What Causes Scaly Patches on a Dog's Skin?

When petting or grooming your dog, you may notice small scaly patches on his skin. There are numerous potential causes, so it̵7;s important to consider other symptoms or signs that accompany the scaliness when attempting to determine the problem. Scaliness typically manifests in areas prone to heat, such as on the stomach and in the folds of the skin. Always consult a veterinarian if your dog appears to be in discomfort.

  1. Allergies

    • Reactions to pollen, dust, grooming products, food and even household cleaning products can cause scaly patches on your dog̵7;s skin. The scaliness is typically the result of scratching, due to irritation. If the condition is mild, use a process of elimination to determine the cause before visiting your veterinarian. Clean all bedding, vacuum the home and discontinue use of all potential allergens, such as shampoos and air freshener. If the scaliness persists, gets worse or causes discomfort or distress, consult your vet.

    Mange

    • Mange is a kind of parasitic infestation. Tiny bugs, invisible to the naked eye, burrow under your dog̵7;s skin. Their presence causes inflammation, discomfort and scaliness. Dogs with a strong immune system are typically not affected by mange. It is much more common in young puppies with underdeveloped immune systems and in dogs with weakened immune systems. If your dog has recently been ill, his scaliness may be caused by mange. Look out for red bumps or dots around the affected area.

    Ring Worm

    • Ring worm is a contagious fungal infection that can affect a healthy dog at any time. Scaliness is one of the main symptoms. If the scales are accompanied by hair loss, caused by constant scratching, ring worm is the probable cause.

    Pyoderma

    • A bacterial infection affecting the hair follicle, pyoderma has a range of symptoms alongside scaly patches, including hair loss, redness, darkening of the skin and pustules that resemble acne. Pyoderma is particularly prevalent around the muzzle and chin, due to the presence of larger whisker follicles. Your veterinarian will typically treat this condition with a combination of topical cream to soothe the irritation and oral antibiotics to deal with the infection. In severe cases, your dog may become distressed or agitated due to the itching.