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My senior dog has dry, flaky skin with fur attached. What's wrong?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Labrador Retriever | Male | neutered | 9 years and 8 months old | 95 lbs

My dog is almost ten years old(still a puppy at heart though) so I'm not sure if this is common with older dogs. He has very dry skin and little chunks of fur come off with the skin attached. It isn't raw and he doesn't seem like he's in pain. Could it be the food he's eating? If so, are there any for dogs with sensitive stomachs haha. He's currently eating purina. i just wanted another opinion. Thanks :)

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 22nd, 2017

Old dogs can get skin diseases and underlying conditions that can lead to this type of thing. It is not common for all old dogs however, so there is a disease process at play here. It is very rare to have such an older dog all of sudden have a food allergy, so I would not consider this a possible cause. Sensitive stomach issues usually cause vomiting and loose stool. I would consider having his skin tested through your veterinarian and then having baseline bloodwork done to check for any possible underlying causes (i.e. Cushings disease, Lupus) for Buster's skin problems. I wish you the best moving forward with Buster's skin condition. Take care.

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    Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    This can be a sign of a bacterial or fungal infection of the skin. Sometimes it can be associated with a food allergy, sometimes an airborne allergy, but not always. Thyroid disease is also a common issue in older labs that can have affects on the skin/coat. I would recommend a trip to the vet to have cytology done (looking at a sample under microscope) to check for bacteria and yeast and start the appropriate medication. They may be able to help narrow down the cause based on his examination and history.

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