How to Identify Skin Problems on a Dog

Your eyes and nose are typically your best tools when identifying skin issues on a dog. Your eyes can determine any color change, discharge, flaking or other symptoms that are characteristic of a skin issue. Similarly, your nose can detect the smells of infection. While you can identify if your dog does in fact have a skin issue, you should allow your veterinarian to diagnose and treat the problem.

Things You'll Need

  • Brush or comb

Instructions

    • 1

      Look at your dog's coat and skin. Observe any color changes such as skin that has turned black or red. Black skin is a sign of many types of disorders, such as acanthosis nigricans and hypothyroidism, suggests peteducation.com. Red skin is typically indicative of irritation, along with epitheliotrophic lymphoma and other conditions.

    • 2

      Watch for signs of hair loss. Hair loss in dogs due to skin issues can appear as small spots of missing hair or large areas in which hair is absent. According to aspca.org, ringworm is often identified by spots of hair loss. Additionally, a severe flea allergy can result in hair loss around the dog's bottom.

    • 3

      Observe your dog's skin for any flaking or scaling. White flakes are typically present when the skin is dry or the dog has allergies. The flakes are usually easier to find on darker dogs; however, flakes can be found by using your fingers to part the hair and look at the skin, or by using a brush or comb. Look in between the bristles or teeth for flakes, or examine the hair that's been collected. Scaling can occur because of demodectic mange as well as castration responsive dermatosis.

    • 4

      Look for any changes in your dog's coat. Some skin problems present themselves by causing your dog's coat to become greasy. Malassezia can cause a dog's coat to appear greasy, as does tail gland hyperplasia, says peteducation.com.

    • 5

      Observe any foul-smelling odors coming from your dog's skin. If your dog has a thick, furry coat, you may not detect an infection caused by a bite wound or other issue. Similarly, hot spots, which can smell like an infection or have a sweet odor due to yeast, are often hidden under fur. Therefore, if you detect a bad smell coming from your dog, use your fingers and hands to feel and look under your dog's hair.