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My dog has dry skin, hair loss on sides, and a pimple, no itching.

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | English Cocker Spaniel | Female | unspayed | 25 lbs

4yr old English working cocker spaniel has developed dry skin with hair loss/thinning on her sides over the last 3 weeks. She isn’t itching at all and is fine in every other way. A pimple type sore has come up on one patch. She doesn’t seem to have fleas and is treated monthly with frontline spot on

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on April 1st, 2019

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. Judging from the pictures and your description, I would suspect that this could be due to a superficial bacterial skin infection. I would recommend using a shampoo such as Duoxo PS + chlorhexidine combination shampoo, fish oil such as Welactin and essential 6 spot on by Dermoscent. If there is no improvement with the skin / hair coat worsens, I would recommend having a veterinarian take a look at Ruby so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

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    Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    There could be several reasons for Ruby to develop the skin lesions and common conditions include allergies or hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism tends to run in the breed and I recommend to have her examined by the veterinarian. Hypothyroidism is diagnosed with a simple blood test. Best of luck and please feel free to post any additional questions.

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