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My pug has itchy skin, fur loss, and black scabs. Is it a skin issue?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Pug | Male | unneutered | 5 years and 3 months old

I have a 6 year old pug I’ve noticed dimpling in his fur and when I run my hand across it his fur is very loose and black scab like bits when fur comes away . Underneath him looks darker than usual but pink in the middle and I can see he’s loosing fur due to it . I’ve checked no fleas, he’s very itchy And miserable with it . Could it be skin infection ?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

Veterinarian

Published on February 22nd, 2020

Those spots on Pugsy could be several things including fleas (even if you don;t see them, they could be present), allergies, skin mites, bacterial infection or endocrine disease.

Because these lesions are pretty wide spread, I recommend to have him examined as soon as the vet can get him in. Until then, there are a couple things you can do at home and they can help but they may not address the underlying cause. You can try adding in an omega 3 fatty acid supplement for dogs, this can help improve the skin health. You may also try changing his diet to something like Royal Canin or Nutro as they are aimed at skin health. You can wash the lesions once a day (not his whole body, just the lesions). Also protect the area from trauma by having your pup wear an elizabethan collar at all times. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on December 7th, 2019
This is probably caused by an allergic reaction. first of all make sure you de-flea Princeton regularly every month with a high quality spot on (ex. Advantage) as fleas are by far the most common reason for these reactions. If the fleas are not the problem, it could be an allergic reaction to food or an environmental factor. this is more complicated to treat and will sometimes require medications such as Steroids, anti histamines or Apoquel in order to stop the allergy.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA
Veterinarian
Published on March 19th, 2020
Given that Ares has not responded to any of the preparations you have tried I strongly recommend a full physical exam by your vet to identify underlying cause and guide the most appropriate treatment. Flea allergies commonly aggravate such symptoms so regular oral flea prevention tablets would also be helpful
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on July 24th, 2017
It sounds like Bugsy could have a skin Staph infection. That would be my best guess without seeing him myself. If it is not severe many times you can treat this with a medicated shampoo. I would try this and if no improvement I would get him to a vet for an exam.

I would use this shampoo or one with comparable ingredients:

http://www.allivet.com/p-6673-douxo-chlorhexidine-climbazole-mousse-for-dogs-and-cats-68-oz.aspx

Lather, let it sit on his coat for 10 minutes and then rinse thoroughly. Do this every 2-3 days. Again, if no improvement in a week to 10 days then I would get him in for an exam.

Best wishes!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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