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Why is my senior dog's skin scaly, itchy, smelly, and losing hair?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Labrador Retriever | Male | neutered | 13 years and 5 months old | 75 lbs

Scaly dandruff, brushed him & hair started falling out in clumps. Some skin looks irritated. Similar to severe cradle cap. He's always inside with me except for potty breaks. Started smelling bad and his ears seem itchy. I've been cleaning them. Was told no fleas in our area of AK. Very limited exposure to other dogs. Saw vet few months ago, was healthy except for 1 tumor, was "possible concern". Told to watch. Has arthritis & has lost weight in last week. Has had hard time since our Roxy passed

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on September 20th, 2017

Hi there and thank you for using pet coach to address your concern. From the pictures that you provided my primary suspicions would be a skin infection. There are some things that you can do at home if you are unable to get to a vet right away. I would suggest starting with a shampoo that is medicated such as Duoxo chlorhexidine PS combination and bathe him twice weekly until the infection is resolved. I would also suggest starting welactin omega-3 fish oil and essential 6 Spot On by dermoscent. If there is no improvement then I would see your vet for further testing and treatments. I hope this helps! Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. I am also available via phone or text base consultation if needed

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    Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Hello, thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. In a senior citizen dog like Rusty, my first concern would be to check thyroid levels. Low levels can certainly manifest with skin issues. There are also some endocrine diseases that result in skin problems, as well as bacterial skin infections & late onset allergies. Rusty might benefit from added omega 3 fatty acids, but they can take several months to kick in. I would contact your veterinarian at your earliest convenience to check out some of these things. A lot can change in just a couple of months in our older pets. Hope all is well soon. Take care.

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