My dog has a dry, flaky, growing patch on his ear. What should I do?

The skin itself has a scaly and bump appearance to it, which often means there is a bacterial or fungal infection present. I would recommend taking Snow in to your vet to have the area tested to determine which infection is present so that the proper medication is prescribed. I hope that Snow’s spot heals well soon. Best wishes and take care.

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Lucy. That doesn't look like mites, but it could be a skin infection. Given that it's growing, I'd have her seen by a vet. The vet can diagnose what is causing it, and can treat it. I hope this helps.

From the picture you provided, it doesn't appear to be ringworm, but as you said I can't say for sure without seeing him. It could be a bit of dry skin, or a scab from a previous injury. I'd just keep an eye on it for now. If it becomes red, gets larger, and/or doesn't go away, then I would have him seen by a vet. Best of luck, I hope this helps!

This sounds like an area of moist exudative dermatitis, commonly known as a "hot spot." They frequently show up in front of the ear, just as you're describing. Unfortunately yes, these are painful, and they are very difficult if not impossible to treat at home. Chunk needs pain relief to help with the severe inflammation in this area, and also antibiotics to clear up the infection. If you're tight on money, I'd recommend checking out carecredit.com - they offer credit specifically for veterinary visits. I'd really urge you to get this treated sooner rather than later, as it's intensely uncomfortable, and there's really not anything you can do at home to treat it.

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. Judging by your description, it sounds as though Shiloh may have a skin infection or seborrheic dermatitis possibly. Without pictures and not being able to examine the area myself, it is difficult to say for sure. I would recommend having a veterinarian examine Shiloh so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. Shiloh may need an oral antibiotic and topical therapy for treatment. 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.

This presentation could be due to a localized spot of skin infection (likely to be caused by bacteria). This type of skin infection is commonly called hot spot. A check up, appropriate disinfection and antibiotics (oral, topical or in a shampoo formulation) are needed to solve the problem. Disinfection may be started at home with very diluted hibiscrub or betadine or salted water baths. Buster collar may be useful as well to avoid any licking/scratching. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

It sounds like Max has an ear infection. He will need to see a vet in order for it to be treated, as it can't be treated at home. Ear infections in dogs can be caused by ear mites, yeast, or bacteria, and in order for it to be treated correctly, the underlying cause has to be diagnosed. The vet can diagnose what is causing the ear infection, and can prescribe a treatment for it. It's very important to have any ear infections examined and treated promptly, as leaving them untreated can lead to hearing loss. I would take Max into the vet today for an exam.