My dog has an itchy, smelly, spreading rash. What should I do?

Poor Mojo! This sounds quite uncomfortable! Due to red, itchy, and smelly skin, it is possible that Mojo has developed a fungal and/or bacterial skin infection. Skin infections most commonly occur with underlying allergies to fleas, food or the environment. New allergies can develop at any age. At this point, Mojo should see his vet for an exam so that his skin can be evaluated. He may need antibiotics, antifungals, and anti-itch medications to allow this issue to resolve. I hope he feels better soon!

Heat rash in dogs can occur between the legs and armpit regions, but it is usually not itchy. I recommend that Blue see a vet to figure out what is going on. There are many possibilities for the rash that you see, including bacterial or yeast infection, fleas, ticks, mites, and allergies. It is hard for me to tell you where the odor is coming from, but often yeast has a peculiar smell. Your vet may want to do a skin scrape to look for mites or a cytology to look for bacteria or yeast. Treatment will depend on what the vet finds but may include an anti-inflammatory, antibiotics, or topical medications. While you wait for your appointment, try to keep Blue from licking and scratching the area as he can make it much worse and it could get infected if it isn't already. You can try applying a thin layer of Neosporin to see if it will soothe the area.

I'm sorry to hear that Snoopy is having skin problems. He is definitely itchy if he is biting at the affected area. I would recommend that he sees his veterinarian. He will likely need a medication to decrease the itching and possibly an antibiotic. I typically send home a medicated shampoo as well. The bigger question is why he is itching in the first place. He could have an allergy to something in his environment, diet or even fleas. His veterinarian may recommend testing for mites or ringworm as well. In the meantime, you can try bathing him with a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner such as an oatmeal or fatty acid based. He should wear an E-collar as well to prevent further self trauma. I hope this information helps!

I'm sorry to hear that Riddlebox is so itchy! The Fritos description is a pretty common one with skin issues in dogs, as it's often associated with bacterial and yeast (a fungus) infection of the skin. Oftentimes skin infections occur secondarily to another issue that has caused a dog to lick or scratch excessively, as this damages the protective skin layers and allows infection to occur. Riddlebox has lost an impressive amount of hair along his back. It's possible that this initial hair loss could be caused by underlying allergies (to fleas, food, or the environment), mange (caused by mites), ringworm (caused by a fungal infection), or even endocrine disorders (including hypothyroidism or Cushing's disease). At this point, I'd start by taking Riddlebox to his vet for an exam and some diagnostic testing. After testing for evidence of infection as well as trying to get to the root problem, your vet will likely prescribe some medication. These may include antibiotics, anti fungal medications, medicated shampoos, and anti-itch medications. I hope that Riddlebox is feeling better soon!

Poor Oakley! He needs to see the veterinarian. The odor is likely due to secondary bacterial or yeast infection. The primary problem is likely skin mites or an allergy but thyroid disease is possible. He needs medications and likely a medicated shampoo. You also need to know the underlying cause or this is not likely to go away. Best of luck and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Poor Laboo! This scratching can be caused by fleas, mites, ringworm, or allergies. If he isn't up to date on his flea treatment, I can give you one for him. First, I would give him Capstar. It's a one time pill that starts killing fleas within 30 minutes. Then follow up with a spot on treatment, such as Advantage or Revolution. This is a treatment that has to be used once a month. You will also have to disinfect the environment. Wash his bedding in hot soapy water, and vacuum the furniture and carpet surfaces. You can use a spray to kill fleas in the house, such as Indorex, or a flea bomb would work well to kill the fleas in the home. If he is up to date on his flea treatment, I recommend taking him into the vet for an exam today or tomorrow. The vet can do blood tests, skin scrapings, and use a Wood's lamp to diagnose allergies, mites, and ringworm. Once the cause of the itching is found, the vet can prescribe the appropriate treatment. Best of luck.

Hello, and thank you for your question and detailed photos. It looks like he may have a bacterial skin infection. Other underlying causes could be parasites such as fleas, or a fungal infection. I was trying to determine from the photos whether this was related to hives which would be indicative of a sudden allergic reaction. If he also has facial swelling or difficulty breathing, I would get him to a vet right away. If his symptoms are only the rash on his back, thighs and groin area, my first guess is that this is a bacterial infection (pyoderma). This will likely require treatment with antibiotics from your vet, but if you cannot get to a vet in the next few days, you can try bathing him with a gentle chlorhexidine based shampoo for dogs, which will help to manage any surface skin bacteria. I would also think about any possible triggers that may have caused the sudden skin problem, such as feeding a new food or treat, or bathing with a new shampoo, or swimming, etc. Keeping the area covered is a great idea, or you can use an e-collar (cone) to prevent him from licking the areas but still letting the skin breathe. I hope this helps, and that Gizmo is feeling better soon! Happy holidays!