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My dog has dandruff and skin issues. Should I take him to the vet?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | 9 years and 2 months old | 16 lbs

I could not find any solution for this so please check and do the needful

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1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on December 27th, 2019

This looks like dandruff and it could be Rocky has a bad skin infection. Without seeing him in person, I can't diagnose what is going on and therefore cannot provide a treatment. Please have him seen by a vet for this.

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1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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Hi I’m from petco I have a customer that would like to know what this is, could you please help?
Sorry it is not possible to diagnose this from a photo. This needs to be seen by a veterinarian for a skin exam. This could be a fungal infection, skin tumors, bacterial infection and other skin conditions caused by autoimmune disease or even contact with a chemical or other irritating substance. I strongly suggest your client make make an appointment with his vet for an exam.
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My dog has been itching himself like crazy since August and at first, I thought he just had an allergy to ragweed. However, it’s now December and he’s still itching. I just noticed that he has now developed a small rash on his groin area with pimple
Aw poor Rocky! It's likely he may have a food allergy or atopy as these can cause itching year round. It also looks like he may now have a bacterial skin infection secondary to the itching and allergy. It would be best to have Rocky examined by a veterinarian. He can be checked for other causes of itching and medication can be prescribed. There are many new medications for allergies available including Apoquel and Cytopoint. He may need antibiotics or a medicated shampoo if infection is present. I'd also recommend Rocky be on a quality flea and tick preventative like Advantix, Revolution, or Bravecto. You can also try using an oatmeal based shampoo to soothe Rocky's skin until he can get in to see the veterinarian. Thanks for using Boop by Petco! I hope Rocky is feeling better soon!
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What is this ??? Not eating food regularly
I can see two areas with hair loss and what appear to be red bumps (possibly papules or pustules) in the photos. Some of the most common causes of hair loss with these red lesions are related to either underlying allergies (to fleas, food or the environment), ringworm or mange. I'm assuming that Rocky is also itchy based upon the appearance of these lesions, and excessive scratching can lead to the development of skin infections. Irritation from itchiness can cause a loss of appetite due to discomfort. Make sure that Rocky is receiving a high quality flea preventative (such as Nexgard, Bravecto or Advantix) regularly. Rocky should also be examined by his vet, as he may need a skin scrape (to rule out the mites causing mange) and/or fungal culture (to rule out ringworm). Both ringworm and sarcoptic mange can be transmitted to other animals and people, so it is important to rule out these issues. If a skin infection is diagnosed, oral antibiotics will be needed. Until you can take Rocky
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My dog ROCKY IS losing his hair on his neck in little clumps and it appears to have pus on the ends by his skin
I am so sorry to hear about Rocky. Based on your photo I suspect he has what we call a "hot spot" or acute moist pyoderma. This is a bacterial infection of the skin and can be painful and itchy. Most often we treat these by shaving and cleaning the area then prescribing a course of antibiotics and steroids. You can read more about this at http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=2714. I would recommend setting up an appointment at your vet to get him taken care of!!! Hopefully with treatment Rocky will be back to normal soon!
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Rocky is loosing hair, it usually happens when he uses a table to it his back. Should I be concerned about the hair loss or bad itching?
Thank you for submitting your question regarding Rocky. Yes, he needs to see his veterinarian regarding his hair loss and itching as it is not normal. He may need skin testing to rule out mites or ringworm. Allergies will likely be discussed as well. This could be an environmental allergy or to something in his diet. In this case, antibiotics are used to treat any secondary infection and a medication can be prescribed to stop the itching. This will allow the hair to regrow and make him more comfortable. If allergies are suspected, then options can be discussed for long term management. I hope this information helps!
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My dog has been experiencing hair loss, his eyes are red and the places where he is losing hair are his back and tail and they’re starting to turn sort of black or grey it’s starting to look like dry skin. He constantly licks back there and scratches
The most common reason for change of skin color and itchy skin is fleas. I would recommend keeping up with a monthly flea prevention. Even if you are not seeing fleas on Rockey he could be bitten by fleas causing sensitivity of the skin. IF you are using flea prevention monthly than it is possible Rockey is having environmental allergies that need medication from a vet to resolve. I would recommend taking Rockey to a vet to make sure the skin is not infected and stronger medications are needed. hope that helps
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My 7 yr. old, male cat used to have long black hair. Can he develop a skin disease from being bitten by fleas? He has licked, scratched and pulled his own hair out. He doesn't come in the house any more but to eat, and never stops licking, chewing
I would recommend taking Rocky Road to a veterinarian as soon as you can. They can have allergies to fleas which can make them very itchy and then can develop a skin infection on top of having the flea allergy. It is not stated in the question but if Rocky Road is not on flea prevention I would recommend starting him on it. You can pick one up from your local veterinarian when you are there. At the veterinarian they can check for fleas and treat for fleas. They will also be able to give antibiotics if a skin infection has developed and it he is extremely itchy they can even give a steroid injection to help control the itch. I hope Rocky Road feels better soon and thank you for using Boop by Petco!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
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My dog has severe dandruff alog with pinkish spots on skin.... What is it and how can it be treated??
I'm concerned that Jack may have a bacterial infection in his skin thats causing this issue. Fleas can also make the skin look this way. Ideally, take him to the vet for an exam so that appropriate treatment can be started. You can try bathing him twice a week with a moisturizing shampoo made for dogs, and make sure you are using a good flea control product, but I'm worried he may need to see a vet to get on top of the issue. Thanks for asking Boop by Petco!
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Hi .Wondering what this skin condition is on a calf and how to treat it. Doesn't seem to be bothering him much - still eating well
We need a bit more information to be able to help you better. Is he itchy at all? Any other animals affected? This looks like he has been rubbing his neck. My first thought when I saw the photos was lice. Do you see anything crawling on him? You should be able to see lice. The other strong possibility would be mange (mites) which you would not be able to see. Other options: *bacterial skin infection * ringworm Any of those things I mentioned will need veterinary attention so I would recommend you get a vet out there to make a diagnosis so he can get the appropriate treatment. If you would like to post again with more information maybe we could help you better. Best wishes.
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Scaly dandruff, brushed him & hair started falling out in clumps. Some skin looks irritated. Similar to severe cradle cap. He's always inside with me except for potty breaks. Started smelling bad and his ears seem itchy. I've been cleaning them. Was
Hi there and thank you for using pet coach to address your concern. From the pictures that you provided my primary suspicions would be a skin infection. There are some things that you can do at home if you are unable to get to a vet right away. I would suggest starting with a shampoo that is medicated such as Duoxo chlorhexidine PS combination and bathe him twice weekly until the infection is resolved. I would also suggest starting welactin omega-3 fish oil and essential 6 Spot On by dermoscent. If there is no improvement then I would see your vet for further testing and treatments. I hope this helps! Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. I am also available via phone or text base consultation if needed
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