What causes bald spots and pimple-like bumps on my dog's skin?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

• Answered By Debi Matlack

  Veterinary Technician

  Published on December 5th, 2016

  Skin problems can have a variety of causes, sometimes more than one. Allergies, parasites, bacterial or fungal infections, even contact with some surfaces or substances will cause itching, rash and/or hair loss. It is important to have the problem checked by your vet to determine if there is a medical cause for your pet’s skin issues and treat accordingly.
  
  In young dogs, a skin condition called 'puppy pyoderma' in common. It's roughly equivalent to acne in teenagers, and most grow out of it, but some, like people, have more serious cases that need veterinary treatment and antibiotics to clear up completely.
  
  In pets of all ages, fleas, food allergies and exposure to chemical irritants such as cleaners and soaps can be a cause. Any one of these may not be enough to trigger the breakouts, depending on how sensitive your pet is, but a combination can be enough to start the itch-scratch cycle. Finding out the cause and eliminating it is the best course of action. With flea allergies, if your pet is sensitive enough, a single bite can cause them to break out scratch enough to tear their skin.
  
  Check for fleas with a flea comb. Look for fleas and/or tiny black granules, like coarse black pepper. This is flea feces, consisting of digested, dried blood. You may find tiny white particles, like salt, which are the flea eggs. Applying a good topical monthly flea treatment and aggressively treating your house and yard will help break the flea life cycle.
  
  If you use plastic bowls, this is a possible cause for hair loss, though this tends to be on the chin, where their skin touches the bowl while they eat. If you suspect this to be the culprit, try changing the bowls to glass, metal or ceramic.
  
  Food allergies are often caused by sensitivity to a protein in the food. Hill's Science Diet offers some non-prescription options for sensitive skin as well as prescription hypoallergenic foods for more severe cases. Royal Canin carries limited protein diets that may also offer some relief. Your vet can recommend a specific diet that will help.
  If there is no relief or not enough, consider getting your pet checked by a veterinary dermatologist and having allergy testing done.
  

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

• Answered By Karly Macon, DVM, MS, CVA Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

  Veterinarian

  Published on May 22nd, 2017

  Harley looks like she might be having allergic skin disease issues, especially if she is itchy. This problem can show up with all kinds of bumps, rashes, and pimple-like cysts as well. She may need to be on antibiotics and anti inflammatory allergy medication like apoquel to heal her skin and feel better. Schedule a visit with your vet to ask if these meds would be appropriate.

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful