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How to soothe my dog's itchy, flaky skin and prevent new spots?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Yorkshire Terrier | Female | spayed | 10 years and 6 months old | 8.8 lbs

My dog has dry itchy flaky skin with lots of white or black filled pussy spots. I have noticed the spots are very itchy. If they are picked then the itchiness goes away but more appear so it's a loosing battle. They are all over her back n neck but nowhere else. Her skin is not red. Some of the spots pierce very easily n others become very hard n big n take months until they pop. A lot of gunk comes out. What can I do to relieve the itchiness and prevent the spots from appearing? Thank you

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on May 10th, 2017

Hi there. I'm sorry Bling is having this issue. I can't tell too much from the photos except that there appears to be some seborrhea (dandruff). I don't really see any of the "pus" or "gunk" you are describing but those may be sebaceous cysts. I would recommend at this time you try a really good anti-seborrhea shampoo like on of the following: http://www.allivet.com/p-7819-phytovet-pss-antiseborrheic-shampoo.aspx?sku=50812-2&gclid=CMr_wLe57dMCFYF8fgodzhsKWA https://www.amazon.com/Dechra-DP02-12-DermaBenSs-Shampoo-12-Ounce/dp/B00K4X8TGK/ref=sr_1_1?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1494698570&sr=1-1&keywords=dermabenss+shampoo Be sure when you use the shampoo to lather, leave it on her for about 10 minutes, then rinse well. The shampoo needs the contact time with the skin to work. I would bathe her twice a week. If no improvement with the shampoo then I would have you take her to your vet for an exam. I hope this helps! Dr. Amber

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    Answered By Ann Dion, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Hello. I am sorry that Bling is having skin issues. There are a few things I would get checked out with Bling. From the pictures it looks like he may have sebaceous cysts or a bit of hyperkeratotic skin. This can just happen with age, however it can also be increased with a condition called hypothyroidism. I would recommend having him seen by a vet to assess the pockets to make sure they aren't infections or tumors, and also have him checked for hypothyroidism. Good luck with Bling.

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