10 Common Dog Skin Conditions

Jun 5, 2025 FunnyFuzzyUKTeam

Skin health matters as much to dogs as it does to us. In the UK, dog skin conditions—from minor flaky skin to deep skin infections—rank among the top reasons owners book a vet visit. The PDSA warns that untreated skin problems quickly dent a dog's quality of life, leading to misery, vet bills and even skin cancer in rare cases. Specialists at the Royal Veterinary College add that long-term itchy skin and chronic ear disease can have a major welfare impact if not managed early.

Why do dogs suffer so often? Britain’s damp winters boost mites and yeast infections, while warm summers fuel fleas and other external parasites. Allergens such as pollen or dust then tip many dogs into skin inflammation. This guide breaks down ten common issues, shows how to spot the clinical signs, and explains practical treatments—so you can keep your dog’s skin comfortable, their coat shiny and their life itch-free.

The 10 Dog Skin Conditions

1. Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD)

Flea bites are the most common skin condition in dogs seen by UK vets. A single bite can trigger intense itching that sends even calm pets into frantic scratching. The PDSA warns that some dogs develop severe skin inflammation because they are allergic to flea saliva.

Symptoms – sudden, intense itching at the tail base, red bumps, scabs and hair loss.
Causes – an over-reaction of the immune system to flea saliva.
Harm – broken skin lets bacterial infections in; young puppies can even become anaemic.
How to treat – vet-approved spot-ons or oral drugs, plus medicated baths for infected skin.
How to prevent – year-round parasite cover and hot-washing bedding break the flea life-cycle.

2. Environmental Dermatitis (Atopic Dermatitis)

Atopic dermatitis is an allergic reaction to things in the air such as pollen, dust or mould. The Royal Veterinary College (RVC) notes it can affect up to 10 % of dogs in Britain and often starts before three years of age.

Symptoms – face and paw licking, red ears, dull coat and excessive scratching.
Causes – airborne and household allergens, plus food allergies in some dogs.
Harm – chronic ear infections and thick, scaly skin can follow repeated flare-ups.
How to treat – vet skin tests, diet trials, antihistamines or newer biologic injections.
How to prevent – rinse paws after walks, use HEPA filters, and keep grass short in gardens.

3. Sarcoptic Mange (Scabies)

Blue Cross calls sarcoptic mange “one of the itchiest skin problems in dogs”. Foxes and other wild hosts spread the microscopic mites that burrow under a dog’s skin.

Symptoms – violent ear-tip and elbow scratching, crusty skin, bald patches.
Causes – Sarcoptes scabiei mites picked up on walks or from infected dogs.
Harm – open sores, weight loss, and the risk of transmitting mites to people.
How to treat – prescription mite-killers, oral antibiotics for infected skin, and strict home disinfection.
How to prevent – monthly parasite checks and keeping dogs away from fox dens reduce risk.

Dogs with scabies often show intense itching within a week, so fast vet help protects the dog’s quality of life and your household.

4. Demodectic Mange

Unlike scabies, demodectic mange is not contagious; it flares when the normal Demodex mite population explodes. RVC Vet Compass studies found breeds like French Bulldogs and Pugs are predisposed.

Symptoms – patchy hair loss on the face and paws, flaky skin, greasy coat.
Causes – immature immune system in puppies, genetic disease, or poor nutrition in adults.
Harm – secondary bacterial skin infections can cause painful skin lesions.
How to treat – vet-monitored oral medications or dips plus oral antibiotics for severe cases.
How to prevent – balanced diet, prompt care for irritated skin, and breeding programmes that avoid affected lines.

Regular skin checks catch flaky skin early, before mites trigger widespread skin inflammation.

5. Ringworm (Fungal Infection)

Despite the name, ringworm is a fungus, not a worm. Blue Cross explains it produces hardy spores that linger in the home for months.

Symptoms – circular patches of scaly skin, hair loss and brittle fur; lesions glow under a Wood’s lamp.
Causes – Microsporum fungal spores spread by direct contact or shared grooming tools.
Harm – zoonotic: children and immunocompromised adults can catch it.
How to treat – vet-prescribed antifungal shampoo and oral medications, plus deep cleaning of the environment.
How to prevent – isolate new pets for two weeks, hot-wash bedding, and vacuum daily during outbreaks.

6. Hot Spots (Acute Moist Dermatitis)

A hot spot is a fast-spreading patch of sore, infected skin. UK vets call it acute moist dermatitis. It often starts with a flea bite, a swim, or even a tiny scratch. Your dog then chews the area, turning it into a red, oozing sore with a strong smell. The PDSA notes that hot spots are common in thick-coated breeds like Labradors and can double in size in 24 hours if ignored.

Symptoms – wet, red skin lesions, sudden hair loss, and extreme pain.
Causes – scratching from fleas, ear pain, or other underlying skin conditions.
Harm – bacteria move in, causing deeper skin infections.
Treatment – your vet clips the fur, cleans the wound, and gives topical medications plus oral antibiotics if the skin is badly infected.
Prevention – keep coats dry after swims, treat external parasites all year, and stop excessive scratching fast.

7. Yeast Dermatitis (Malassezia Dermatitis)

When the yeast Malassezia overgrows on a dog’s skin, you get a greasy coat, a sour smell, and constant skin irritation. A UK fact sheet explains that yeast dermatitis shows up as red, flaky skin in ear folds, armpits, and between toes.

Symptoms – greasy, scaly skin; dark staining; and intense itching.
Causes – allergies, poor nutrition, or damp weather give yeast the upper hand.
Harm – chronic ear infections and thick “elephant” skin if untreated.
Treatment – vet-grade antifungal shampoos, oral medications for severe cases, and diet tweaks rich in omega-3.
Prevention – dry skin folds, feed balanced diets, and manage food allergies.

Good news: most dogs improve within two weeks of medicated baths and better allergy control.

8. Bacterial Pyoderma

Pyoderma is a deep bacterial skin infection often linked to fleas or atopic dermatitis. A UK study found that 7 % of vet visits involve pyoderma, making it a leading cause of repeat antibiotic use.

Symptoms – “target” pustules, crusts, and bald patches.
Causes – breaks in the skin, allergy flare-ups, or hormonal disease.
Harm – painful skin lesions and risk of antibiotic-resistant bugs.
Treatment – culture-guided antibiotics, antiseptic washes, and fixing the root trigger.
Prevention – rapid flea control, good grooming, and prompt care for cuts.

The BSAVA urges vets to reserve high-end antibiotics for stubborn cases only.

9. Hypothyroid Skin Changes

Low thyroid hormone slows a dog’s metabolism and shows first on the coat. Vets report dull coats, dry skin, and brittle fur in many dogs with this hormone disorder.

Symptoms – symmetrical hair loss, blackened armpits, and weight gain.
Causes – immune‐mediated destruction of the thyroid gland.
Harm – recurring skin infections and sluggishness that hurts a dog’s quality of life.
Treatment – life-long thyroid tablets and regular blood checks.
Prevention – annual senior blood screens catch disease before major skin damage occurs.

When thyroid levels normalise, many dogs regrow their coat within three months.

10. Harvest Mite Bites (Autumn Itch)

From July to November, tiny orange harvest mites swarm long grass. They latch onto paws and bellies and cause intense itching. The PDSA warns that even city parks can harbour these mites.

Symptoms – rust-orange dots, swollen feet, and obsessive paw chewing.
Causes – larval mites feeding on skin cells.
Harm – raw, infected skin and secondary bacterial infections.
Treatment – vet insecticidal sprays, soothing paw soaks, and short-term steroids for severe inflammation.
Prevention – stay on paths, wipe paws after walks, and use seasonal parasite cover.

Quick action stops the itch and keeps walks fun through late summer.

How Will the Vet Diagnose a Dog’s Skin Condition?

UK vets start with a history and a hands-on exam—looking for scaly skin, smell, and pattern of hair loss. Simple in-clinic tests follow:

Skin scrapings and tape impressions reveal mites, bacterial infections, or yeast.
A Wood’s lamp picks up some fungal infections like ringworm.
Cytology under the microscope checks for malassezia dermatitis or pus cells.
For long-term cases, RVC specialists may run blood tests or intradermal allergy testing.

These steps pinpoint the culprit so treatment—and cost—stay focused.

How Will the Vet Treat a Dog’s Skin Problem?

Root cause – parasites get a fast-acting spot-on; allergies meet diet trials or atopic dermatitis injections.
Relieve the itch – modern drugs like oclacitinib calm itchy skin without heavy steroids.
Repair the barrier – omega-3 food toppers and moisturising shampoos rebuild flaky skin.
Responsible antibiotics – culture before use, and reserve powerful drugs per BSAVA

This layered plan controls current sores and protects against future flare-ups.

When to Call the Vet

Any skin lesions that weep, smell, or spread in 24 hours.
Intense itching lasting more than three days.
Signs of a severe allergic reaction—swollen face or hives.
Sudden bald patches or unexplained lumps that might hint at skin cancer.

Early help saves money and prevents chronic ear or skin disease.

Routine Skin

Monthly flea and tick cover—parasites can even transmit Lyme disease.
Weekly five-minute “nose-to-tail” check for lumps or dry skin.
Rinse paws after muddy walks to remove pollen and other environmental factors.
Feed a vet-approved diet; poor nutrition weakens the immune system.
Keep grooming tools clean to avoid other skin diseases spreading between pets.

Print this list and stick it near the dog lead for a daily reminder.

FAQs

What is the most common skin condition in dogs?

Flea allergy dermatitis tops UK vet charts and may affect one in four itchy dogs every summer.

What does a skin disease look like on a dog?

Look for redness, scabs, bald patches, or a greasy coat—classic signs of an underlying skin condition.

What does fungal infection on dog skin look like?

Ringworm creates circular patches of scaling with broken hairs, while yeast causes dark, greasy areas with a musty smell.

What does dog dermatitis look like?

Dermatitis often shows as red, swollen skin that your dog licks or rubs nonstop, sometimes leading to acute moist dermatitis (hot spots).

Conclusion

Knowing these ten dog skin conditions lets you spot trouble early, soothe irritated skin, and avoid hefty vet bills. Check your dog’s body weekly, act fast when you see flaky skin or skin inflammation, and partner with your vet for tailored care.

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