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Why does my dog have dry skin, red bumps, and hair loss on his back?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Pug | Male | neutered | 6 years and 8 months old | 27 lbs

Hi. My dog has very dry skin and red bumps all over his back. It has caused significant hair loss. He has always had skin issues but recently we discovered he has a sensitivity to protein and switched him to Royal Canin Ultramino. I have never had this issue with him before, he doesnt seem to be itchy at all, but when I touch or rub the spots on his back he doesnt like it at all. I have also given him oatmeal/aloe baths. Pug. 6 years old. ~27lbs

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4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on October 25th, 2018

Hello. It looks like Sam has some pretty significant dermatitis going on, most likely caused by a staph infection in his skin. But allergies, auto-immune disease & even some hormonal imbalances/diseases can cause skin symptoms like this. He really needs to be seen by a veterinarian, preferably one with a specialty in dermatology, if possible. In the meantime, I would be bathing him in an antibacterial shampoo, one with benzoyl peroxide, or 2-4% chlorhexidine. Most pet retailers carry something. Soap him up for 10 minutes before sensing thoroughly, & repeat the bath every few days, or at least twice a week. It may take 4-6 weeks to see results, but if you can have this looked at first hand, that would be best. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Lauren Jones VMD

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 5th, 2017

    Oh dear! Your dog's hair loss is quite profound as is the lesion on his abdomen. Some of the most common causes of hair loss are related either to endocrine/metabolic conditions (such as Cushing's disease or hypothyroidism) or infectious conditions (such as ringworm or mites/mange). The red bumps (papules and pustules) visible in the photos also are concerning for the presence of a skin infection. The black dots may indicate essentially an oil clogged pore (comedone). At this point, I recommend taking your dog to the vet as he may need blood and skin testing to get to the bottom of the situation. Oral antibiotics may also be needed to treat a skin infection. I hope that he's feeling better soon!

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    Answered By C. Rathjens, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 12th, 2019

    That sounds like a superficial skin infection, although it could also be a parasite. Skin infections are caused by overgrowth of normal bacteria and/or yeast on the skin, which can happen because the skin is wet for too long, a dog is itchy and licking at it, or allergies to flea, food or something in the environment. There are definitely other less likely causes (like an issue with the way the skin is forming) but I would start with a vet visit to see if he has an infection. He would likely be treated with antibiotics, a medicated shampoo, and possibly medications to help with itching. Good luck!

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    Answered By Jenny, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on February 26th, 2018

    This may be due from a scratch or wound or allergy induced or a form of the mange. They do appear to have an infection, either bacterial or yeast. It is best to see your vet to have the area checked for mange and see what medications can be used to treat it and prevent further occurrences. In the mean time you can give a good bath to scrub the areas. You can keep antibiotic cream in them such as neosporin to help until you can get to a vet

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