Dog has itchy ears and now hard, itchy hair clumps on his back. What is it?

Question

Chunk has always had itchy ear issues which we give him Cytopoint for…it helps until it wears off and it uses to just be his ears that were bad…now I have noticed hard clumps of itchy hair on his back lately…any idea what they could be? Pet's info: Dog | Dogue de Bordeaux | Male | neutered | 5 years and 7 months old | 115 lbs

Lauren Jones VMD · Accepted Answer

For dogs with allergies, itchy skin issues commonly affect the skin all over the body - including the ears and back. Allergy issues can also change over time, both for the better or for the worse. My best guess based on your description and picture is that Chunk's allergies are now also affecting the skin on his back. When dogs itch, they damage the outermost protective layer of the skin, which can lead to both superficial and deeper irritation or infection. Saliva and mild discharge associated with all of his licking and itching can lead the hair to become a bit crusted and hard. Since you're noticing this crusting along Chunk's back, I wonder if he's due for his next Cytopoint injection. When you take him to your vet for this injection, you can also ask them for a prescription medicated shampoo, such as one containing chlorhexidine and hydrocortisone, as this can help to manage superficial skin infection and inflammation. I've included a few articles about allergies for further reading. I hope that everything goes well! https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/canine-allergies/ https://www.petcoach.co/article/food-allergies-vs-environmental-allergies-whats-the-difference/

Dog has itchy ears and now hard, itchy hair clumps on his back. What is it?

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