Dog Dermatology: Keeping Your Pet’s Skin Healthy
Your dog’s skin and coat are vital indicators of their overall health. Skin issues can cause discomfort and even lead to more serious health concerns if left untreated. At Willowbrook Veterinary Hospital, we’re here to help you recognize, prevent, and treat common skin conditions in dogs.
Common Skin Conditions in Dogs
Dogs can experience a variety of skin problems, including:
- Dry Skin: Often caused by allergies, weather changes, endocrine disease, or poor diet.
- Skin Infections: Bacterial or fungal infections can cause irritation, hair loss, and discomfort.
- Skin Tags: Benign growths that may appear as dogs age.
- Skin Cancer: Unusual lumps, sores that don’t heal, or changes in pigmentation may indicate skin cancer.
- Skin Allergies: Environmental, food, or flea allergies can lead to itching, redness, and hot spots.
- Itchy Skin: Can be a symptom of allergies, infections, parasites, or underlying health conditions.
- Parasites: Fleas, ticks, lice and mites can cause redness, itching, and infection
Signs Your Dog Has a Skin Condition That Needs Attention
If you notice any of these signs, your dog may need veterinary care:
- Excessive scratching, licking, or biting
- Red, inflamed, or flaky skin
- Hair loss or bald patches
- Open sores or scabs
- Unusual lumps or growths
- Foul odor from the skin
- Frequent ear infections (often linked to allergies)
How Do I Find a Dog Dermatologist?
While general veterinarians can diagnose and treat most skin conditions, severe or chronic cases may require a veterinary dermatologist. We can refer you to a specialist if needed.
Are Certain Dog Breeds More at Risk for Skin Conditions?
Yes! Some breeds are more prone to skin issues, including:
• Bulldogs & Pugs: Prone to skin fold infections.
• Golden Retrievers & Labradors: Commonly develop allergies.
• Dachshunds & Cocker Spaniels: More likely to develop fungal or bacterial infections.
• Terriers & Dalmatians: Higher risk of skin allergies.
What Can My Dog’s Fur or Coat Tell Me About Their Skin Health?
A healthy coat should be shiny and free of excessive dandruff or bald spots. Dull fur, excessive shedding, or patchy hair loss may indicate allergies, infections, endocrine disease, or nutritional deficiencies.
Mange in Dogs: Symptoms & Treatments
Symptoms: Severe itching, hair loss, crusty skin, and sores.
Treatment: Veterinary-prescribed medications, medicated baths, and proper skin care.
Bacterial vs. Fungal Skin Infections: How to Tell the Difference
• Bacterial Infections: Often cause red, inflamed skin, pus-filled sores, and bad odor.
• Fungal Infections (like ringworm): Typically result in circular hair loss, scaly skin, and itchiness.
Both require veterinary treatment, often with oral or topical medications.
Lumps Under My Dog’s Skin: What Should I Do?
Not all lumps are dangerous, but any new or growing mass should be examined by a veterinarian. We may recommend a biopsy or removal if needed.
Is My Dog’s Itchy Skin Caused by Allergies?
Allergies are a common cause of itching and skin irritation. Allergies can be linked to environmental causes (grasses, pollens, trees, dust mites, etc.), parasites, and less likely food. Look for patterns—seasonal changes, new foods, or flea exposure can all trigger symptoms.
Treating Dog Skin Allergies at Home
- Use hypoallergenic, unscented shampoos and wipes.
- Add omega-3 fatty acids (specifically EPA & DHA) to their diet.
- Keep their environment clean and free of allergens.
- Use effective oral flea prevention year-round.
- Use unscented baby wipes or a clean damp washcloth to clean between their toes and underbelly after each trip outside
Can I Get My Dog Allergy Tested?
Yes! Allergy testing can identify specific triggers. Your vet may recommend blood tests or intradermal skin testing to determine what’s causing the reaction.
Do I Always Need to See a Vet for a Rash?
Mild rashes may improve with home care, but if symptoms persist, worsen, or cause discomfort, a veterinary visit is necessary.
Can Dog Skin Tags Be Removed?
Most skin tags are harmless, but if they grow, become irritated, or interfere with movement, they can be removed by your veterinarian.
Medications for Dog Skin Problems
Depending on the condition, your vet may prescribe:
• Antibiotics or antifungal treatments for infections.
• Steroids, antihistamines, or other medication for allergies.
• Medicated shampoos for skin irritation.
Choosing the Right Food & Shampoo for Dogs With Skin Issues
Look for hypoallergenic diets if your dog has food sensitivities. For shampoos, choose vet-approved, soothing formulas with oatmeal or aloe vera for dry, sensitive skin.
How to Help My Dog’s Dry Skin at Home
• Use a humidifier in dry climates.
• Supplement with fish oil or omega-3s (specifically EPA & DHA)
• Bathe with moisturizing, dog-safe, unscented shampoos.
What to Do If I Find a Tick on My Dog
• Use tweezers to gently remove the tick, being sure to remove the entire mouthparts of the tick.
• Disinfect the area with antiseptic.
• Monitor for signs of infection in the area as well as tick-borne illness including lethargy, anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea, or limping
Preventing Skin Problems in Dogs
• Regularly groom and bathe your dog.
• Provide a balanced diet with essential fatty acids.
• Use flea and tick prevention year-round.
• Address allergies early to prevent chronic issues.
Signs of Skin Cancer in Dogs & Treatment Options
Signs of skin cancer include:
• New or changing lumps
• Non-healing sores
• Dark or ulcerated growths
Treatment depends on the type and may include surgical removal, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy.
How Often Should I Bathe My Dog If They Have a Skin Condition?
In general, it is recommended to bathe your dog no more than every 3-4 weeks to prevent skin issues. When dogs have an active skin condition, veterinarians will often recommend to bathe more frequently as part of treatment. It depends on the condition, but typically once every 1-2 weeks with a medicated shampoo is recommended.
Preventing Excessive Licking & Scratching
• Use an Elizabethan collar (cone) if needed.
• Apply only vet-approved topical treatments.
• Address the underlying cause (allergies, infection, anxiety).
If your dog is experiencing skin issues, our team at Willowbrook Veterinary Hospital can help diagnose and treat the problem.
If you have questions, we would love to answer them for you. Please give us a call at the office at (503) 968-2911, or you can email us at [email protected]. Our staff would love to talk with you!