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Why does my dog keep getting skin rashes and sores that won't heal?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Chihuahua | Male | unneutered | 4 years and 5 months old | 7 lbs

My dogs been getting these rashes or sores as I see them as I’ve been thinking they where dry skin or maybe even flies or some type of bug that’s making these sores but nothing seems to be helping them go I’ve even been using flea and tick shampoo that’s also for dry skin and such to get rid of them but nothing seems to help it go away permanently

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on September 1st, 2018

These rashes and sores can be caused by various reasons such as fleas, ringworm, mites ,fungal infection, bacterial infection and allergies. the first 4 needs to be ruled out before we start treating for allergies. in order to do that first de-flea Canelo with a high quality flea treatment such as advantage spot on, if it doesn't help - take him to the vet in order to check for/treat the other possibilities. If everything is ruled out, then an allergy treatment can be started. Usually an hypoallergenic food is a good way to start together with anti histamines. if it doesn't help - the best solution is a medication called Apoquel which treats allergies with great success and without side effects.

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    Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on October 4th, 2017

    This is probably due to a severe allergy, although it could also be fleas or mites. First of all, in order to rule out skin parasites, you will need to treat Bella with a high quality flea treatment (e.g. advantage), then get her to the vet to perform a skin scrape - this might reveal an infection or a mite infestation. If all of those came back negative, the next step is to treat the allergy symptomatically and try discovering the cause of the allergy. Some medications can be given by the vet in order to repair the skin lesions (steroids and antibiotics). simultaneously you should start her on a prescription hypoallergenic diet for at least 2 months. Hopefully you will see some results after all this, if not you and your vet should consider putting her on a long term allergy treatment (Atopica or Apoquel).

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