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My 9-week puppy has itchy skin, hair loss, and dandruff-like flakes?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Labrador Retriever | Female | unspayed | 2 months and 9 days old

Hi I have puppy labrador called Zoe. She is 9 weeks old. She is developing a a skin problems. Itching and losing hairs. I checked through the skin and i can see things look like dandruff. Can you please help?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

Published on December 20th, 2016

I'm sorry to hear that Zoe is having skin problems! There are a few different things that could cause itching and hair loss with dandruff in a puppy this age. The most common possibilities would be 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 I would recommend having her examined by a vet as soon as you are able to. He/she can do some simple skin tests to help diagnose the problem and get her started on appropriate medication to treat it.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on January 2nd, 2017

This is probably due to a severe allergy, although it could also be fleas or mites.  First of all, in order to rule out skin parasites, you will need to treat with a high quality flea treatment (advocate or advantage), then get him to the vet to perform a skin scrape - this might reveal an infection or a mite infestation.   Fleas and mites are quite common in puppies.
If all of those came back negative, the next step is to treat the allergy symptomatically and try discovering the cause of the allergy.   Some medications can be given by the vet in order to stop the chewing and repair the skin lesions (steroids and antibiotics)..  There is also a nice topical spray available, it's called Cortavance and you can get it at the vets.   Hopefully you will see some results after all this, if not you and your vet should consider starting on a long term allergy treatment.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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