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My dog is itching and losing hair. What's causing his skin issues?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | German Shepherd | Male | unneutered | 6 years and 4 months old | 80 lbs

I think my dog has msnsgr. He itchez n is loosing his hair

5 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on September 19th, 2017

Hi there and thank you for using pet coach to address your concern. If Logan has a bad skin infection, I would suggest having him examined by your veterinarian so that he can receive the most appropriate veterinary care for his condition. He could habe skin mites, a skin infection or allergies. Each condition requires different treatment, which is why it is important to have your vet look at him. 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.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on December 15th, 2016
Your dog could be suffering from allergies, mite infection, fleas , a fungal infection, bacterial infection or endocrine disorder. Since all of these conditions require different treatments, you need a diagnosis in order to treat properly. I suggest you take your dog to your vet for a skin exam. Your vet will want to do a skin scraping and possibly blood tests. Please make an appointment soon, so he does not have to itch for so long.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on June 26th, 2019
Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Cooper. It could be he has allergies, mites, or even fleas. In order to know how to treat this skin problem, it needs to diagnosed by a vet. I would take him into the vet tomorrow. The vet can diagnose what is causing his skin issues, and can treat him. Best of luck.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA
Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer
Published on December 30th, 2016
Poor pup! There are a number of different problems that can cause excessive itching with redness and hair loss like this. The most common possibilities would include allergies, fleas, a bacterial or fungal skin infection, or skin mites (mange). Treatment will depend on what the underlying problem is, so I would recommend having her examined by a vet when you are able to - he/she can do some simple skin tests to help diagnose the problem and get her started on appropriate medication to treat it.

In the meantime, you could try bathing her in an aloe and oatmeal dog shampoo to soothe the itching a bit until you are able to see the vet.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on December 18th, 2016
Allergies are not easy to treat, the first step would be to switch him to a high quality grain free food, it can help with some skin allergies , you should also treat him for fleas as this is by far the number one cause for skin problems in dogs. If this is not helping you will need to take Login to the vet and start a diagnostic process for the skin allergy, alternatively the vet will give you the option to put him on a medication called Apoquel for skin allergy.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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