Dogs With Shedding and Flaky Skin Problems

Shedding occurs when dogs lose their old or damaged hair, replacing it with new hair. Dogs also shed in the spring when they lose their winter coat of fur. Sometimes shedding becomes a problem when the dog develops a skin infection or allergies; the dog's hair can come out prematurely or the dog may pull it out while scratching or biting at the itchy spots. This leaves the skin raw, oozing and later flaky as it starts to heal. However, many causes of shedding and flaky skin exist.

  1. Common Symptoms

    • Common symptoms associated with shedding and flaky skin are scratching, licking or chewing at the skin, hair loss, scabs and redness or inflammation of the skin. The dog may also have a hot spot, or a very warm area on its body where the skin is irritated and swollen. Some dogs may have round, scaly patches of skin on their faces and paws. You may also notice a rash, lesion, drainage or pus from the area on or around the skin.

    Potential Causes

    • A dog with shedding problems may just be a breed or a dog that sheds a lot. If the other symptoms accompany shedding, then there may be an underlying cause. Dogs can develop skin allergies to pollen, weeds, dust, mites, trees, mold or grass, and even something in their food. Dogs are also a food source for fleas and ticks. A flea infestation can lead to a lot of scratching, which leads to many of the above symptoms. The dog may also have developed a skin infection from ringworm, bacteria, viruses, yeast or even parasites.

    Visit the Vet

    • It's time to visit the veterinarian when the problems are severe, causing pain, bleeding or an extreme distraction for your dog. You should also go see the vet if your dog doesn't respond to simple home treatment or the problem keeps reoccurring. At the office, the veterinarian will examine the area and perform tests to find the most likely causes. The vet may ask for a skin biopsy or run a test for ringworm. A visit may also include blood tests, allergy tests or a close examination of the dog's fur in search of parasites. The vet will prescribe treatment based on the results of the exam.

    Home Treatment

    • Home treatment of shedding or flaky skin starts with regular bathing and grooming to remove any excess fur. Bathing up to once a month with hypoallergenic shampoos will help with flaky skin and prevent infection or parasites. A seasonal flea dip and flea and ringworm treatments are also recommended. The veterinarian will likely provide a topical ointment for the dog's skin to fight bacterial or fungal infections or stop itching. Vacuum and sweep your home regularly to reduce potential allergens and get rid of fleas that may be hiding in the carpets.