Why does my dog have a smelly bald spot, rashes, dandruff, and ticks?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This looks like a small focus of infection. You can try to shave around it and clean it. If it continues to look superficial (as it looks on the picture), you can consider applying a thin film of triple antibiotic on it in case it is just a mild infection. If it does not resolve within 1 week of starting such treatment, have him evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Good luck and have a good day!

Hi there and thank you for using pet coach to address your concern. What you are describing could be due to allergies or a skin infection. I would recommend starting a shampoo such as Douxo PS chlorhexidine combination shampoo and bathe twice weekly. I would also recommend welactin omega 3 fish oil, essential 6 spot on by dermoscent and malacetic conditioning spray. If this does not imprive the current problem or it worsens, i would have a veterinarian look at this for further trestment recommendations. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns. I am also available via consultation if needed.

Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Based on what you are describing, and the pictures, I suspect that Willow may have an infection with ectoparasites, such as mites or fleas, that are causing her to be itchy. Your veterinarian can perform a skin scrape and evaluate the cells under a microscope to look for evidence of infectious agents. Please ensure that Willow is on a monthly topical flea and tick preventative that you purchase from your veterinarian; NOT one that can be purchased from a pet or grocery store, as these are not regulated and can be very toxic to pets. Willow could also have allergic skin disease, secondary to food or environmental agents. You can talk to your veterinarian about trying a diet trial to determine if Willow's itchy skin resolves on a particular novel protein diet. The thickened ears can be due to chronic ear infections, so your veterinarian will be able to examine the waxy debris under a microscope and prescribe the appropriate medication based on whether they see bacteria and/or yeast in Willow's ears. I hope this is helpful!

I'm concerned that Jack may have a bacterial infection in his skin thats causing this issue. Fleas can also make the skin look this way. Ideally, take him to the vet for an exam so that appropriate treatment can be started. You can try bathing him twice a week with a moisturizing shampoo made for dogs, and make sure you are using a good flea control product, but I'm worried he may need to see a vet to get on top of the issue. Thanks for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

It sounds like Zorro is developing a skin infection - that's the most likely source of the smell and flaking. Zorro needs to be seen by the vet as soon as possible - mild skin infections can sometimes be treated at home, but with a strong odor he likely needs a course of antibiotics which needs to come from your vet. Here's an article on hot spots, or superficial skin infections. https://www.petcoach.co/article/how-to-treat-and-prevent-hot-spots-on-dogs/

This could be a fungal or bacterial infection or a mite infection. It could also be a case of seborrheic dermatitis. Unfortunately it is not possible to diagnose which type of problem it is just by viewing a photo. You will need to take her to a vet for an exam and a diagnosis. A bacterial or fungal infection can be treated with antibacterial or antifungal shampoo or tablets and there are anti-seborrheic shampoos as well. A mite infection can be treated with an ivermectin injection or other acaricidal medications.

Did they treat him even if they didn't find them? I typically recommend putting them on an oral flea and tick prevention if I suspect mites. This is off-label for mites but helps. Oral flea and tick preventions are prescriptions so your veterinarian would have to write one or approve it. I would also be concerned about a secondary infection and would recommend medication if one exists. WIthout see Bedog it is difficult to say if there is one or not. Your veterinarian should be able to tell you. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.