My puppy bites leg, has hair loss, and looks infected. What's wrong?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Skin issues like you are describing can have a variety of causes, including skin parasites (fleas or mites), allergies, an infection, or an underlying medical issue (Cushings disease, diabetes). I would recommend he be evaluated by his regular veterinarian to determine the underlying cause for his skin lesions, have any necessary testing done (bloodwork, skin scrape, culture) and start on any treatment that he may need. Good luck!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is possibly due to allergies. It really comes down to figuring out what is causing her allergies so that they can be treated or the specific allergen avoided. A secondary infection is likely and also needs to be addressed. There are many things that can cause allergies though in most cases they can be broken down into 3 big categories: flea, food and environmental allergies. Allergies are usually worked up in a stepwise fashion starting with flea allergies as this is the easiest and cheapest to take care of. If not on a flea preventative, then it would be a good idea to get started on one. If already on one then it would be a good idea to change to something else (there are many new products out in the market). If not improved in 1-3 months then it is time to move on and check for food allergies by switching to a novel diet (new protein and new carbohydrate). If that does not seem to be the issue then you are left out having to check for environmental allergies which require blood and/or skin tests. Allergies can be very frustrating to deal with at first but so rewarding at the end when we are able to treat them effectively!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Thanks for also adding photos. Since I can’t see Prince McArthur up close I can’t for sure but it is possible he has microscopic mites. These mites are not itchy and not contagious but can cause hair loss especially in young puppies. I recommend taking him to a vet so they can look with a microscope and get him treatment if necessary. Good luck and kisses to Prince McArthur!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Typically dogs scratch those areas when they have fleas. Even if you aren't seeing fleas it doesn't mean they aren't there. I recommend getting all pets in the home on monthly prevention every 30 days for at least 3 months. I would call your vet for a dose of Benadryl too. If the Benadryl doesn't help, she may need something stronger to relieve the itch. Good luck and kisses to Meka!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! That is not normal. This is possibly due to allergies. It really comes down to figuring out what is causing her allergies so that they can be treated or the specific allergen avoided. A secondary infection is likely and also needs to be addressed. This may also be mange and usually this is differentiated on a physical exam and basic cytology. There are many things that can cause allergies though in most cases they can be broken down into 3 big categories: flea, food and environmental allergies. Allergies are usually worked up in a stepwise fashion starting with flea allergies as this is the easiest and cheapest to take care of. If not on a flea preventative, then it would be a good idea to get started on one. If already on one then it would be a good idea to change to something else (there are many new products out in the market). If not improved in 1-3 months then it is time to move on and check for food allergies by switching to a novel diet (new protein and new carbohydrate). If that does not seem to be the issue then you are left out having to check for environmental allergies which require blood and/or skin tests. Allergies can be very frustrating to deal with at first but so rewarding at the end when we are able to treat them effectively!

Hello. In a 7 month old pup, my first guess is Demodex mange. But, this could also be a simple bacterial infection. Let your veterinarian do a simple skin test to see if the mites are present. There is a very specific treatment for this & usually results in a cure within a few months. I do hope you can have her seen soon. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It looks like M has a skin infection. It is likely an allergy to the flea bite. A flea bath will kill the fleas for 24 hours but it is not an ideal long term resolution. She needs an oral or topical flea prevention every 30 days. You should treat all the pets in the home. She well need to see a vet for oral antibiotics and possible steroids to relieve the allergy. Good luck and kisses to M!