Canine Skin Issues: Common Dermatological Conditions in Dogs

Dogs may suffer from a variety of health issues, but some of their most common problems are skin-related. This may not sound as serious as other ailments, but both chronic and acute skin problems in dogs can be painful and an indication of a concerning underlying disease. 

Itching, scratching, skin redness, fur loss, bleeding, scabbing, odors, discoloration, and other symptoms can be signs of a dermatological condition and should not be ignored. Thankfully, there are a variety of at-home remedies as well as treatments your veterinarian can offer to help your dog be more comfortable and possibly even prevent or cure their skin issues.

TL;DR: Dogs commonly experience skin issues, including allergies, bacterial and yeast infections, hot spots, mange caused by mites, and seborrhea. Symptoms to watch for include excessive scratching, redness, hair loss, scabs, odor, and changes in skin texture or color. Early veterinary diagnosis is crucial, because many skin conditions have similar symptoms but require different treatments, ranging from medicated shampoos and antibiotics to dietary changes and allergy management.

What causes dog skin conditions? 

As with people, there are a number of issues that can cause skin conditions in dogs. Some are due to metabolic or internal diseases. Others are the result of allergies or due to external factors such as irritants and parasites. Because there is never one single cause of skin problems in dogs, it can be difficult to diagnose the underlying issue by simply looking at the symptoms.

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Some common causes of dog skin conditions include the following:

• External parasites and other irritating, stinging, or biting insects 

• Household toxins or chemicals, like cleaning solutions and detergents 

• Bacterial infections

• Fungal infections such as ringworm and yeast 

• Hormonal imbalances

• Autoimmune issues

• Metabolic disorders such as thyroid disease

• Allergies, including food and environmental irritants

• Trauma

• Stress or anxiety

• Genetics

Dog skin disease symptoms

Occasional itching or scratching can be normal. But if your dog is itching throughout the day, every day, or experiencing other symptoms of skin disease, it may be time to get your dog some help. Skin disease symptoms to watch for include the following. 

• Crusty skin or scabbing: These can be small areas of crusting or large patches of scabbing.

• Rashes or redness: Dog skin is not normally red, but irritated skin will be.

• Excessive itching or scratching: An occasional itch is okay, but ongoing, regular, or excessive itching is not normal.

• Hair loss: Thinning hair all over your dog’s body or small, localized patches of hair loss can be indications of a skin problem.

• Odor: A consistent and abnormal odor to your dog’s skin is not normal.

• Hot spots, oozing or moist sores on the skin: Moisture buildup alongside redness can result in oozing or moist sores that may be referred to as hot spots.

• Pustules on the skin: Small bumps on the skin, like pimples, can form and ooze on unhealthy skin.

• Bleeding skin or open sores: Some serious skin conditions can cause open sores, but excessive scratching can also cause sores and bleeding.

• Flea dirt: Black flea poop that turns red when you get it wet can be easy to spot on your dog’s back, especially at the base of their tail, where it may be hard for them to reach.

• Excessively dry or cracked skin: Skin should not be excessively dry, flaky, or cracked.

• Biting or chewing on the skin or fur: If your dog is biting or chewing at their skin, this can be a sign of fleas or other skin irritations.

Common dog skin conditions

Depending on the cause, some skin conditions are localized while others are more widespread on your dog’s body. Alongside a thorough physical examination, your veterinarian may need to perform some tests to determine which skin condition your dog has. Bloodwork, a food trial, a skin cytology, or a skin culture may be needed, especially if this is a recurring or chronic issue. There are numerous types of skin conditions found in dogs, but some of the most common diagnoses are the following ones.

Dermatitis

This is the general, but technical, word for a rash or inflammation of the skin. There are many different types of dermatitis, including yeast, atopic, contact, and pyotraumatic. These different types of dermatitis are caused by various fungal and bacterial infections, parasites, trauma, allergies, and other things. Because of all the different types and causes of dermatitis in dogs, various treatments are needed.

Pyoderma

A type of dermatitis, pyoderma is a bacterial infection of the skin that causes both inflammation and pus. Impetigo, folliculitis, and pyotraumatic dermatitis (more commonly known as hot spots) are all types of pyoderma in dogs. Hot spots are especially common in dogs with long or thick hair, such as Golden Retrievers, Newfoundlands, and Labrador Retrievers, and they can form when the skin becomes wet or damp and doesn’t fully dry.

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Ringworm

Another specific type of dermatitis, ringworm is caused by a fungal infection, not a worm. Different species of fungus, including microsporum and trichophyton, can cause this type of itchy infection that results in a classic, circular rash and hair loss. Ringworm is very contagious to both other animals and people. 

Alopecia

Hair or fur loss is referred to as alopecia, but this issue shouldn’t be confused with normal shedding. Alopecia results in baldness or bare spots. Although it is a skin condition that can be seen in any dog breed, some breeds, such as Poodles, Bichon Frises, Chihuahuas, and Dachshunds, are predisposed to it. Alopecia can be caused by friction from excessive collar rubbing, hormonal imbalances, trauma, autoimmune disease, parasites, skin infections, allergies, skin cancer, burns, and more.

Seborrhea

A defect in the outer layer of your dog’s skin may lead to excessive grease or oil. This condition can also cause dandruff and is known as seborrhea. Primary seborrhea is due to genetics and is most often seen in Dachshunds, Labrador Retrievers, West Highland White Terriers, American Cocker Spaniels, and some other dog breeds. Secondary seborrhea is caused by an underlying medical condition. Both may be seen in puppies or adults.

How to treat dog skin disease at home

Although not all dog skin diseases have easy, at-home solutions, there might be ways to treat the problem without having to visit the veterinarian as often. Skin-soothing sprays, conditioners, shampoos, and other topical applications can calm your dog’s itchy or dry skin, as they wash off potential irritants, bacteria, fungi, and toxins. 

Oral supplements — such as fish oil, hardy kiwi, probiotics, and other skin-health boosting ingredients — can improve your dog’s skin health from the inside out. Meanwhile, regularly giving your dog external parasite preventatives can help kill and prevent fleas, ticks, and mites that can cause skin problems. If your dog continues to be itchy, and the skin issues worsen despite at-home efforts, contact your veterinarian.

Commonly asked questions 

Can you treat dog skin conditions at home?

Yes, depending on the cause of the skin condition, simple things such as bathing and administering flea and tick preventatives may help provide your dog with at-home relief. Supplements and regular brushing can help skin health in the long term, but for temporary relief, soothing sprays, mousses, wipes, and other moisturizing options can help with dry and itchy skin. If symptoms persist or worsen, make an appointment with your veterinarian. 

What are common types of dog rashes?

Common types of rashes in dogs include hot spots, dermatitis, pyoderma, folliculitis, ringworm, lick granulomas, and mange. A rash is simply irritated or inflamed skin, but many things can cause different types of rashes.

What does dog yeast dermatitis smell like?

Dog yeast dermatitis is skin inflammation with a yeast infection, and some people describe it as smelling like corn chips or bread or having a musty or sour smell to it. Medicated shampoos, wipes, sprays, and other topical applications may be prescribed alongside oral medications to treat the smell and the underlying cause.

How does a veterinarian treat dog skin disease?

Depending on the type and cause of a skin disease, a combination of topical, oral, and injectable treatments may be needed. Oral supplements (such as fish oil and probiotics), medications (antibiotics, steroids, and antifungals), parasite preventatives (afoxolaner and fluralaner), injectable steroids (like prednisone), and topical shampoos, sprays, and mousses may all be part of your dog’s specific skin-disease treatment plan. However, to develop an effective treatment plan, your veterinarian will perform a full physical examination, obtain a patient history, and may need to obtain blood, skin, or fur samples. Note that some dog skin conditions can be difficult to manage depending on the cause.

References

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“California Department of Public Health.” www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC. 

“Canine Hot Spots: Understanding, Treating, and Preventing Summer Skin Woes.” news.vt.edu/content/news_vt_edu/en/articles/2025/07/canine-dog-hot-spots-dermatology-veterinary-medicine.html. 

“Canine Skin Autoimmune Diseases | Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine.” www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-information/canine-skin-autoimmune-diseases. 

“Dog Belly Rash: What to Do.” American Kennel Club. www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/dog-belly-rash. 

Drechsler, Yvonne, Charli Dong, David E. Clark, and Gagandeep Kaur. “Canine Atopic Dermatitis: Prevalence, Impact, and Management Strategies.” Veterinary Medicine : Research and Reports. 15 February 2024. doi.org/10.2147/VMRR.S412570. 

Embrace Pet Insurance. “Hot Spots on Dogs | Understanding Dog Hot Spots, Causes, and Effective Hot Spot Treatments.” March 26, 2021. www.embracepetinsurance.com/health/hot-spots. 

Gardiner, John. “Dermatology Fact Sheets | School of Veterinary Medicine.” June 22, 2018. www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/hospital/animal-health-topics/dermatology-fact-sheets.

“Hair Loss in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment.” www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/skin/hair-loss-dogs-causes-symptoms-and-treatment. 

Jgauntt. “Common Canine Skin Conditions.” VMBS News, July 15, 2016. vetmed.tamu.edu/news/pet-talk/common-canine-skin-conditions. 

MSD Veterinary Manual. “Seborrhea in Dogs - Dog Owners.” www.msdvetmanual.com/dog-owners/skin-disorders-of-dogs/seborrhea-in-dogs. 

MSD Veterinary Manual. “Whole-Body Disorders That Affect the Skin in Dogs - Dog Owners.” www.msdvetmanual.com/dog-owners/skin-disorders-of-dogs/whole-body-disorders-that-affect-the-skin-in-dogs. 

“Ringworm in Dogs.” www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/skin/c_dg_dermatophytosis. 

Savannah S. “Dog Heat Rash: Preventing Heat Rash on Dogs.” Montgomery Veterinary Associates. mvavets.com/blog/how-to-prevent-dog-heat-rash.