Why is my 5-month-old puppy losing hair and has crusty skin?

Poor Buster! Yes, from the photos it certainly does look like he has a skin infection of some kind. This can occur on its own, or due to an underlying skin problem such as allergies or mange. I would recommend taking him to the vet to have this checked as soon as you are able to, since he will likely need prescription antibiotics to treat the infection. In the meantime, you can try bathing him thoroughly in a chlorhexidine-based dog shampoo if you like - this should help to remove the crusty discharge and make him a bit more comfortable until you are able to see the vet.

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.

Hello. In a 7 month old pup, my first guess is Demodex mange. But, this could also be a simple bacterial infection. Let your veterinarian do a simple skin test to see if the mites are present. There is a very specific treatment for this & usually results in a cure within a few months. I do hope you can have her seen soon. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Hello. Hair loss in a puppy can be a concern if it is excessive. The first thing we want to rule out is external parasites like fleas & mange mites ( Demodex & Sarcoptic ). Bacterial & yeast-based infections & allergies are also a possibility. You can bathe Blu in a flea shampoo to eliminate the possibility of fleas, but if she is intensely itchy & continues to lose hair, you will need to see your veterinarian for a diagnosis. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

I can see that Benji has a few small areas of hair loss with yellow crusting, and these lesions could be due to ringworm, mange, or a skin infection. In order to accurately diagnose these lesions, a vet should perform a skin scraping and fungal culture/Wood's lamp exam. Both ringworm and Sarcoptic mange (scabies) can be transmitted to other dogs and humans, so it is certainly worth having the lesions evaluated. I hope that Benji is on the mend soon!

I would recommend that Buddy see a vet as soon as possible. The things you have mentioned do not fit with any one disease in my head, but a poor appetite and diarrhea in a puppy are concerns for bacterial or viral infection, including parvo virus. I always recommend evaluation by a vet if diarrhea with poor appetite happen longer than 24 hours. Possible causes include infection, intestinal parasites, intestinal blockage, food allergy, among others. Many of these can also lead to a dull coat. Not being able to stand is unusual in a puppy, but can be caused by infections, intervertebral disc disease, neurologic disease, hypoglycemia, etc.

This presentation could be due to a trauma or localized spot of skin infection (likely to be caused by bacteria). A check up, appropriate disinfection and possibly antibiotics (oral, topical or in a shampoo formulation) are needed to solve the problem. Disinfection may 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 (if any). 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. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!