My dog has dry, cracked skin that's breaking open. What should I do?

Any treatment will depend on the underlying cause. It could be a skin infection or allergic reaction or even an autoimmune condition. An exam with your veterinarian or a veterinary dermatologist would be needed for a definitive diagnosis. You can discuss allergy testing, hydrolyzed diets, food elimination trials as well as antihistamine use with your vet. In the meantime, if your dog is scratching, use an e-collar (cone) to prevent further trauma. Consider adding an essential fatty acid (EFA) supplement to the diet. EFAs can promote a healthy [skin and coat](https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/category/dog/dog-health-and-wellness/dog-vitamins/dog-skin-and-coat). Choose a good quality fish oil as a source of EFAs. Systemic or topical antibiotics or antifungals can treat bacterial or yeast infection. Allergies can be frustrating to diagnose since they have many causes. Once diagnosed, most allergies can be managed with a combination of medication and diet.

You will need to take your dog to a veterinarian for a skin exam. Your dog could be suffering from an allergy, mites, fleas, a bacterial or fungal infection. Each of these requires a different treatment, so it is important to find out what is causing the the rash. Your vet will do a thorough exam and maybe a skin scrape. He will then discuss the options with you and then prescribe medications, possibly give an injection to stop the itching, if your dog is itching.

This sounds quite severe, and certainly not normal. Jasmine could have a hormonal disease (Cushing's disease or hypothyroidism), parasites (not all are itchy), or a type of cancer called cutaneous lymphoma. I recommend an immediate visit to the vet for some testing to determine what is wrong, and how to treat it.

It's possible your pet is experiencing symptoms of a bacterial infection due to mange mite infestation. You'll want to be sure to visit your local Veterinarian as soon as possible and request a skin scraping examination. This will allow your doctor to identify the underlying cause of your pets discomfort. You're doctor may prescribe an antibiotic to help stop the infection and mite/mange treatment if needed.

This really needs to be examined and treated by your veterinarian. Your dog could be suffering from an allergy, parasites, a bacterial or fungal infection. each of these requires a different treatment, so it is important to find out what is causing this. Your vet will do a thorough exam and maybe a a skin scrape. He will then discuss the options with you and then prescribe medications.

Simply dry skin shouldn’t be that itchy. I would recommend that you have Ricky examined by the vet to check for mange, fleas, allergies, or skin infection which could be causing the itch. Depending on the cause of the itch, there are lots of treatment options, ranging from medicated shampoos or mousses to oral antibiotics-inflammatories or antibiotics. Make sure you change the bandage daily. I don’t like air impermeable dressings like cling wrap, because most wounds need oxygen to prevent moisture from getting trapped underneath and causing additional skin issues.

You will need to take your dog to a veterinarian for a skin exam. Your dog could be suffering from an allergy, mites, fleas, a bacterial or fungal infection. each of these requires a different treatment, so it is important to find out what is causing the itch. This does, however look like a bacterial infection, Your vet will do a thorough exam and maybe a a skin scrape. He will then discuss the options with you and then prescribe medications such as antibiotics and possibly an antibiotic/antifungal shampoo.