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My dog's skin smells bad, is red, and losing hair. What should I do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Golden Retriever | Male | unneutered | 8 months and 8 days old | 57 lbs

I think my dog is having Yeast Dermatitis.. He smells very bad and he his skin is becoming red and black.. His ear is smelling bad as well and hairfall with dandruff in some parts.. There is no nearby vet available in my area. Kindly please tell me what should I do? Will it cure? Thanks

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2 Answers

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Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on September 23rd, 2018

Unfortunately there is no home cure. You will need to take your dog to a veterinarian for an exam, diagnosis and, if it is a yeast infection, prescription antifungal medicine and possibly shampoo. Besides a yeast dermatitis, this could also be a bacterial infection or sarcoptes mites. This is why diagnosis is important.

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    Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 26th, 2017

    An odor to the skin along with thinned and flaking hair could indicate a bacterial or yeast infection of the skin. I would recommend an examination by your veterinarian. They can perform a cytology (taking a small sample/swab from the skin to look at under the microscope to determine if there is bacteria, yeast, or both present). They may need to prescribe special medicated shampoo or oral antibiotics and anti-fungals.

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