My dog has hair loss and dandruff on her lower back. Is it fleas?

Ouch! Dixie's skin certainly looks uncomfortable. Some dogs are allergic to fleas, whereby just a bite or two can make them extremely itchy, which can lead to skin infections and irritation. The most commonly affected skin sites are around the head/neck and tail base/back of the hind legs. The thickened appearance of Daisy's skin is likely due to chronic skin irritation and inflammation. Other possible causes of these skin changes include allergies to food or the environment, ringworm, mange or endocrine diseases (such as hypothyroidism). The excessive shedding that you have noticed from both dogs could be a normal seasonal occurrence or due the stress of moving to a new home. At this point, Dixie should be examined by a vet to establish the cause of these issues so that they can be treated with any necessary medications (such as antibiotics, antifungals, medicated shampoo, etc.). The vet will need to perform skin scrapings to look for mites microscopically and will need to perform a Wood's lamp and possible fungal culture to rule out ringworm. Ringworm and sarcoptic mange (scabies) can be transmitted to other animals and humans, so these possibilities should be ruled out with diagnostic tests. In the meantime, discontinue the use of hydrogen peroxide and apple cider vinegar. Both of these can cause additional irritation and the hydrogen peroxide in particular can delay healing of the skin. Assure that both dogs receive a high quality flea preventative (such as Nexgard, Bravecto or Advantix) regularly. I hope that all goes well!

It is hard to say what is causing Bacardi's problems. The third picture you included looks like pus, which would indicate infection and would need antibiotics to treat. Some dogs can be allergic to fleas, and it may only take 1 bite to make them itchy all over. If you are seeing scabs from where you applied a flea medication or flea collar, it may be irritating the skin so I would recommend removing it and bathing with dog shampoo thoroughly. Causes of itching in dogs include fleas or flea allergies, mites, or skin infection. The hair in the second picture looks like normal shedding to me, but if you feel it is weird for Bacardi, it could be caused by inflammation or from the extra itching she is doing right now. You can try a shampoo like Dechra MalAcetic Ultra Shampoo, but if it doesn't respond in a day or two, Bacardi should be seen by a vet as she may need oral medications to control the itching.

Poor girl. This looks highly suspicious for a mite issue (Demodexx). This could also just be a really bad allergy. I would highly recommend taking Beretta to your vet to have her skin tested. The vet needs to do a skin scrape to confirm if this is a mite problem first. If so, then you do have some reasonable options for treatment. Treatment for mites nowadays can come in the form of a flea preventative such as Simparica, Nexgard, or Bravecto. These all treat for demodexx mites given once every 30 days. These are prescriptoin only medications. It also looks like Beretta has a secondary bacterial infection on her skin. You will need to have your vet put her on a short course of antibiotics to clear this up. Until you can get her seen, it is best to get her started on a good topical shampoo. My top pick here for something that doesn't require a prescription is Duoxo calm shampoo available online. Also daily pet fish oils are best for pets with skin allergies since they are a natural anti-inflammatory. Visit your local pet store to see what options you have since all of them are equally effective in pets. I hope that Beretta's skin improves soon! Best of luck moving forward. Take care.

Poor Dappie! Hair loss, itching and skin irritation can be due to a number of issues, such as allergies, ringworm or mange. Any of these conditions can also lead to the onset of a bacterial skin infection, particularly since Dappie and your other dogs have been licking her skin lesions. Dappie should take a trip to her vet for further evaluation of her skin to determine the most appropriate treatment. Until you can get to the vet, be sure that she is receiving a high quality flea and tick preventative (such as Nexgard, Bravecto, or K9 Advantix II) regularly because fleas could exacerbate any underlying skin issue. You can also try putting an e-collar (cone) on her to prevent her from causing further skin irritation. A bath in an antimicrobial shampoo may be helpful, but her vet will be able to prescribe more effective medications. I hope that all goes well!

Hi there and thank you for using pet coach to address your concern. What you are describing could be due to allergies or a skin infection. I would recommend starting a shampoo such as Douxo PS chlorhexidine combination shampoo and bathe twice weekly. I would also recommend welactin omega 3 fish oil, essential 6 spot on by dermoscent and malacetic conditioning spray. If this does not imprive the current problem or it worsens, i would have a veterinarian look at this for further trestment recommendations. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns. I am also available via consultation if needed.

This could be a symptom of many things. The black spots are comedones (like clogged pores). The hair loss appears to be from a flea allergy but could also be hormonal. I suggest the following: 1. Flea medication if you have not already been applying some to her. I would suggest this one that you apply EVERY month. ( https://www.amazon.in/Vivaldis-Pipette-Treatment-Chewing-Infestation/dp/B01FARX7LQ/ref=sr_1_3?crid=MQG9HJO22351&keywords=dog+flea+medicine&qid=1560240040&s=gateway&sprefix=dog+flea%2Caps%2C295&sr=8-3 ) 2. Wash her in this medicated shampoo that contains benzoyl peroxide. Lather it, let it set on her for 10 minutes and then rinse. Do this every 3-4 days. This should help with the comedones. ( https://www.amazon.in/LOVERS-Skin-Petben-Shampoo-200ml/dp/B06W2L3LWT/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2LH0SMRI72FEU&keywords=benzoyl+peroxide+shampoo+for+dogs&qid=1560240266&s=gateway&sprefix=dog+shampoo+benzoyl%2Caps%2C385&sr=8-1 ) 3. Feed her a good skin/coat supplement like this one: ( https://www.amazon.in/Missing-Link-Natural-Superfood-Supplements/dp/B07QPDVQDD/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=missing+link+dog&qid=1560240391&s=gateway&sr=8-3 ) Hope this helps. If you have more questions you can always opt for a private consultation where we can chat back and forth. That way you can ask as many questions as you'd like. Best wishes.

Cushing Disease, food allergies (it's too early to see results yet), skin mites, flea allergies and environmental allergies can all cause these symptoms. Make sure you are conducting a proper food trial. If Maddox does not respond to the food trial, discuss with your veterinarian next steps. Here are some links with good information" https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/cushings-disease-in-dogs https://www.petcoach.co/article/allergy-testing-immunotherapy-in-dogs/ https://www.petcoach.co/article/food-allergies-and-food-intolerance/ I agree with your vet that a hydrolyzed diet is the best option. I hope this helps.