My dog's scaly black spots are spreading. Is it fungus? How to treat?

She could have a skin infection, mites, fleas, ringworm, allergic dermatitis, etc. Your vet can do a skin scrape, cytology, or culture to help diagnose and then prescribe medications to treat the problem. She may need an antibiotic, anti-histamine, corticosteroid, or other medications depending on the cause. Make sure to treat her with a monthly flea medication like NexGard, Frontline, Advantage, or Revolution to prevent fleas.

Hello there. Great question! Hyperpigmentation can be caused by many different things: 1. Hypothyroidism (low functioning thyroid) – Up to 33% of dogs diagnosed with hypothyroidism showed signs of hyperpigmentation as one of their symptoms 2. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus – Some dogs diagnosed with lupus 3. Allergies – If your dog experiences allergies he may also develop hyperpigmented areas on his skin 4. Malassezia – Is a yeast infection that often has hyperpigmentation as a symptom 5. Demodicosis (skin mites) – Is caused by a mite and is a lesser known cause of hyperpigmentation Pseudo-Cushing’s Syndrome – Is an endocrine disorder that is common in dogs middle age and older and can have hyperpigmentation as a result The skin may go back to normal color if you can treat the underlying cause. That would entail some advanced testing with your vet. What you can do is try to used a medicated shampoo like Malaseb. http://www.allivet.com/p-299-malaseb-shampoo.aspx?gclid=CMut-Oat69QCFZOIswodc3oBAQ This shampoo is for yeast and bacteria. Lather it on the dog, leave it sit on the coat for 10 minutes and then rinse thoroughly. Use 2-3 times a week. If you notice no difference then I think you should do some advanced testing with your vet. I hope this helps! Best wishes to you and Bella!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! The picture looks like comedones. How old is Sophie? Comedones are dilated hair follicles which can be from a bacterial infection, demodex (non-contagious mite) and dermatophyte (ringworm). These causes are diagnosed with skin scrapings and cytology, and possibly fungal cultures. In older dogs, hormonal diseases such as Cushing’s disease and hypothyroidism can also cause comedones and may be diagnosed by blood testing. In mildly affected animals, topical treatment with benzoyl peroxide gel perimay be helpful. Antiseborrheic shampoos (sulfur/salicylic acids or, in severe cases, benzoyl peroxide) may be helpful for more extensive lesions. Treatment of any secondary bacterial infection with antibiotics is also important. Ruling out hormonal disease should also be done. I hope this help!

Sometimes these little brown patches are minor bacterial infections although they can also be related to allergies or endocrine disease. You may try washing her in a medicated dog shampoo once a week to see if that helps to clear it up. Make sure the shampoo does not overly dry her skin. If the spots don’t go away or if they get worse, have her see her veterinarian. I hope this is helpful and please feel free to post any additional questions.

It’s difficult to know how to advise without a photo. Pets can get more dark pigment on their skin as they age. Other causes of pigmentation our inflammation, allergies, drama and minor infection’s. Try to get a photo and repost as this may lead to better advice. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

This presentation could be due to a trauma or localized spot of skin infection (likely to be caused by bacteria). Underlying allergy can predispose to skin infection. A check up, appropriate disinfection and possibly antibiotics (oral, topical or in a shampoo formulation) are needed to solve the problem. Disinfection can eventually be started at home with very diluted hibiscrub or betadine or salted water baths. Buster collar may be useful as well to avoid any licking/scratching. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. Based on your description, it sounds as though Cherry Pie may have a skin infection. This infection may be from bacteria, fungus or both. I would recommend having her examined by a veterinarian so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. If you are unable to get her to the vet I would recommend using the below recommended products which can be found online quite easily. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further. 1. Douxo PS Chlorhexidine combination shampoo and bathe twice weekly until resolved 2. Malacetic conditioning spray and apply to the affected areas twice daily until resolved 3. Essential 6 spot on by Dermoscent 4. Welactin omega 3 fish oil capsules for dogs.