My dog's underbelly is black, dry, crusted, and he keeps licking it.

It looks like he has a severe dermatitis so he needs to be examined by a vet to determine the cause. He may need an antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, anti-histamine, and/or other medications and your vet can prescribe. At this point, I don't think over the counter medications are going to treat his problem.

It's possible your pet is experiencing symptoms of a bacterial infection due to mange mite infestation. You'll want to be sure to visit your local Veterinarian as soon as possible and request a skin scraping examination. This will allow your doctor to identify the underlying cause of your pets discomfort. You're doctor may prescribe an antibiotic to help stop the infection and mite/mange treatment if needed.

This could be a skin condition called acanthosis nigricans. It may also be due to chronic inflammation or infection. The only way to diagnose the underlying cause is to have Scruffy physically examined by your veterinarian or a veterinary dermatologist. Sometimes, a skin biopsy is required. Any treatment will depend on the diagnosis. You can discuss payment plans or alternative financing options, such as CareCredit ( www.carecredit.com ), with the veterinarian or office manager. Family or friends can also be asked to assist you financially. There is nothing OTC that can be used to resolve the conditions. You would only be guessing without a diagnosis. You can place an e-collar (cone) on Scruffy to prevent licking or chewing until he sees the doctor. Keep the area clean and dry as well. https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/acanthosis-nigricans/

I am sorry to hear about Freckles. The black crusts could be flea dirt, which is digested blood left behind by the fleas (if you place it on a paper towel and wet the black debris and it turns a rust color then it is likely flea dirt). We can also get skin infections resulting in crust and debris in dogs. I would recommend an examination by his vet if he is very itchy. He may need oral medications, or a topical treatment such as a medicated shampoo like Duoxo Chlorhexidine may be needed.

Poor Maxwell! There are quite a few different things that can cause hair loss with redness and crusting in dogs, so it's hard to say what might be wrong without being able to examine him and do some testing. Some common possibilities would include allergies (food allergies, or an allergy to something in the environment), a bacterial or fungal skin infection, or skin mites (mange). Treatment will depend on what the underlying problem is, so it's important to get a diagnosis first. Because of this, I would recommend taking him to the vet for an exam when you are able to. He/she can do some simple skin tests to help diagnose the problem and get him started on appropriate medication to treat it.

Poor Shay-Shay! It looks like she has some pretty significant skin problems. The black, crusty appearance of the skin on her belly is called lichenification - it's caused by chronic itching over a long period of time. There are a number of things that could cause severe itching, hair loss, and scabs like this. Some common possibilities would include allergies, fleas, a bacterial or fungal skin infection, or skin mites (mange). Treatment will depend on what the underlying problem is, so it's important to get a diagnosis first in order to know how to help her. I would recommend taking her to the vet this week for an exam - he/she can do some simple skin tests to help diagnose the problem and get her started on appropriate medication to treat it.

Unfortunately, without a physical exam it is difficult to determine the underlying cause with any certainty. It could be a bacterial or yeast skin infection or it may have an allergic component. Parasites, such as mites, cannot be ruled out either. Place an e-collar (cone) on Jax to prevent licking or chewing. You can clean the area with a diluted Betadine or chlorhexidine (Hibiclens) solution daily. Dry it thoroughly afterwards. Veterinary clinics and ERs have been deemed essential, so they should be seeing patients. Travel to either is permitted as long as proper precautions are taken and social distancing is observed. Call ahead as procedures have likely been modified to prevent or limit contact. This may require you to drop Jax off then wait for your veterinarian to call you to discuss exam findings and treatment options.