Darkened Scaly Patches of Skin & Hair Loss on Dogs

Dogs are susceptible to a variety of skin problems that produce crusty, scaly skin and loss of hair. Eczema, allergies, and fungal infections are just a few of the conditions from which a beloved pet dog can suffer. However, they may also be the result of something else, and must be checked by a veterinarian as soon as the symptoms appear. Certain conditions, such as mange and ringworm, can be transferred to humans.

  1. Eczema in Dogs

    • Eczema is a condition causing itchy, flaking, and discolored skin with loss of hair that develops for a variety of reasons. It could be that the pooch is too pampered, given too many baths with sweet smelling potions not meant for dogs, and too many people food treats. People food lacks proper doggie nutrition, sometimes creating vitamin deficiencies leading to eczema. Eczema can be unsightly and an uncomfortable condition for the dog. A veterinarian can prescribe a conditioning shampoo and proper diet to alleviate the problem.

    Parasitic Skin Conditions

    • Dark, scaly, skin and hair loss are symptoms of a serious parasitic infection called mange. There are several types of mange; sarcoptic, otodectic, cheyletiella and demodectic. Most mange mites are so small they cannot be seen, except for cheyletiella, which can be seen walking on the dog's skin. Aside from scaling skin and hair loss, mange causes severe pain and is transferable to humans. Mange treatment on dogs is not always successful. If the dog receives the medication too late in the infection, it can die. A veterinarian should be consulted at the onset of symptoms.

    Allergies to Fleas

    • As if fleas do not cause a dog to scratch enough just by biting, it can be worse; the dog can be allergic to fleas. An allergic reaction to flea bites can create open sores, called "hot spots," scaly skin, and loss of hair. Dogs use their teeth and claws to scratch. The open sores are usually a result of the dog biting an area trying to stop the itching. The vet can provide hydro-cortisone cream and antihistamines to keep the dog comfy while a topical flea repellent kills the fleas. Reapplication of the flea repellent once a month will keep the allergy under control.

    Acral Lick Dermatitis or Excessive Licking

    • Acral lick dermatitis is excessive and uncontrolled licking. Although licking can indicate other problems, such as tumors, mange or other physical ailments, some dogs lick due to psychological factors. Anxiety, stress and boredom are other reasons for excessive licking in dogs. Licking releases endorphins, temporarily lifting the spirits of a depressed dog, almost as antidepressants present in humans. The licking causes hair loss, open sores and thickening of the skin. Acral lick dermatitis is more prevalent in middle-aged and larger breed dogs. A dog that licks constantly should see a veterinarian to rule out fungal, parasitic or allergic causes.

    Ringworm Fungal Infection

    • The name ringworm causes many to believe it is a real worm. In fact, it is a fungus that causes a ring shaped infection on the dog. The infection creates crusty, scaly skin with raised edges and loss of hair in the shape of a circle. Often, lesions meet each other, giving them an even stranger appearance. Ringworm is transferable; dog to human, with the onset of infection beginning approximately 10 days post exposure. The dog will need veterinary treatment with anti-fungal cream to be rid of ringworm, as will its human family.