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Why does my senior dog have crusty, smelly skin spots and fur loss?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Male | neutered | 13 years and 9 months old | 73 lbs

My nearly 14 year old dog has spots on him. Started a year ago on his belly. Vet said they were contact dermatitis. They would clear up then return. A year later he now has them under the thick fur areas. They are crusty, red underneath the crust, sometimes smell similar to creamed corn and his fur falls out where the spots are located. What are they snd how do I get rid of them?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jessica Desrosiers

Veterinary Technician

Published on October 10th, 2019

That is concerning. If the spots are oozing or smelly I would be concerned there is an underlying infection going on which is causing that. Since this is different than the contact dermatitis, or a worsening of it, I would have your vet take another look. They may recommend taking a sample for testing at a lab to see what the cause is (yeast, bacteria, fungus, etc) so that a tailored treatment can be given. Your vet may also prescribe antibiotics if the area is infected. Until you can get to the vet, keeping the affected areas clean and dry and using an Elizabethan (cone) collar on Boomer can help keep him from licking which can help with further irritation.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By David Darvishian
Veterinarian
Published on November 24th, 2017
Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to hear about Boomer. These spots can be due to a bacterial infection, fungal infection, mite infection, etc. I would advise getting some benzoyl peroxide shampoo from your local pet store. Bathe Boomer with this shampoo, lather it up good especially on the affected areas, leave the lather on for 10 minutes, then rinse really well. I would bathe only once weekly right now and see if these lesions don't resolve. You can just do spot bathes also to prevent having to bathe his whole body. If this condition doesn't resolve, I would advise that you take Boomer to your vet. Your vet can examine Boomer and recommend a diagnostic/treatment plan. Good luck
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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