12 Skin Conditions Commonly Found in Dogs

The sight and sound of your furry friend licking or scratching its paws constantly can be very irritating. But it's not always their fault. They could be suffering from any number of itchy, and sometimes painful, skin conditions. 

From parasites to allergies or even a chronic illness, there are oh so many possible reasons your pup is uncomfortable in his own skin.

If your little guy has skin problems, it’s always best to check in with your vet to rule out any serious conditions. 

In the meantime, take a look at these 12 common skin problems found in dogs:

1. Yeast infection
2. Folliculitis
3. Impetigo
4. Seborrhea
5. Ringworm
6. Alopecia (hair loss)
7. Mange (Mites)
8. Fleas
9. Ticks
10. Dry, flaky skin
11. Acral lick dermatitis
12. Immune disorders

Yeast Infection

What’s that smell? And why is Brutis licking and chewing on his feet so much? Sounds like he could have a yeast infection. 

Not to worry, it’s pretty common, albeit unpleasant. Yeast, when balanced, is supposed to be on his skin. It’s when that balance gets out of whack that the excessive itching, licking and biting starts. 

The infection usually affects areas where yeast has a warm, damp, cozy space to grow, like between the toes or in the ears. 

Fortunately, yeast infections are easy to diagnose and often respond well to a topical cream. In some cases, your veterinarian may prescribe oral drugs or medicated baths.

Folliculitis

Folliculitis is an infection that causes sores, lumps and bumps, and scabs on the skin. Again, though, it’s fairly common and relatively easy to treat.

Folliculitis is easier to see on short-haired dogs. If your dog has longer hair, you may notice his coat looks a little dull. Upon closer inspection, you could also see more shedding than usual, or even some scaly skin underneath his fur. 

Folliculitis often occurs in conjunction with other skin problems, such as mange, allergies, or even an injury. 

Treatment of folliculitis may include oral antibiotics and antibacterial ointments. Check with your vet to be sure it isn’t anything more serious.

Impetigo

A bacterial infection that tends to manifest in puppies. It causes pus-filled blisters that can burst open and spread. 

The blisters typically develop on the hairless portion of a dog’s tummy. It’s rarely serious and can often be treated with a topical solution. In a small number of cases, however, the infection can spread or persist. 

If topical treatment isn’t clearing things up, call your vet for alternative solutions.

Seborrhea

Seborrhea causes a dog's skin to become greasy and makes skin flakey, causing dandruff. 

In some cases, seborrhea is a genetic disease that can persist throughout a dog’s entire lifetime. For other dogs, seborrhea can be caused by another medical issue, like allergies or a hormone imbalance. 

The seborrhea itself is generally treated with medicated shampoos.

Ringworm

Some people think ringworm is caused by worms. It’s not.

The name ringworm describes a fungal dog skin condition that appears in circular patches. They can crop up anywhere on your dog’s body, but are most frequently found on the head, paws, ears, and front legs. 

Inflammation, dry skin, and bald spots tend to surround the lesions. 

Puppies less than a year old are most susceptible to ringworm. And it’s contagious. The infection can spread quickly between dogs in a kennel or even to pet owners at home! 

Treatment for ringworm depends on its severity. 

Mild cases require topical solutions, like creams and ointments, applied to the affected area. Medicated shampoos twice a week may also be recommended.

In extreme cases, topical therapy is backed with antifungal oral medications, such as griseofulvin. However, newer drugs such as itraconazole or terbinafine (Lamisil) are being used more frequently and are often preferred because they have fewer side effects.

Shedding and Hair Loss (Alopecia)

Pets shed. Some more than others, but most of them do it just the same. 

How much shedding is normal depends on breed, time of year, and the environment. But sometimes stress, poor nutrition, or illness can cause a pet to lose more hair than usual. 

Alopecia itself is harmless. If abnormal or excessive shedding persists for more than one week, though, or you notice patches of missing fur, check with your veterinarian to rule out potentially serious illnesses.