uncontrollably in immunocompromised dogs, such as young puppies or adult dogs with underlying illnesses. This overgrowth typically results in hair loss, particularly around the eyes and feet.
- Cheyletiella: Known as “walking dandruff,” Cheyletiella mites appear as small white flakes and may or may not cause itchy skin.
3. Bacterial Skin Infections
Skin infections are a common skin disorder in canines. They often arise from an overgrowth of the bacteria naturally present on the skin, which can occur when a dog’s immune system is compromised by other issues like allergies or underlying diseases. Symptoms of bacterial skin infections include red, scaly patches, small red bumps or pustules, or moist areas of inflamed skin. Bacterial infections can also occur when foreign bacteria penetrate the skin through minor scrapes or punctures. Treatment typically involves oral antibiotics or medicated shampoos, such as KetoChlor® and Douxo®.
4. Hot Spots
Hot spots are intensely red, moist, and inflamed patches of skin that can appear rapidly. They are typically a consequence of an underlying allergy that causes severe itching, leading a dog to rub, scratch, lick, or chew the area until a wound develops. Hot spots are sensitive and can be painful. Treatment usually involves antibiotics and anti-itch medications. Additionally, an over-the-counter spray like Vetericyn® Plus Antimicrobial may be recommended for relief.
5. Yeast Infections
Yeast skin infections occur due to an overgrowth of yeast organisms on the skin, leading to a distinct musty odor and itchy skin. Persistent yeast overgrowth can cause hyperpigmentation, resulting in darker skin, particularly on the belly, groin, and armpits. Black debris may also accumulate at the nail beds. Treatment typically involves oral or topical antifungal medications.
6. Ringworm
Despite its name, ringworm is a fungal infection, not caused by a worm. It earns its name from the characteristic circular, red rash it often creates in humans. In dogs, ringworm manifests as a localized skin infection characterized by hair loss and flaky skin, which may be itchy. Ringworm is zoonotic, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans. Treatment involves topical and oral antifungal medications.
7. Dry Skin
Dry skin in dogs, often accompanied by flakiness or dander, can stem from various causes. While it can be a normal puppy condition as their oil glands develop, dry weather is a common environmental factor. Dry skin can also indicate inadequate nutrition or an underlying medical condition. Treatment options include moisturizing leave-on products, or oral omega-3 fatty acid skin supplements.
8. Alopecia
Alopecia, or hair loss, can be a symptom of various underlying conditions, including:
- Allergies
- External parasites
- Adverse drug reactions
- Skin infections
- Genetic predispositions
- Hypothyroidism
- Cushing’s disease
If your dog experiences hair loss without apparent signs of infection or parasites, your veterinarian may suggest blood tests to diagnose underlying diseases. Some dogs are affected by a genetic condition known as alopecia X, more common in breeds with thick undercoats such as Pomeranians, Chow Chows, and Alaskan Malamutes. These dogs lose hair without skin inflammation. Neutering male dogs may help improve alopecia X, and in some cases, melatonin can be beneficial.
9. Skin Cancer
Skin cancer can manifest as hair loss, scabs, oozing lesions, and lumps or bumps on the skin. While some forms present as obvious masses, others may show more subtle signs. Any non-healing wounds or discolored areas on your dog’s skin warrant examination by a veterinarian. Skin cancer is often diagnosed via biopsy and can be treated with surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy.
10. Autoimmune Disease
Autoimmune diseases occur when a dog’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own healthy cells or tissues. These conditions are often inherited, though drug reactions can sometimes trigger their onset. Examples include pemphigus and lupus, with common signs including crusting lesions and hair loss along the nose bridge and face. Dogs diagnosed with autoimmune diseases are typically treated with immunosuppressive medications like prednisone or cyclosporine. The specific treatment plan depends on the diagnosed disease, and your veterinarian may also advise limiting sun exposure.
WRITTEN BY
Melissa Boldan, DVM
Veterinarian
Dr. Melissa Boldan graduated from the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine in 2012. She initially practiced mixed animal medicine before focusing on small animal practice. Her passion for veterinary medicine stems from a lifelong love of animals and a desire to help them live happy, healthy lives.
