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Why is my dog's bald spot growing and skin discolored and dry?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Male | neutered | 1 year and 1 month old | 16 lbs

My dog has a bald spot near his shoulder. The skin looks discolored and is a little dry. I’m not sure if he’s been scratching the area more than usual. I’ve been waiting for the patch to get smaller for a couple of weeks now, but I think it’s been slowly getting bigger.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Tomasz Wnuk

Answered By Tomasz Wnuk

Veterinarian

Published on May 7th, 2020

Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. It could be a ringworm or superficial bacterial skin infection. If it has been getting bigger over the last few weeks, you should really take Milo to your local vets to get the bald patch examined and start treatment. Most likely, the treatment will be in form of antibacterial/antifungal cream or ointment.
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Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 19th, 2018

    Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. Judging from the photo, it does not appear to be ringworm to me. This could be a skin parasite such as Demodex or a skin infection. I would recommend having Angel seen by a veterinarian so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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