My dog has tender, crusted skin sores with hair loss. What can I do?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | West Highland White Terrier | Female | spayed | 10 lbs
MAtter pending two woks in dog friendly hotel (on vaca)My 10yr old Westie has round sores that are crusted over but seem to have hair like coming out of them on her sides, back, tail, & now the corners and lumps above her eyes. Also on her hind end & rectum. Not an all over rash they are spotted sores and seem to be very tender to her. I really want to find her relief. I've never seen this before.
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on December 13th, 2017
Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! If this is associated with itchiness, this may be due to skin allergies. There are medications such as Apoquel and prednisone which may help to decrease the itch. It really comes down to figuring out what is causing her allergies so that they can be treated or the specific allergen avoided. There are many things that can cause allergies though in most cases they can be broken down into 3 big categories: flea, food and environmental allergies. Allergies are usually worked up in a stepwise fashion starting with flea allergies as this is the easiest and cheapest to take care of. If not on a flea preventative, then it would be a good idea to get started on one. If already on one then it would be a good idea to change to something else (there are many new products out in the market). If not improved in 1-3 months then it is time to move on and check for food allergies by switching to a novel diet (new protein and new carbohydrate). If that does not seem to be the issue then you are left out having to check for environmental allergies which require blood and/or skin tests. Allergies can be very frustrating to deal with at first but so rewarding at the end when we are able to treat them effectively!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on September 9th, 2017
This looks like a bacterial skin infection. You can bathe her with a medicated shampoo once or twice weekly and brush her daily to remove the crusts and loose hair. I recommend adding a fatty acid skin supplement to her diet. If the sores are open and raw looking use a topical antibacterial ointment on them. If they are not improving with your home care then I recommend a veterinary exam for a diagnosis. They most likely will prescribe several weeks of antibiotics. Also make sure there are no fleas contributing to the itching and sores., using an oral flea prevention is best as bathing regularly will wash off a topical flea prevention. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Charlie.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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