Reviewed by Dr. Fiona Lee
Every dog likes a good scratch—but then, who doesn't? However, excessive scratching, licking or even biting areas of the skin may mean something is wrong with your dog's health.
A dog's skin and coat are crucial for their overall wellness. They function as part of the canine immune system, regulate body temperature, maintain hydration and protect internal organs from external stressors.
Having a regular grooming regimen allows you to monitor the condition of your dog's skin and fur and quickly detect potential issues before they become problematic. The health of a dog's skin and coat is ultimately the owner's responsibility—and one of the top medical issues for dogs—so it's important to recognize common signs of skin disease and learn how to take action if problems arise.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Dog Skin Problems
Dogs communicate with us through their behaviors. If you notice your dog repeatedly scratching, licking or biting their skin, look for possible sources of discomfort. Signs of irritation like redness, inflammation, loss of fur, rashes, bumps or patches of scaly and flaky skin could turn into sores if your dog fixates on the area.1
Common causes of skin irritation for dogs are allergies, parasites (flea and other insect bites or stings) and a wide range of skin conditions from mild to severe.2 Scabbing or foul odors are signs of more serious conditions that require the attention of your veterinarian.
Common Dog Skin Problems and Treatments
1. Allergies
Like people, dogs can have food and environmental allergies. Common ingredients that cause canine food allergies include chicken, beef and dairy; these allergies can manifest as itchy skin. Environmental allergies to pollen, dust, feathers, grass, other animal dander and flea saliva can cause irritation and areas of dry skin. If untreated, these allergic reactions may result in atopic dermatitis, which can lead to unusually intense itching, licking and scratching.3
Treatment options should include a visit to your veterinarian, who can conduct allergy tests to identify triggers and recommend medications (antihistamines, corticosteroids or immunotherapy), dietary changes and special shampoos or other topical treatments.3
2. Hot spots (acute moist dermatitis)
Hot spots, or acute moist dermatitis, are localized areas of skin inflammation and bacterial infections. They can result from underlying allergies or parasites and your dog's excessive scratching, biting and licking.4
Hot spot sores are often red and swollen and may ooze pus. They often quickly progress to scabbing and hair loss. Treatment typically involves cleaning, topical medications to reduce inflammation and oral antibiotics or other anti-inflammatory drugs.4
In many cases, an Elizabethan collar (better known as the “cone of shame") is the best way to prevent your dog from touching the affected area. No dog likes wearing a cone, but most get used to it in a few hours—and they must leave the area alone to facilitate healing.5
3. Flea allergy dermatitis
A hypersensitivity to fleas known as flea allergy dermatitis is an allergy caused by antigens in fleas' salivary glands as they feed on a host animal. Look for severe itching and discomfort, with symptoms like red spots or hot spots and hair loss, particularly near the hind quarters—the lower back, tailhead and inner thighs.6
Talk to your veterinarian about the best options for your dog, which could include oral or topical parasiticides, antibiotics to clear up any secondary infection, antihistamines or corticosteroids to reduce itching, and shampoos designed to remove fleas.7
To rid your dog's life of fleas, you must also rid them from your dog's environment, including your home. This may involve washing all dog beds and carpets, doing yard treatments or hiring an exterminator.7
4. Mange
Mange is a skin condition that can affect any dog, not just strays. Caused by microscopic mites, there are a few common types:8
- Demodectic mange: Caused by Demodex canis mites in the dog's hair follicles and the oil glands of its skin, this noncontagious condition causes minor itching and typically affects puppies as well as immunologically challenged or sick dogs.
- Sarcoptic mange: Caused by Sarcoptes scabiei var canis, this is an extremely itchy condition known as scabies, which is highly contagious to other animals and people.
- Otodectic mange: This refers to contagious ear mites (Otodectes cynotis) that are often found deep in the ear canal but sometimes on the body.
Untreated, mange can result in hair loss (like patches on the face), redness, scabs and crusty skin with intense itching that can worsen the symptoms. A localized form may resolve itself spontaneously, but topical and oral medications like parasiticides and antibiotics may be required.8
5. Yeast infections
Another potential cause of a dog's excessive licking is a yeast infection. This overgrowth of yeast on the skin is common around your dog's ears, paws and other moist areas. Besides the obvious itchiness and red skin, symptoms may include a greasy texture, distinct odor or pink staining around the hair on the paws.9
Treatment for yeast infections includes special shampoos or wipes, topical antifungal creams and, for advanced cases, oral antifungal medications. If your dog loves to swim, it's important to thoroughly dry their ears after swimming—and bathing, too—because yeast thrives in moist environments.9
6. Bacterial infections (pyoderma)
One condition to look out for is pyoderma, a bacterial infection of the skin often secondary to other skin issues. Pyoderma occurs when the normal bacteria on your dog's skin gets into her body. This happens most commonly when dogs scratch and itch themselves so much they traumatize the surface of the skin, allowing bacteria to reach the inner layers. Red, inflamed, crusty skin with pus and a foul odor are dead giveaways and must be treated immediately.10
Like other conditions, pyoderma is best treated with antibiotics and regular cleanings with medicated shampoos. Ointments, Epsom salt soaks or antiseptic washes may also help prevent recurrence.10
7. Ringworm
Ringworm isn't actually a worm but a fungal infection that affects the skin, fur and nails. It results in circular bald patches with red and crusty skin and is often accompanied by itchiness. Ringworm is also contagious to people.11
Your veterinarian may prescribe antifungal creams, ointments or shampoos and may also recommend an oral medication for severe symptoms. Ringworm is an easily treatable condition with medication, but to prevent a relapse, you'll need to deep clean the items your dog comes into contact with regularly, such as bedding, rugs and hairbrushes. Without proper cleaning, the risk of reinfection can last for months.11
8. Dry skin
Dry skin can result from poor diet, allergies or other environmental factors like parasites or infections, while some skin conditions are specific to certain breeds.3 Common symptoms like flaky or scaly skin (dandruff) and excessive itching or discomfort are signs that your dog may need a dietary change to include high-quality proteins and fats or a supplement with omega-3 fatty acids to support better skin health. Moisturizing shampoos are also available for dogs.12
Preventing Skin Issues in Dogs
The prevention of skin issues in dogs requires an attentive owner who looks for unusual behavior but also regularly grooms with baths and brushing and uses flea and tick prevention. If your dog has had problems with fleas or other parasites, a preventive medication may be needed. A balanced diet and regular veterinarian visits are a good way to keep skin health in check.12
Curable vs. Incurable Dog Skin Problems
Your dog's skin and coat are important to your dog's health, so stay on top of all curable conditions as listed above. Incurable conditions, such as immune disorders and allergies, are treatable but regular veterinary treatment is often required. A serious autoimmune condition like lupus, although rare, can be fatal if left untreated, as the dog's immune system will attack its own tissues.13
Pets Best Is Here To Help
The best outcomes for your dog's skin health start with early detection, so be vigilant about your dog's skin and coat care. The sooner you can get treatment for your dog's skin conditions, the better, so be sure to visit your veterinarian for an expert diagnosis.
Purchasing pet insurance may help you protect your dog from common skin problems. At Pets Best, our dog insurance plans can be customized for your pet's unique needs. In addition, Pets Best policyholders can speak to a veterinary expert anytime through a 24/7 Pet Helpline.
Sources/ Citations
1. "Signs Your Pet's Skin Needs Veterinary Attention," (1/2025), The Vets, https://thevets.com/resources/pet-conditions/skin-issue-signs-in-pets/
2. “Why Is My Dog Constantly Licking, Biting, Itching and Scratching?" (2/2024), Vets Now, https://www.vets-now.com/pet-care-advice/dog-constantly-scratching/
3. “Dry Skin on Dogs: Signs, Symptoms, Treatments," Anna Burke (5/2024), American Kennel Club, https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/dry-skin-on-dogs/
4. “Hot Spots on Dogs: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment," (1/2025), The Vets, https://thevets.com/resources/pet-health-care/dog-hot-spots/
5. “Elizabethan Collars in Dogs," Courtney Barnes et al., (2023), VCA Animal Hospitals, https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/elizabethan-collars-in-dogs
6. “Flea Allergy Dermatitis in Dogs and Cats," Michael W. Dryden (4/2021), Merck Veterinary Manual, https://www.merckvetmanual.com/integumentary-system/fleas-and-flea-allergy-dermatitis/flea-allergy-dermatitis-in-dogs-and-cats
7. “How to Get Rid of Dog Fleas," Harriet Meyers (3/2024), American Kennel Club, https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/how-to-get-rid-of-fleas/
8. “What to Know About Mange in Dogs," Shannon Cabell (4/2023), Zoetis, https://www.zoetispetcare.com/blog/article/about-mange-in-dogs
9. “Yeast Infections in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments," Abbie Mood (1/2024), CareCredit, https://www.carecredit.com/well-u/health-wellness/dog-yeast-infection/
10. “Pyoderma in Dogs: What You Need to Know," Gemma Johnstone (10/2023), American Kennel Club, https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/pyoderma-in-dogs/
11. “Ringworm in Dogs: Everything You Need to Know, From a Veterinarian," Lavanya Sunkara (6/2024), GoodRx, https://www.goodrx.com/pet-health/dog/ringworm-in-dogs
12. “How to Prevent Dry, Flaky Skin in Dogs," (12/2024), Vetster, https://vetster.com/en/wellness/how-to-prevent-dry-flaky-skin-in-dogs
13. “Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) in Dogs," Malcolm Weir and Robin Downing (2021), VCA Animal Hospitals, https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/systemic-lupus-erythematosis-sle-in-dogs