Why is my dog licking hair, has red crusty skin patches on his back?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Great Pyrenees | Male | neutered | 5 years and 4 months old | 100 lbs
I have a Great Pyrenees that is licking his hair out around the back and side. Has white crusty patches that are red underneath them. I use hydroconstine spray. He is 3 yrs old
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on April 25th, 2018
Poor Maxwell! There are quite a few different things that can cause hair loss with redness and crusting in dogs, so it's hard to say what might be wrong without being able to examine him and do some testing. Some common possibilities would include allergies (food allergies, or an allergy to something in the environment), a bacterial or fungal skin infection, or skin mites (mange). Treatment will depend on what the underlying problem is, so it's important to get a diagnosis first. Because of this, I would recommend taking him to the vet for an exam when you are able to. He/she can do some simple skin tests to help diagnose the problem and get him started on appropriate medication to treat it.
3Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on July 25th, 2017
Poor Oscar! Rounded, red crusty areas of skin like this are usually caused by a bacterial skin infection - this can occur on its own, or due to an underlying skin problem such as allergies or skin mites (mange). He will probably need prescription antibiotics to treat this problem effectively, so I would recommend having him examined by a vet when you are able to. In the meantime, you can try bathing him an a chlorhexidine-based dog shampoo, if you like. This should help to remove some of the crusty discharge and improve the redness a bit, which may make him a little more comfortable until you are able to see the vet.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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