13 of the most common dog skin conditions

Quick takeaways about dog skin conditions

• The top 3 disorders in UK dogs are all skin-related – including lipoma (soft fatty lumps), cysts and allergic skin problems.
• Breeds that are more susceptible to skin conditions include Boxers, Spaniels, Pugs and Labradors.
• Look out for symptoms like excessive licking, rashes and dry skin patches.

 

From itchy skin to lumps and bumps – dogs can experience lots of different skin conditions, just like us.

A recent study by The Kennel Club revealed that the top 3 health conditions in UK dogs are all skin-related. These are:

Lipoma – fatty lumps that sit under the skin and are usually harmless Skin cysts Allergic skin conditions

So, it’s a good idea to get familiar with the biggest issues, possible causes and symptoms to look out for in your dog.

Here, we take a closer look at the different types of skin conditions in dogs, what causes them, and how to treat them.

We’ll also cover preventative steps you can take to keep your pooch’s skin protected and healthy.

 

What causes skin conditions in dogs?

The top causes of skin issues in dogs range from environmental and food allergies to parasites, fungal and bacterial infections. Sometimes, an underlying health issue could be responsible for their flare-up.

Sometimes, your dog’s itchy or inflamed skin can be caused by a combination of factors, with one adding to another. For example, your dog might tolerate a mild grass allergy or food intolerance, but when combined, those factors might trigger an itchy, annoying reaction.

Some dogs are more genetically prone to allergies, and stress can also play a part in your dog’s immune response.

That’s why it’s important to always address skin conditions as soon as you notice them.

 

What are the symptoms of common dog skin conditions?

While they can appear all over the body, dog skin conditions most often appear in warm, moist areas.

That means it’s important to regularly check your pup’s ears, eyes, paws (including between their toes), groin, tummy, and thighs.

Some common symptoms of dog skin conditions are:

• Rubbing their head, or rubbing their paws over their eyes
• Licking their paws a lot or excessively licking other areas
• Agitated behaviour or inability to settle easily
• Sores, lesions and bumps
• Dry, flaky, or scaly skin
• Bald patches and heavy fur loss
• Smelly ears and/or skin
• Saliva-stained, orangey or pink fur – this is especially noticeable on light-coloured dogs

If you notice any of these in your dog, speak to your vet who can help identify the cause and find the best treatment.

 

13 of the most common dog skin conditions to know

These are the top skin problems caused by allergies, parasites, fungi, bacteria or underlying health issues.

1. Lipoma

Symptoms:
A fatty lump under the skin. Lipomas aren’t cancerous or life-threatening and are very common in dogs.

Causes:
They’re created by a build-up of fat cells stored in your dog’s tissue around the body. Lipomas are most common in middle-aged or elderly dogs.

Some dogs, particularly overweight ones, can develop many lumps like this.

Treatment:
Your vet can help to identify whether a lump is a benign (non-cancerous) lipoma. They might take a biopsy.

Many lipomas have no impact on dogs’ health so most can be left. However, if it becomes large or uncomfortable for your dog, your vet might advise getting it removed.

 

2. Cyst

Symptoms:
A hard nodule on or underneath the skin. There are many different types of cysts including:

• Follicular cysts – a single round nodule, that might ooze a yellow/grey cheesy substance. It can also get infected and smell bad.
• Sebaceous cysts – a single bump that’s usually white. It will ooze a grey, brown or cottage cheese-like discharge. They’re usually found on the head, neck or torso.
• Sweat gland (or true) cysts – translucent or dark nodules that might ooze a yellow liquid.
• False cysts – a dark lump that’s filled with blood.

Causes:
The cause depends on the cyst. Follicular cysts are caused by a blocked or damaged follicle, while sebaceous cysts are filled with sebum and develop around the glands linked to the hair follicles.

Sweat gland cysts are usually caused by blocked ducts in the sweat glands. False cysts are usually caused by trauma, which causes tissue to die and blood to form.

Treatment:
The most common treatment for cysts is surgical removal. If you’re worried, visit your vet who will take a biopsy to help identify the type of cyst and the cause.

 

3. Atopic dermatitis

Symptoms:
Itching, which can lead to redness, rough or damaged skin and fur loss.

Causes:
This is an allergic skin condition and affects around 10% of dogs. The itchiness is usually in response to environmental allergens, like dust mites, grass, pollen or seasonal changes.

If the allergy is bad enough, it can damage your dog’s skin barrier and cause bacterial or yeast infections.

Treatment:
As well as avoiding triggers where possible, anti-itch treatments including topical steroids are available. Speak to your vet if you notice your dog itching their skin lots.

 

4. Fungal or bacterial infection

Symptoms:
Inflamed areas of skin, particularly in moist areas and skin folds.

Causes:
Ringworm is a fungal infection that’s caused by a type of fungi. It’s characterised by a rash that's often ring-shaped and can be passed on to humans.

The most common bacterial skin infection seen in dogs is a staph infection. Again, it can be transmitted to humans so it’s important to get it treated.

Treatment:
Ringworm in dogs is treatable with an antifungal cream, and bacterial infections with antibiotics.

 

5. Hot spots

Symptoms:
Red, inflamed and infected patches of skin.

Causes:
Also known as acute moist dermatitis, hot spots are often created by excessive licking and are usually easy to see. They might have started life as a small bite or a graze that your dog accidentally makes worse by bothering it.

Treatment:
They need to be cleaned and treated to avoid more serious problems such as widespread infection. In some cases, your vet might prescribe antibiotics.

 

6. Impetigo

Symptoms:
Rashes and painful blisters.

Causes:
This condition is another caused by the staph bacteria, which lives on the skin. In some cases, it can cause an infection, and human babies and puppies are both more prone to it.

It often comes with other skin conditions where the skin surface is damaged, like dermatitis.

Treatment:
There are various shampoos and creams available, but they may need treating with antibiotics.

 

7. Folliculitis

Symptoms:
Redness, hair loss and spots.

Causes:
This is one of the most common types of skin infections in dogs and is caused by an inflammation of the hair follicles.

Folliculitis might happen when a dog has an underlying health issue like an immune disorder.

Treatment:
This varies depending on the cause – so a trip to the vet is a must. Medicated shampoos are also available.

 

8. Ticks, fleas and lice

Symptoms:
Excessive scratching, small bites and visible ticks or fleas

Causes:
Parasites can cling to your dog’s coat. They can pick them up during walks or when playing with other dogs.

They can be hard to spot – ticks latch onto your dog’s skin and can be barely noticeable to start with. And fleas and lice hide in their fur, so it’s important to keep an eye out.

If you see fleas on your pet, that's only the start of the problem. It's estimated that 5% of the total flea infestation will be on the pet at one time – the other 95% will be hiding within the environment.

Treatment:
Ticks can spread disease, so you need to remove them as soon as you soon one. You can use a tick removal tool, but make sure you follow the instructions carefully and ask your vet if you need help.

Incorrect or incomplete removal of ticks can cause serious damage to the skin and infections.

Regular flea treatment can both prevent and treat flea and lice infestations, and you’ll also need to treat your home.

 

9. Dust mite allergy

Symptoms:
Skin discolouration or raised bumps on the skin.

Causes:
Dust mites are a common allergen for humans and dogs alike, and if your dog is allergic to them they can cause dermatitis.

They thrive in households, so to stop them from becoming a problem, try hoovering and dusting regularly – washing your dog’s bedding on a hot wash.

Treatment:
Your vet might recommend corticosteroids or antihistamines depending on the severity.

 

10. Mange

Symptoms:
Intense itchiness and hair loss, particularly around the legs and face.

Causes:
Mange is caused by microscopic spider-like mites that attack your dog’s skin by burrowing into it and laying eggs. Sarcoptic mange is a highly contagious variety from dog to dog and can be found on urban foxes.

Mange can often lead to sores and infection, and can occasionally be fatal.

Treatment:
Your vet will usually recommend medication and shampoo. If mange happens repeatedly, there might be an underlying health issue that needs looking into.

 

11. Alopecia

Symptoms:
Hair loss and bald patches.

Causes:
Alopecia can be caused by many factors, from allergies to hormonal imbalances. Usually, once this is treated, the hair loss usually resolves itself.

Treatment:
Finding the underlying cause is the priority here, so your vet will determine the best course of action.

 

12. Seborrhoea

Symptoms:
Dandruff and general skin irritation.

Causes:
Caused by an excess of sebum, the oily substance produced by the skin, this condition can cause dry, flakey skin.

Treatment:
This depends on the underlying cause. Your vet might recommend mixing up your dog’s diet or trying medicated baths with anti-seborrheic shampoos.

 

13. Lupus

Symptoms:
Scabby and crusty skin, and lesions.

Causes:
This autoimmune disease happens when your dog’s immune system starts attacking the body. This might be caused by genetic factors, an immune disorder or environmental factors.

It usually starts around the nose and can travel to other areas.

 

Treatment:
This involves targeting the immune system and will be long-term, including medication, topical treatments, and lifestyle changes. If treated early on, the prognosis is generally good.

 

When to speak to a vet

It’s always important to deal with skin conditions in dogs as they can cause real discomfort and, left unchecked, could lead to serious infections.

They can also be a sign of underlying health issues, so if you notice any concerning changes in your dog’s skin, talk to your vet as quickly as possible.

 

Dog skin problems FAQs

How can I tell if my dog has a skin allergy?

Check your dog’s skin regularly, so you’ll know when something changes. While tell-tale signs include scratching and rubbing, skin conditions aren’t always obvious or easy to spot, so make it a regular practice to check your dog all over.

If you think there might be a problem, try keeping a diary of where your dog has been, and any skin reactions in the following 24 hours. This is useful for pollen and seasonal allergies and will help your vet identify the problem.

 

Should I use online companies to find out if my dog has an allergy?

We always recommend talking to your vet. Like many other online businesses, there are some good ones and some that aren’t as reputable.

Some have even been known to give a different result for the same sample sent a few weeks apart, which doesn’t suggest a very accurate diagnosis!

 

How often should I bathe my dog to prevent skin problems?

Give your dog regular baths. Dogs don’t mind being a bit dirty or smelly, but it’s not ideal for their skin.

For this reason, it’s good to make sure they get a regular wash, so you can remove any irritants and keep bacteria from setting up shop on their skin.

Try to groom your dog regularly and remove dead or knotty hair, and dry them properly when they get wet.

Remember, bacteria thrive in moist conditions. If your dog's been out in the rain, towel them down so they aren’t sopping wet and make sure they have a dry space to relax and warm up.

 

How do I know if my dog has a skin irritation or if it’s fleas?

You don’t necessarily have to see fleas to understand if your dog’s suffering from them.

Only 5% of the total flea population will live on your pet. The rest will be in the environment (which will need treating). Book an appointment with your vet to have a flea check.

In many cases, the practice nurse will be able to do this free of charge and recommend treatment if your dog needs it.

 

What should I do if my dog is itching?

First, have them checked by your vet to make sure you fully understand what the problem is.

To stop them itching, they might need a buster collar, especially if they’re damaging their skin through obsessive licking or biting. Sometimes, a jumper or surgical coat can help, and socks can also be useful for covering feet or tail tips.

 

What can I do to stop my dog itching?

Try not to react when your dog scratches or bites as this can become a learnt behaviour to gain attention.

Instead, to distract them, try offering them an alternative thing to do, like playing or a stuffed Kong or bone to chew.

Always book a vet visit if you’re worried.

 

Can diet affect my dog’s skin health?

Dogs, like humans, need a balanced diet for their health and wellbeing.

A diet with plenty of protein, B vitamins, Omega 3 and 6 essential fatty acids, and minerals like zinc can help if your dog has sensitive skin.

To help you give your dog the nutrients they need, at Natures Menu we’ve created a whole range of complete and balanced dog meals, with easy-to-understand packaging so you know what you’re serving up.

 

Can dogs get skin cancer?

Yes, just like humans, dogs can get skin cancer – and skin tumours are the most commonly diagnosed type of tumour in dogs.

The good news is that most cases can be treated successfully when caught early. Keep an eye out for firm, wart-like patches or lumps. These are different to skin tags, which are benign. And always get any lumps checked by a vet.

 

Are there any breed-specific skin conditions in dogs?

Some skin conditions tend to be more prevalent in certain breeds. The Kennel Club’s recent study found that Boxers had the highest number of reported serious skin conditions like skin cancer or tumours.

While Labradors and Spaniels have the highest reported number of lower-risk skin issues like dermatitis.

Dogs with lots of skin folds also tend to be most susceptible to them.

 
Try our personalised meal plans with high-quality raw ingredients, including plenty of proteins and vitamins to help keep your dog’s skin healthy.