Itchy Dog? 8 Common Skin Conditions That Could Be to Blame

Just as you’re drifting off to sleep, the noises start: lick, lick, jingle, thump, thump, thump. Your dog’s nightly scratching routine robs them — and you — of precious sleep too often. To make matters worse, your dog is also starting to lose patches of fur. Let’s look at some of the most common skin conditions in dogs that could be to blame. 

Skin conditions are one of the most common reasons dogs visit the veterinarian. The signs of many common skin conditions in dogs are similar, making it difficult to tell them apart. Common signs your dog may have a skin condition include:

• Chronic ear infections
• Flaking, crusting skin
• Hair loss
• Licking, especially the paws
• Red spots or bumps on the skin
• Scratching

If you suspect your dog has a skin problem, schedule a veterinary visit so your vet can help you figure out what's causing the issue. 

8 Common Skin Conditions in Dogs

Your dog’s itching, scratching, licking and biting could be caused by one of the following eight common skin conditions. 

1. Flea allergy dermatitis

While flea bites are itchy for all dogs, those with flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) have an intensely itchy reaction to even a few flea bites. 

• Diagnosis. Your vet will check your dog’s skin for fleas or flea dirt, which is actually flea feces.  
• Treatment. Treatment focuses on eliminating all fleas from your dog and the environment. Your vet will recommend a flea preventive product that is best for your dog’s situation and lifestyle. Getting rid of all the fleas in your home can be an intensive process that often takes several months. 

2. Environmental allergies

Dogs can be allergic to substances in their environment, such as pollens, molds and dust mites. This condition is often called atopic dermatitis, or atopy. Dogs with environmental allergies can have skin problems only during certain times of year, such as when pollen counts are high. However, if a dog is allergic to a substance inside their home, such as dust or storage mites, they may be symptomatic year-round

• Diagnosis. Intradermal skin testing or serum allergy testing can be used to determine which substances a dog is allergic to. Intradermal skin testing is more accurate but requires a visit to a board-certified veterinary dermatologist. 
• Treatment. Mild allergies may be treated symptomatically with medications to control inflammation and itching. For more severe allergies, immunotherapy (allergy shots) can be used once allergy testing reveals which allergens should be included.  

3. Bacterial skin infection

A bacterial skin infection, or pyoderma, can develop secondary to allergies or another underlying condition. Skin infections are also itchy and often exacerbate the primary problem.

• Diagnosis. Your veterinarian can often tell if your dog has a skin infection by looking at their skin for characteristic bumps or red spots. However, they may press a glass slide to your pet’s skin and look under the microscope to confirm the presence of an infection.
• Treatment. Bacterial skin infections typically respond well to antibiotics. However, the infection may return if the underlying skin problem is not also treated.

4. Yeast skin infection

Dogs with allergies and other skin conditions often develop secondary infections caused by Malassezia pachydermatis, a yeast skin condition. This skin infection often causes a characteristic “yeasty” odor to the skin and ears.

• Diagnosis. As with a bacterial skin infection, your veterinarian can examine a sample under the microscope to confirm the presence of yeast. 
• Treatment. Treatment often involves bathing with an antifungal shampoo several times per week to control yeast growth. Oral antifungal medications are sometimes used for more severe cases. 

5. Hot spots

A hot spot is a localized skin infection that causes a red, raw spot that is intensely itchy. Hot spots often develop secondary to underlying allergies. 

• Diagnosis. Your veterinarian can diagnose a hot spot by looking at your dog’s skin. The characteristic lesion does not require any special testing.
• Treatment. A hot spot is typically treated with oral antibiotics. A short course of oral steroids or a topical medication may also be prescribed to help control itching and discomfort.

6. Mange

Mange can be caused by two different types of microscopic mites: Demodex and Sarcoptes. While Demodex mange is not typically itchy, Sarcoptic mange causes intense itching. Sarcoptes mites can move from dogs to humans with close contact, so you may also experience itching if your dog is affected. 

• Diagnosis. Your veterinarian will examine a sample from your dog’s skin under the microscope to look for Sarcoptes mites. 
• Treatment. Fortunately, a short course of medication will usually eliminate the mites. Sarcoptes mites don’t live for long on people, but you may want to consult your physician if you suspect your dog has passed mites to you. 

7. Ringworm

Despite its name, ringworm is not caused by a worm, but a fungus — often Microsporum canis or Trichophyton mentagrophytes. Ringworm typically causes patches of flaky skin and hair loss that may or may not be itchy.

• Diagnosis. Your veterinarian will collect a skin and fur sample for a dermatophyte culture. The culture is observed for several days to watch for signs of fungal growth. If growth occurs, the sample can be examined under a microscope to identify the type of fungus causing the infection.
• Treatment. If ringworm is limited to a small area, a topical medication may be used to eliminate the infection. However, larger areas often require treatment with oral antifungal medications. 

8. Seborrhea

Seborrhea causes excess keratin production in the skin, leading to flakiness and dryness. Some dogs develop greasy seborrhea, which is characterized by excessive oil production as well. Seborrhea often develops secondary to an underlying condition, such as hypothyroidism, diabetes, Cushing’s disease or skin allergies. 

• Diagnosis. Your veterinarian can often diagnose seborrhea by examining your dog’s skin; however, they may need to perform diagnostic tests, such as blood work or allergy testing, to identify the underlying cause for successful management.
• Treatment. Treatment often includes shampoos and topical treatments to manage the condition, as well as treatment for any underlying condition that may be contributing to seborrhea.

Why Dogs Lick Their Paws

Dogs lick their paws for many reasons, including an underlying skin condition. Common issues that may cause a dog to lick their paws include:

• Anxiety. Some dogs lick their paws when they feel anxious or stressed. If your dog is high-strung or seems to lick their paws only in certain situations, speak to your veterinarian about ways to relieve their anxiety.
• Boredom. Bored dogs sometimes lick their paws. If your dog doesn't receive regular stimulation, consider adding exercise and enrichment to their daily routine to see if it helps.
• Itchiness. Skin conditions that cause itchiness, such as allergies or an infection, often involve the paws, so your dog may lick their paws simply because they are itchy. Treating the underlying condition can relieve the itching to help your dog stop licking.

Getting to the Root of the Problem

Skin conditions can make your dog miserable, and finding out the cause can help you treat or manage the problem so you both can rest more peacefully. If your dog starts scratching or losing sleep, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to find out if one of these common conditions is the culprit.

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Author Bio

Angela Beal, D.V.M., has more than 20 years of experience as a veterinarian. Leveraging her background in private practice and academia, she uses her writing to provide veterinarians with strategies for making practice life more efficient and less stressful.