My dog has red, itchy skin. Is it allergies or something else?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

• Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on January 17th, 2017

  He could have allergies, skin infection, mites, flea allergy dermatitis, ringworm, etc. Have your vet examine him to determine the exact cause. Your vet can do a skin scrape, cytology, and/or culture to help diagnose and then prescribe medications to treat. He may need an antibiotic, anti-histamine, corticosteroid, or other medications depending on the cause.

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

• Answered By Lauren Kennedy, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on April 22nd, 2019

  It looks as if your dog has a skin infection, most commonly caused by an allergy, a skin mite (Demodex) or fleas. 

The allergy could be a due to a protein in your dog’s food or an environmental allergy like to dust, pollens, grasses, etc. 

The allergy causes your dog to itch and chew at the skin which breaks down the skin barrier. This then leads to infection. Skin infections are typically characterized by large areas of hair loss, redness, crusting, flaking, and pustules.
  
  A thorough skin examination by your veterinarian should be able to determine the cause of the itch so it can be treated appropriately.
  
  Your dog will most likely need antibiotics to help clear up the infection and possibly an allergy/anti-itch medication like Apoquel, Atopica, or Cytopoint to give some relief while the infection clears up. A medicated shampoo may be beneficial as well. I would also recommend he be on a good flea control routinely too. Once the infection has resolved a long term allergy medication (like Apoquel or Cytopoint) can be given on a regular basis to prevent any future problems.
  
  I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

• Answered By Lauren Kennedy, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on March 5th, 2018

  It looks as if your dog has a skin infection, most commonly caused by an allergy, a skin mite (Demodex) or fleas. 

The allergy could be a due to a protein in your dog’s food or an environmental allergy like to dust, pollens, grasses, etc. 

The allergy causes your dog to itch and chew at the skin which breaks down the skin barrier. This then leads to infection. Skin infections are typically characterized by large areas of redness, crusting, flaking, and pustules.
  
  A thorough skin examination by your veterinarian should be able to determine the cause of the itch so it can be treated appropriately.
  
  Your dog will most likely need antibiotics to help clear up the infection and possibly an allergy/anti-itch medication like Apoquel, Atopica, or Cytopoint to give some relief while the infection clears up. A medicated shampoo may be beneficial as well. I would also recommend he be on a good flea control routinely too. 


  
  I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful