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Dog's itchy, red, crusty skin returns yearly. What are the solutions?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Basset Hound | Female | spayed | 3 years and 4 months old | 25 lbs

Hi I took Elsie into the vets 2 weeks ago to look at her skin on her belly, armpits, groin and paws were very red itchy crusty saw! She was very uncomfortable. She was given steroid tablets to take twice a day for a week and shampoo to bath her with for six weeks we are still bathing her and have wipes. They said it could be a skin disorder or yeast infection in her skin folds but she gets it every year when whether gets warmer and after her steroids have stopped it has come back just as bad?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Macartney, BVet Med, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on August 14th, 2017

It is possible that she has seasonal allergies or that the heat brings on the infections.

It is also possible that she had a food allergy.

I would discuss these concerns with your veterinarian. Two options could be trying daily allergy medication. Or trying a food trial, where she only Has food with hydrolyzed proteins for a 6 week period to see if her skin improves.

https://www.petcoach.co/article/5-ways-to-improve-your-dog-s-skin-coat

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Lauren Kennedy, DVM
Veterinarian
It sounds as if your dog has a skin infection, most commonly caused by an allergy or fleas. The allergy could be a due to a protein in Elsie's food or an environmental allergy like to dust, pollens, grasses, etc. Since she seems to be affected at the same time every year this is probably an environmental allergy.

The allergy causes your dog to itch and chew at the skin which breaks down the skin barrier. This then leads to infection. It sounds like your vet has already prescribed some antibiotics to help clear up the infection. The steroids help to stop the itch, but as you can tell, once they are stopped the itch comes back. Elsie needs to be on long term anti-itch medication like Apoquel, Atopica, or Cytopoint. These medications help block the itch sensation to the brain which in turn prevents the infection. I would also recommend she be on a good flea control too.

Allergies can be frustrating, I understand because I have an allergy dog myself! Keep up with the shampooing multiple times a week and be sure to ask your vet about some long term allergy meds.

Best of luck!
0Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Stephanie Echols, DVM
Veterinarian
I'm sorry Elsie is so uncomfortable. It does sound like a seasonal allergy if it comes back each year. Allergens are absorbed through the skin so you may want to wipe her down with a damp cloth after she goes outside. If the skin is still crusty, you should talk to her vet about an oral antibiotic and antifungal. Also discuss allergy testing- this is a blood test that's sent to the lab to find out what's she's allergic to. Also talk to your vet about omega fatty acids to keep the skin healthy between breakouts. Good luck and kisses to Elsie!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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