Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My senior dachshund has peeling skin and itchy paws. What helps?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Dachshund miniature | Male | neutered | 12 years and 9 months old | 12 lbs

For 2-3 weeks my 12 year old dachshund of desired weight has had peeling skin all over his body. It has the appearance of skin peeling from sunburn on a human. Even though his feet aren't peeling, he is biting at his itchy paws. I've just changed his diet to home made food but it's too soon to tell if it makes a difference. Is there a lotion or oil I can safely put on his skin/coat? Any other suggestions?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 3rd, 2018

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. It is possible that Rocky is dealing with a skin infection or a endocrine disease such as hypothyroidism or cushing's disease. Because the condition is not that severe, I would recommend starting with the below recommended products to see if these help. If there is no improvement after 4 weeks of using these products, I would recommend having a veterinarian examine Rocky so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further. The below products can all be found online quite easily.

1. Douxo PS Chlorhexidine combination and bathe twice weekly until resolved

2. Douxo PS Calm mousse and apply once daily until resolved

3. Krillex shed free chews

4. Malacetic conditioning spray and apply to affected area twice daily until resolved

5. Essential 6 spot on by Dermoscent

2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

My dog won't stop itching, biting, and has mangey skin. What to do?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Skin issues like you are describing can have a variety of causes, including skin parasites (fleas or mites), allergies, an infection, or an underlying medical issue (Cushings disease, diabetes). I would recommend he be evaluated by his regular veterinarian to determine the underlying cause for his skin lesions, have any necessary testing done (bloodwork, skin scrape, culture) and start on any treatment that he may need. Good luck!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why is my senior dog's skin scaly, itchy, smelly, and losing hair?

Hi there and thank you for using pet coach to address your concern. From the pictures that you provided my primary suspicions would be a skin infection. There are some things that you can do at home if you are unable to get to a vet right away. I would suggest starting with a shampoo that is medicated such as Duoxo chlorhexidine PS combination and bathe him twice weekly until the infection is resolved. I would also suggest starting welactin omega-3 fish oil and essential 6 Spot On by dermoscent. If there is no improvement then I would see your vet for further testing and treatments. I hope this helps! Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. I am also available via phone or text base consultation if needed

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog has inflamed, dry, itchy skin. Vet couldn't diagnose. What now?

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. It appears as though Bruno may have a skin infection. I would recommend using the below products which you can find online quite easily. As for the itching, these products should help but if it is very severe, you could discuss anti-itch medications with your veterinarian to help control the itch while you are treating the primary allergy. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further. 1. Douxo PS Chlorhexidine combination shampoo and bathe twice weekly until resolved 2. Miconahex + Triz and spray to the affected areas twice daily until resolved 3. Essential 6 spot on by Dermoscent 4. Krillex Krill chews

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog is chewing and scratching his red skin. What can I do?

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. Based on your description, it does sound as though Chester is dealing with allergies. I would recommend using the below following products and see if these help. If the symptoms worsen and the products do not help, I would recommend having a veterinarian examine Chester so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. I hope these help! Please let me know if you have any further questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further. 1. Douxo PS Calm shampoo and bathe twice weekly 2. Pramosoothe spray and apply to the affected areas to relieve any itching / irritation 3. Essential 6 spot on by Dermoscent 4. Welactin omega 3 fish oil capsules for dogs

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog has a recurring skin rash. What causes it and how to treat?

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. Based on the photos, it appears that Po may have a skin infection. We call this superficial pyoderma. For these, I recommend topical therapy and skin supplementation. If after 10-14 days there is no improvement with this approach, I recommend visiting the veterinarian and having the vet take a look at Po so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further! 1. Douox PS Chlorhexidine Combination shampoo and bathe twice weekly until resolved 2. Miconahex + Triz and spray to the affected areas twice daily until resolved 3. Essential 6 spot on by Dermoscent 4. Krillex Krill oil chews All of these can be purchased online quite easily.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Dog allergies & hotspots: At-home care for itchy skin infections?

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. From the pictures it appears that Dune may be dealing with a skin infection. If you are unable to get him in to be seen by the veterinarian, I would recommend the below products, which can all be found online quite easily. Do this for about 3-4 weeks and if there is no improvement, I would recommend having a veterinarian examine Dune so that the most appropriate treatment recommendations can be made. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further. 1. Douxo PS Chlorhexidine Combination and bathe twice weekly until resolved 2. Malacetic conditioning spray and apply 2-3 times per day on the affected areas until resolved 3. Welactin omega 3 fish oil capsules for dogs 4. Essential 6 Spot On by Dermoscent

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Food & Nutrition

Dog's dry, scaly skin won't go away. What should I try next?

Hi there and thanks for posting on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! You may want to try the Douxo products, namely Douxo Calm Shampoo which can be purchase through your veterinarian or online pet store retailer. You can also try using a fish oil supplement as well. Fish oil is wonderful for coat and skin health. If these don't seem to help or Midnight's skin becomes worse, I would recommend she sees her veterinarian. I hope this helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share