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Why does my pug have crusty skin, fur loss, and red patches?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Pug | Male | unneutered | 1 year and 9 months old

Crusty flaky skin forming in patches on my pugs back. Fur falling out and sore red patches. Have put oil on it.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

Published on July 30th, 2017

Poor Biscuit! I'm sorry to hear that he's having this problem. Patches of hair loss, redness, and crusty skin can be caused by a number of different things. Some common possibilities would include allergies (food allergies, or an allergy to something in the environment), 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. I would recommend taking Biscuit to the vet tomorrow for an exam - he/she can do some simple skin tests to help determine what is causing his skin issues and get him started on appropriate treatment.

In the meantime, you can try bathing him in an aloe and oatmeal dog shampoo if you want to. This will not treat the underlying problem, but should soothe his skin and help to remove some of the crusty spots to help make him a bit more comfortable until you are able to see the vet.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Mara Howard, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on October 24th, 2017
Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I’m sorry to hear Chico is having skin issues. Skin lesions like you are describing can have multiple causes, including skin parasites (fleas or mites), allergies, an infection (bacterial or fungal), or an underlying medical issue. I would recommend he be evaluated by his regular veterinarian to determine the underlying cause for his skin lesions, have any necessary testing done (skin scrape, culture), and start any treatment that he may need (antibiotics, antifungal, anti-itch medication). Good luck!
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Vanessa Yeager DVM MPH
Veterinarian
Published on September 1st, 2017
HI and thank you for your post! I see the pictures which show hair loss around the tail base and ears.

If he had been itching these areas, I would be suspicious of flea dermatitis. All it takes is one flea to induce a flea allergy. Fleas love to hang out around the areas and the tail base region. Using a good quality flea preventative product will help treat and prevent fleas.

If fleas have been completely ruled out, a fungal or bacterial infection may be at play. Seasonal allergies is another possibility. The areas are darker due to chronic inflammation and may return back to normal skin color once healed.

Percy's veterinarian can run a few simple skin tests to rule out fungus, mites, or a bacteria as the cause. A flea preventative product will help rule out fleas as the cause.

I hope this has helped answer your question. Best of luck to you and Percy.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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