Why does my senior dog have dark, flaky, itchy spots on her back?

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

Hello. While I cannot diagnose your pet, it does appear that we have a case of bacterial seborrhea here. There may be an undiagnosed underlying cause, such as hypothyroidism or he has developed an allergic response/sensitivity to something, so I would make an appointment to see your vet as soon as possible. In the meantime, you can bathe your pet in a medicated antibacterial shampoo if you can find one. One that contains chlorhexidine ( 2-4% ) or benzoyl peroxide should work well. You can bathe your pet 2-3 times a week. I would also start an Omega-3 fatty acid supplement such as Bayer's Freeform snip tips. Hopefully, this will help to clear things up, but try to see your vet soon. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Hi there. I'm sorry Bling is having this issue. I can't tell too much from the photos except that there appears to be some seborrhea (dandruff). I don't really see any of the "pus" or "gunk" you are describing but those may be sebaceous cysts. I would recommend at this time you try a really good anti-seborrhea shampoo like on of the following: http://www.allivet.com/p-7819-phytovet-pss-antiseborrheic-shampoo.aspx?sku=50812-2&gclid=CMr_wLe57dMCFYF8fgodzhsKWA https://www.amazon.com/Dechra-DP02-12-DermaBenSs-Shampoo-12-Ounce/dp/B00K4X8TGK/ref=sr_1_1?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1494698570&sr=1-1&keywords=dermabenss+shampoo Be sure when you use the shampoo to lather, leave it on her for about 10 minutes, then rinse well. The shampoo needs the contact time with the skin to work. I would bathe her twice a week. If no improvement with the shampoo then I would have you take her to your vet for an exam. I hope this helps! Dr. Amber

Thanks for visiting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. If she doesn’t have a history of skin allergies I would suspect she may have a bacterial infection, thyroid disease some other kind of skin disorder (seborrhea). I would suggest starting with pet formulated fish oils to see if this makes a difference. Also a topical shampoo (Duoxo seborrhea shampoo is recommended) can be tried. If there is no resolve after this, then a trip to the vet is warranted to get the skin tested and a thyroid test done. Best wishes with Holly and I hope her skin resolves soon. Take care.

This could be a fungal or bacterial infection or a mite infection. It could also be a case of seborrheic dermatitis. Unfortunately it is not possible to diagnose which type of problem it is just by viewing a photo. You will need to take her to a vet for an exam and a diagnosis. A bacterial or fungal infection can be treated with antibacterial or antifungal shampoo or tablets and there are anti-seborrheic shampoos as well. A mite infection can be treated with an ivermectin injection or other acaricidal medications.

The flakes are most likely the dry skin coming off. You can give him an omega3 fatty acid supplement for sure. You need to use a product made for dogs. I found this one: https://www.amazon.in/Petvita-Ultra-Refined-Omega-3-Supplement/dp/B01IY1E28W/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1517925023&sr=8-2&keywords=dog+omega+3+fish+oil My favorite product is made by Missing Link: https://www.amazon.in/Missing-Link-Ultimate-Small-8-Ounce/dp/B0002W0S4Y/ref=sr_1_1?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1517925070&sr=1-1&keywords=missing+link+dog Either of those would be fine. Don't bathe him too much unless you have a soap-free shampoo. You may be drying out his coat by bathing too frequently. With soap-free shampoo you can bathe often without fear of drying his skin. I like this one: https://www.amazon.in/Nap-India-Virbac-Episoothe-Shampoo/dp/B06XHQMR14/ref=sr_1_11?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1517925172&sr=1-11&keywords=dog+shampoo+soap+free Hope this helps. Best wishes.

Hi there and thank you for using pet coach to address your concern. What you are describing could be due to allergies or a skin infection. I would recommend starting a shampoo such as Douxo PS chlorhexidine combination shampoo and bathe twice weekly. I would also recommend welactin omega 3 fish oil, essential 6 spot on by dermoscent and malacetic conditioning spray. If this does not imprive the current problem or it worsens, i would have a veterinarian look at this for further trestment recommendations. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns. I am also available via consultation if needed.