Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

    rewards header
    Become a member today!
    Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
    Already a member? Sign in
    Petco Pay LogoBecome a credit card member today!

    Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
    when you use Petco Pay!

    APPLY NOW
    Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

Dog's itchy, red, crusty skin returns yearly. What are the solutions?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Basset Hound | Female | spayed | 3 years and 4 months old | 25 lbs

Hi I took Elsie into the vets 2 weeks ago to look at her skin on her belly, armpits, groin and paws were very red itchy crusty saw! She was very uncomfortable. She was given steroid tablets to take twice a day for a week and shampoo to bath her with for six weeks we are still bathing her and have wipes. They said it could be a skin disorder or yeast infection in her skin folds but she gets it every year when whether gets warmer and after her steroids have stopped it has come back just as bad?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Dr. Macartney, BVet Med, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on August 14th, 2017

It is possible that she has seasonal allergies or that the heat brings on the infections. It is also possible that she had a food allergy. I would discuss these concerns with your veterinarian. Two options could be trying daily allergy medication. Or trying a food trial, where she only Has food with hydrolyzed proteins for a 6 week period to see if her skin improves. https://www.petcoach.co/article/5-ways-to-improve-your-dog-s-skin-coat

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Lauren Kennedy, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    It sounds as if your dog has a skin infection, most commonly caused by an allergy or fleas. The allergy could be a due to a protein in Elsie's food or an environmental allergy like to dust, pollens, grasses, etc. Since she seems to be affected at the same time every year this is probably an environmental allergy. The allergy causes your dog to itch and chew at the skin which breaks down the skin barrier. This then leads to infection. It sounds like your vet has already prescribed some antibiotics to help clear up the infection. The steroids help to stop the itch, but as you can tell, once they are stopped the itch comes back. Elsie needs to be on long term anti-itch medication like Apoquel, Atopica, or Cytopoint. These medications help block the itch sensation to the brain which in turn prevents the infection. I would also recommend she be on a good flea control too. Allergies can be frustrating, I understand because I have an allergy dog myself! Keep up with the shampooing multiple times a week and be sure to ask your vet about some long term allergy meds. Best of luck!

    Vote icon

    0Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Image profile

    Answered By Stephanie Echols, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    I'm sorry Elsie is so uncomfortable. It does sound like a seasonal allergy if it comes back each year. Allergens are absorbed through the skin so you may want to wipe her down with a damp cloth after she goes outside. If the skin is still crusty, you should talk to her vet about an oral antibiotic and antifungal. Also discuss allergy testing- this is a blood test that's sent to the lab to find out what's she's allergic to. Also talk to your vet about omega fatty acids to keep the skin healthy between breakouts. Good luck and kisses to Elsie!

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why is my mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and has pus?
Is your mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and pussy? Dr. Melanie, a certified vet, discusses severe eye issues like infection or abscess, urging an immediate visit.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?
Is your dog's dry skin a concern? A certified vet offers expert advice on finding the best fish-based dog food alternatives to Science Diet for essential oils.
Updated on February 04, 2026
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My pet is breathing hard, not eating, and lethargic. What's wrong?
Is your rat breathing heavily, won't eat, and has no energy? A Licensed Vet Tech explains potential causes like infection and age, urging a vet visit for diagnosis.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My pet has red spots all over. What's causing them and what to do?
See red spots on your pet? A certified Petco vet discusses common causes like allergies, infections, or mites, guiding you on diagnosis and treatment options.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My pet keeps scratching its ear. What's causing this problem?
Is your pet scratching their ear often? A certified Petco veterinarian explains common causes like otitis or infection and how to identify the problem.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My small pet is limping and can't bear weight. Should I see a vet?
Is your pet limping and can't bear weight? A certified vet explains why a suspected fracture needs immediate diagnosis and safe pain relief. Get expert guidance.
Updated on December 04, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored