My senior dog has itchy, flaky skin with black patches. What's wrong?

Question

My 11years old female dog has very itchy flaky ...and the patches are black. When the spots are being scratched the skin fall off like dandruff but black. Pet's info: Dog | West Highland White Terrier | Female | unspayed | 11 years and 2 months old | 11 lbs

Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA · Accepted Answer

Poor Sweety! There are a number of different things that can cause itchy, flaky skin - the black color is likely pigmentation due to chronic scratching in these areas. Some common possibilities would include allergies (food allergies, or an allergy to something in the environment), fleas, a bacterial or fungal skin infection, or skin mites (mange). Since I see that Sweety is an older dog, it's also possible that she has a hormonal problem like hypothyroidism or Cushing's disease that is contributing to her skin problems. Treatment will depend on what the underlying problem is, so I would recommend taking her to the vet for an exam as soon as you are able to. He/she can do some simple skin tests as well as blood work if needed to help diagnose the problem and get her started on appropriate medication to treat it.

My senior dog has itchy, flaky skin with black patches. What's wrong?

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