Dryness Around a Dog's Eye

A dog owner is used to seeing his dog&'s eyes, usually looking hopefully at him during dinnertime. Unusual dryness around a dog&'s eye can be a symptom of a skin infection.

  1. Symptoms

    • Dryness around a dog&'s eye can be characterized by loss of hair around the eye and dry, scaly skin inside the bald areas. The visible skin might be red or flaky.

    Causes

    • Dry patches of bald skin around a dog&'s eye can be caused by ringworm, a fungal infection. It can also be caused by mange, a skin condition triggered by mites, according to "The Complete Healthy Dog Handbook."

    Diagnosis

    • A veterinarian can diagnose the cause of dryness around a dog&'s eye by taking a scraping of the dry skin. By examining it under a microscope for fungal matter or mites, she can determine what is causing the problem.

    Treatment

    • Ringworm can be treated with topical anti-fungal medication. Mange can be treated with injections of medication, as well as special shampoos and washes.

    Considerations

    • Once the cause of hair loss and dry skin has been treated, the dog&'s fur will grow back and the skin and hair around its eye will return to a normal appearance.