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My Lab has hair loss, flaky skin, itching, and red eyes. What's wrong?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Labrador Retriever | Male | 2 years and 6 months old | 66 lbs

My 2.5 years old lab is suffering by a hair loss and flaking on skin. He's also drooling than usual, itching and bit dull. Also his eyes turned slightly reddish. He hasn't lost any weight though. What could be the cause of this and how long would it take to cure this ?

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3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Lauren Celestin, DVM

Veterinarian, Veterinary Dentistry Resident

Published on August 4th, 2017

Hi there! There are many different skin related diseases that can cause the signs that you describe. The most common diseases include infectious skin diseases (i.e. bacterial pyoderma, dermatophytosis), or ectoparasites (i.e. Demodex, fleas, lice). From the picture you provided Ecru looks as though he may be suffering from Demodex, more commonly known as mange. To be certain of what exactly is going on with Ecru I recommend that he be seen by a veterinarian to evaluate samples of the affected areas of Ecru's skin under a microscope and get him on the appropriate medications and/or shampoos. It depends on what exactly is going on to know how long treatment will be, but I would estimate anywhere between 1 - 3 weeks of treatment. I hope this was helpful and Ecru gets better soon.

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    Answered By Dr. Macartney, BVet Med, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    I am so sorry to hear you are having these issues with Ecru. There are several possible causes from seasonal allergy to food allergy, or skin parasites like fleas or mange. What concerns me the most are the red eyes at the moment. Thank you for providing an excellent picture, it seems red and has discharge. Start by placing an e-collar or cone on Ecru to prevent scratching or rubbing. If the eye is infected it is likely painful, this will prompt Ecru to scratch or rub his eye. However, this could inflict further damage, infection or even an ulceration. Because eye concerns with dogs, such as infections, corneal ulcerations, cataracts and glaucoma, can progress rapidly in dogs I would have him examined by your veterinarian to diagnose the issue. The precise medication can then be dispensed by your veterinarian. The vet will also be able to examine his skin and find the cause and prescribe a treatment plan. Please do not attempt to treat an eye infection at home with any over the counter medications, drops or ointments. This can lead to permanent damage and unnecessary pain or discomfort. I hope this answer was helpful and that Ecru feels better soon. Warmest regards to you both!

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    Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Hello and thank you for your question! It sounds like Ecru is dealing with a possible combination of allergies and a skin infection. I cannot see in detail enough from the photo the areas of concern but I can see hair thinning and some flaking of the skin. If it is an allergy that Ecru is dealing with, there are multiple things that you can begin over the counter with him. I am not sure what is available in your area but some things that I would want Ecru to be started on would be the following: 1. Welactin fish oil or something comparable 2. Essential 6 spot on by Dermoscent or something comparable 3. Duoxo chlorhexidine PS shampoo (bathe twice weekly until resolved) or something comparable 4. Benadryl (50mg) by mouth every 12 hours If you are able to be seen by your veterinarian, I would schedule an appointment as the above recommendations may not be available where you are. There are most likely different products available and your veterinarian would know which products would work in place of the above recommendations. Skin problems can take some time to resolve as sometimes it takes multiple treatments and multiple medications to address the primary problem. I hope this helps! Please feel free to contact me with any further questions / concerns you may have.

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