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Common Dog Skin Problems: Itchy Parasites, Impetigo, Acne, Tumors, and Hormone Imbalances

© Chris Chamberlin

A dog's skin problems may be related to its age, sex, breed, and lifestyle changes.

Itching Skin Disorders

Mange infections will cause scabs, crusts, and hair loss by the ears, face, and elbows. Dipthe dog with a lime-sulphur treatment prepared by your vet.

Fleas can be the cause of major skin discomfort, especially if the dog is allergic to flea saliva. Fleas can cause internal problems as well, as they are hosts for tape and round worms. A number of treatments are available from the vet.

Ticks are usually found on the ears or head and between toes. Ticks can cause serious diseases and should be dealt with immediately. Kill ticks by applying alcohol or nail polish remover on a cotton swab. Grasp the tick with tweezers as close to the skin as possible and gently twist and pull, causing the tick to release. Don't worry if the head remains fixed, as the dog will rarely become infected. Follow with a good flea-and-tick dip.

If your dog constantly licks himself on the feet or ankles, he is likely bored. Take him for a daily walk or get him a companion and it should subside. Cortisone will help ease any sores.

Non-Itching Disorders

Usually, non-itching problems are cause by a hormone imbalance and are best treated by a vet. Symptoms can be hair loss, thickening  or darkening of the skin, excessive oily skin (seborrhea), and calluses. There are many drug therapies your vet will prescribe once diagnosis is complete. Be prepared for blood workups and patience, as it can take time to discover the cause.

Pyoderma

Puppies can get a type of impetigo and acne. Impetigo can be recognized by finding pus-filled blisters on the abdomen. Acne is usually found on the chin and lower lip and looks like black heads or pimples. Both can be treated by cleaning with hydrogen peroxide and soap like phisoHex, followed by a topical antibiotic like Panalog.

Hot spots are common to dogs with heavy coats just before shedding seasons. They are foul-smelling, warm, sore patches that can lose hair rapidly. Dogs should be prevented from licking the spot and then apply steroid/antibiotic cream. 

Tumors and Cysts

A lump or bump beneath the skin should be diagnosed by a vet to see if it is benign or malignant. Fatty cysts are common, so not all lumps mean cancer. Vets should examine large hard masses that seem to invade tissue or attach to bone.

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