10 Types of Dog Skin Diseases with Pictures and Effective Treatments
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Time to read 6 min
Types of Dog Skin Diseases with Pictures and Treatments
Dog owners often notice their furry companions scratching, licking, or biting at their skin. While occasional scratching is normal, persistent skin irritation can indicate an underlying skin disease or other skin diseases. Canine skin conditions are among the most common reasons for veterinary visits. Early diagnosis and treatment, guided by veterinary medicine, are key to ensuring your dog stays healthy and comfortable.
In this article, we’ll explore the most common dog skin diseases, their symptoms, causes, treatments, and preventive care. Where applicable, we’ll also suggest visual references for easier identification.
Table of content
Sudden lumps on Dog under skin: A complete Analysis Petglow infection Antibiotics usage by Vet Dr. Alex* What to Do When You Find a Sudden Lump What to Do When You Find a Sudden Lump Common Causes of Sudden Lumps Under the Skin Uncommon Causes of Dog Lumps Identifying Lumps and Bumps on Dog’s Skin RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS Preventing Skin Lumps in Dogs Final Thoughts Frequently Asked Questions Related readings
Petglow infection Antibiotics usage by Vet Dr. Alex*
1. Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD)
Symptoms:
Severe itching and scratching
Hair loss, especially near the tail base
Red, inflamed, or scabbed skin
Flea dirt or actual fleas present
Scaly skin
Causes:
FAD is caused by an allergic reaction to flea saliva . A single flea bite can trigger a severe allergic response in sensitive dogs. Fleas are common external parasites that cause intense itching and can lead to more serious skin conditions.
Treatment:
Flea control : Use vet-recommended flea preventives such as topical treatments (e.g., fipronil, selamectin), oral medications, or collars.
Anti-itch medications : Antihistamines or corticosteroids may be prescribed to reduce inflammation.
Skin soothing treatments : Oatmeal baths, medicated shampoos, or topical sprays.
Environmental control : Vacuuming and treating the home and yard.
2. Canine Atopic Dermatitis (Environmental Allergies)
Symptoms:
Chronic itching
Licking paws, rubbing face
Ear infections
Hair loss and skin thickening over time
Causes:
Atopic dermatitis is an inherited hypersensitivity to environmental allergens such as pollen, dust mites, mold, or grass. Allergic dermatitis in dogs is caused by hypersensitivity reactions to environmental and food allergens, often leading to allergic reactions that manifest as itching and rashes. Treatment for canine atopic dermatitis begins with soothing the itchiness with anti-pruritic medication.
Treatment:
Allergen avoidance : Clean environment, HEPA filters.
Medications : Apoquel, Cytopoint injections, or corticosteroids.
Immunotherapy : Allergen-specific desensitization shots.
Topical care : Medicated shampoos and conditioners to restore the skin barrier.
3. Hot Spots (Acute Moist Dermatitis)
Symptoms:
Red, moist, oozing sore
Hair loss around the lesion
Pain and rapid development
Bad odor from the wound
Skin rashes
Causes:
Hot spots are often caused by excessive licking, chewing, or scratching , which pet parents need to monitor and manage, due to insect bites, allergies, or moisture trapped in fur. Hot spots can occur due to an underlying skin condition that causes itching, like allergies or parasites.
Treatment:
Clipping hair around the lesion
Cleaning with antiseptic solutions
Topical antibiotics and anti-inflammatories
Prevent further licking with an e-collar
4. Mange (Demodectic or Sarcoptic)
Symptoms:
Clinical signs of Mange include hair loss in patches
Redness and scaling
Itching (especially with sarcoptic mange)
Crusty skin
Causes:
Demodectic mange is caused by Demodex mites and typically affects young or immune-compromised dogs.
Sarcoptic mange is highly contagious and caused by Sarcoptes scabiei mites.
Treatment:
Medicated dips or shampoos
Oral or topical antiparasitics (e.g., ivermectin, selamectin)
Isolation if contagious
Supportive care to improve immunity
5. Yeast Infections
Symptoms:
Itching and redness
Thickened or greasy skin
Dark pigmentation in chronic cases
Foul odor
Causes:
Overgrowth of Malassezia yeast on the skin, often due to allergies, immune disorders, or moisture, is called malassezia dermatitis. Yeast infections in dogs are commonly characterized by itching, redness, and a distinctive yeasty smell. Yeast infections may develop as secondary issues related to allergies in dogs.
Treatment:
Antifungal shampoos (e.g., ketoconazole)
Topical or oral antifungal meds
Cleaning and drying affected areas
Treat underlying conditions (e.g., allergies)
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6. Bacterial Skin Infections (Pyoderma)
Symptoms:
Pustules or pimples
Hair loss
Crusting or flaking skin
Bad odor
Causes:
Often secondary to other skin issues like allergies or parasites, pyoderma is caused by bacterial overgrowth (commonly Staphylococcus species). Secondary skin infections can occur as a consequence of primary infections and systemic conditions that compromise the skin barrier, such as allergies and endocrine imbalances. Folliculitis is an inflammation of the hair follicles often caused by bacterial infections. Pyoderma refers to bacterial skin infections that manifest as pustules or sores filled with pus.
Treatment:
Antibiotics
Medicated shampoos.
Addressing underlying triggers.
7. Ringworm (Dermatophytosis)
Symptoms:
Circular areas of hair loss
Scaly, red skin
Mild itching
Spread to humans (zoonotic)
Causes:
A fungal infection caused by dermatophyte species such as Microsporum canis.
Treatment:
Topical antifungal creams or shampoos
Oral antifungals (griseofulvin or itraconazole)
Environmental cleaning to prevent recurrence.
8. Seborrhea
Symptoms:
Flaky skin (dandruff)
Greasy coat
Odor
Itching
Seborrhea is a skin condition that results in excessive flaking and scaling due to defective keratinization.
Causes:
Can be primary (inherited) , known as primary seborrhea , which is a genetic disease that cannot be fully cured but can be managed with medications and treatments, or secondary to allergies, infections, or hormonal issues.
Treatment:
Medicated shampoos.
Fatty acid supplements
Treat underlying cause
9. Contact Dermatitis
Symptoms:
Red, irritated skin problem
Itching
Swelling or blisters
Causes:
Reaction to irritants or allergens such as lawn chemicals, soaps, shampoos, plastics, or plants.
Treatment:
Remove irritant
Rinse skin thoroughly
Topical steroids or soothing creams
Avoid re-exposure
10. Acral Lick Dermatitis (Lick Granuloma)
mage Caption: Chronic sore on dog’s front leg from constant licking.
Symptoms:
Thickened, raised lesion on limbs
Constant licking
Red or ulcerated area
Acral lick dermatitis develops from long-term licking or chewing of the same skin area.
Causes:
Boredom or anxiety
Joint pain or nerve irritation
Skin infection
Lick granulomas, also known as acral lick dermatitis, result from a dog persistently licking or chewing a specific area of skin, often due to itchiness or discomfort. This repeated action can lead to further skin trauma, potential infections, and complications in healing. It is important to address the underlying causes and stop the licking to facilitate healing, often recommending behavioral interventions along with topical treatments.
Treatment:
Behavioral therapy
Elizabethan collar
Topical or systemic antibiotics
Pain management or anti-anxiety meds
.
Chronic sore on dog’s front leg from constant licking acral lick dermatitis disease.
RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS FOR EAR MITES
Preventing Dog Skin Diseases
1. Regular Grooming
Brushing removes dead hair and debris.
Bathing with gentle or medicated shampoos helps prevent buildup of yeast or bacteria.
Keeping skin folds clean and dry is crucial to prevent infections such as yeast infections and bacterial infections like pyoderma.
2. Balanced Diet
Essential fatty acids (omega-3s) support skin health.
Avoid food allergens with elimination diets if needed.
3. Parasite Control
Year-round flea and tick prevention reduces risk of infestations and dermatitis.
4. Routine Vet Checks
Annual skin checks and early intervention are key.
5. Clean Environment
Regular cleaning of your dog’s bedding, toys, and living space can help prevent infections.
When to See a Vet?
If your dog shows persistent itching , redness , sores , hair loss , or bad odor , it’s time for a veterinary visit. Untreated skin conditions can lead to secondary infections , chronic discomfort , or even behavioral changes . Additionally, if you notice any lumps on your dog’s skin, it is crucial to consult a vet as these could be skin tumors. Early detection and a biopsy are essential for a definitive diagnosis and to discuss potential treatment options, including the complete removal of the tumor when feasible.
Conclusion
Skin problems are a common issue in dogs but are usually treatable with the right care. Understanding the symptoms and causes of common dog skin diseases can help you act quickly and keep your dog comfortable and happy. With proper hygiene, diet, and preventive care, most skin conditions can be avoided or managed effectively.
By staying informed and observant, you can be your dog’s best advocate when it comes to skin health.
*About Dr. Alex
Dr. Alex is RCVS accredited Veterinary surgeon and consultant currently practicing at a small animal veterinary practice in the U.K. He achieved his degree In veterinary medicine from the Royal Veterinary College (one of the top 3 vet schools in the world) and has a keen interest and skill in writing. He loves to write veterinary related articles by providing the most up to date and scientifically accurate information in an easy to consume format for pet owners. He can cover a range of topics and is passionate about educating owners worldwide!
