Why is my dog's underneath skin red, itchy, peeling, and losing hair?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

• Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on November 14th, 2017

  He could have a skin infection, flea allergies, mites, food allergies, environmental allergies, etc. You could bathe him with a medicated dog shampoo, like Epi-Soothe and see if that helps. Also make sure to use a flea medication, like Frontline, NexGard, Bravecto, etc. to prevent fleas. You could also try a hypoallergenic diet and add Free From Snip Tips to his diet and see if that helps. Otherwise, he needs to be examined by a vet for treatment. He might need an antibiotic, anti-histamine, corticosteroid, and/or other medications to help treat the itching and hair loss.

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

• Answered By Amber W

  Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

  Published on March 23rd, 2018

  This could be a sign of several things including environmental allergies, mites, ringworm, and food allergies. Without doing a physical examination on Balu it's difficult to say what it causing him to itch.
  
  Even if you are not seeing fleas, if he is not currently on a good quality flea preventative like Frontline Plus, Advantix or Bravecto you may want to start.
  
  You may want to try bathing with a soothing shampoo. Once a veterinarian checks him out they may prescribe something like Douxo Calm shampoo. Omega-3s are naturally anti -inflammatory so these may help as well.
  
  If Balu's symptoms persist then he should be taken to your veterinarian. His skin can be tested for mites and other types of infections. There are many new treatments for allergies available including Apoquel and Cytopoint.
  
  Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach and I hope Balu's skin issues resolve quickly!

  

  2Pet Parents found this answer helpful