My Dog's Coat Is Flaky and Shedding

A dog with flaky skin that sheds excessively may suffer from a variety of skin conditions or parasites. These skin conditions are not only unsightly but also potentially uncomfortable for your dog and can pose a health risk if not treated. Seek the help of a veterinarian in properly diagnosing and treating a skin condition causing your dog's dry skin and hair loss.

  1. Mange

    • Mange is a skin disease caused by a parasitic mite that resides on your dog's skin or hair. The two most common types of mange mites are sarcoptic and demodectic mites. Sarcoptic mites are highly contagious and all dogs affected require treatment. Demodectic mites normally reside on the skin and may only cause a problem in young puppies, older dogs and those with a compromised immune system. A mange infestation causes hair loss, bald spots, scabbing, sores and itching. The mites may cause a generalized infection all over the body or in limited areas of the dog's coat. If left untreated, secondary bacterial skin infections can develop.

    Ringworm

    • Ringworm is caused by a fungus that infects the dog's skin, which leads to lesions on the head, ears, paws and front legs, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. It can cause bald spots on the fur or minor hair loss, depending on the severity of the infection. This condition is highly contagious to other dogs and to humans, so you need to handle the dog with gloves. Your veterinarian may recommend medicated shampoos, dips, ointments or oral medications to rid your dog of the ringworm fungus. In severe cases, a combination of these treatments may be used.

    Parasites

    • Flea infestations in dogs can cause itchy, scabby skin and hair loss due to the itching. These small wingless parasites bite your dog to feed on its blood. Dogs with flea allergy dermatitis develop intense itching at the location of the flea bite. Severe infestations can lead to anemia, which is a potentially fatal condition in young puppies. If you notice your dog has itchy skin and flakes of dandruff that appear to move, it probably suffers from an infestation of cheyletiella mites, also called walking dandruff. This common parasite is contagious to other dogs, primarily affecting puppies and cocker spaniels.

    Allergies

    • Dogs that suffer from seasonal or food allergies can develop itchy, dry skin and experience hair loss. Potential environmental allergens include pollen, dust, weeds, trees, molds or grasses, according to the ASPCA. Certain ingredients in dog food such as chicken, beef, wheat, corn, soy, additives or food colorings can all potentially cause a food allergy. Your veterinarian can work with you to determine what your dog is allergic too and put the dog on a hypoallergenic diet. He may also recommend a nutritional or fatty acid supplement to help improve your dog's skin and coat.