Why are my dogs itching, biting, and have skin sores and cracked paws?

Hello! It might help to cover their feet with little socks, and keep them distracted so they don't continue to traumatize the skin? It is unlikely that there is something contagious between the two dogs, unless they both have fleas or some sort of skin parasite? If they are not getting better, probably a good idea to have them checked by your vet?

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!

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!

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.

You would be very unlucky to have all three dogs with skin allergy!! If you (or your vet) already ruled out fleas, mites and skin infection can be responsible for this presentation. A check up for one would be enough probably for all of them and some basic skin tests (skin scrapes for example) can rule out these differentials. I think a check up at your local veterinarian would be the best option. Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation (where you can post pictures ) if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

Hi there! The base of the tail area is a common hiding place for fleas. Unfortunately the picture of the black crusts is a bit blurry, but fleas usually leave what we call "flea dirt" (its really flea poop!) in the hair. It can appear like black crusts. If Major is not on a flea and tick preventative, I highly recommend getting him started on one. Many dogs have allergies to fleas and the vicious cycle of biting, scratching and chewing starts until they have caused a wound or sore. There are definitely other possibilities other than fleas, but your description and the fact that both dogs are experiencing the same signs is suspicious for a fleas. It is important that Major, does not continue to chew his tail as it looks like he has already made a good start on giving himself a hotspot. I would highly recommend having both dogs, especially Major since he already has a sore, evaluated by a veterinarian to rule out other possible dermatologic problems. Treating for fleas is an easy place to start and you can do that with out a trip to the vet. I hope this information was helpful and your pups get some relief soon!

There are many possible causes of scaling skin and crusts, including skin infections from allergies (flea, food or environmental) and even some endocrine/metabolic conditions (hypothyroidism or Cushing's disease). If Xara is licking her paws excessively, this is a sign of itchiness. Since none of the lesions appear irritated, consider bathing her with a gentle dog oatmeal based shampoo and closely examine her for signs of fleas or flea dirt, which resembles a fleck of pepper. Make sure she is on a high quality flea preventative once a month (Nexgard, Bravecto, Advantix, Comfortis/Trifexis). Consider changing her diet to one with a different protein source, but do so gradually over 5-7 days. Diet changes can take 2-3 months to achieve efficacy. Obviously if her skin begins to look worse or does not improve with these measures, take her to her vet for an exam.