What Are the Most Common Skin Issues in Dogs?

Dogs can have environmental or food allergies causing red, itchy skin, hot spots, infections & hair loss. Diagnosis & avoidance helps.

Allergies  

Overgrowth of yeast on dog skin leads to greasy red patches, itching & odor. Topicals & antifungals treat yeast dermatitis.  

Yeast Infections

Staph, streptococcus & other bacteria infect dog skin causing pustules, crusty sores & hair loss. Needs oral/topical antibiotics.

Bacterial Infections 

Mites, lice & fleas bite dogs causing mange, which leads to severe itching, redness & hair loss. Treat with anti-parasitics.  

Parasites Like Mange   

Dogs can develop hives, swelling & itchy skin from allergic reactions to food, vaccines, medication or insect bites. Antihistamines help.

Allergic Reactions 

Excess oil production leads to greasy skin, dandruff, odor & secondary infections in seborrheic dogs, requiring medicated shampoos

Seborrhea Skin Issues

Rare autoimmune skin disease causes scaling, crusty lesions & hair loss in dogs. Hard to cure & requires immune-suppressing medication life-long

Autoimmune Disease   

What Causes Dogs to Lose Hair & Fur?