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Why isn't my dog's dry, scabby skin and hair loss improving?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 35 lbs

My dog Ben has been to the vet and they gave us pills for him it it doesn’t seem to be working, his skin is very dry and has dandruff, hair loss everywhere and scabs and he is very red. I don’t think it’s mites because our other dog Bella doesn’t have it and they sleep in the same crate. Please help I’ve been to 3vets and pills and shampoos aren’t working. I can tell my dog is in pain because he’s not as happy as when we first got him. We also changed his food because it was that. Thanks❤️

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Amy S. Eutsey, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on October 19th, 2017

Poor guy, he does look miserable. You did not indicate if he has had a skin scraping. It really looks suspicious of a type of mange caused by the Demodex mite. This is NOT a contagious form of mange like Sarcoptic mange....so Ben may have it and his sister could be fine. Demodex presents as very red skin with hair loss. If he had not been checked for this, that is the very first thing to do.

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    Answered By Oneal Bogan, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Hello. It certainly sounds like you have tried many things. Dogs with skin issues like Ben often have environmental or food allergies. Changing Ben's food is a good idea, but it is best to do a hypoallergenic diet from your vet to narrow down if something in his diet is causing the issue. It's more likely environmental allergies. A good allergy medication to try is Apoquel. This medication works just on the allergic response and is safe. I'd talk to your vet and see if that's right for Ben as well as try a hypoallergenic diet like z/d of Ultamino. Allergies can be challenging but your vet can help.

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