Why does my senior dog have scabs and open sores on his skin?

Although a picture of the lesions would help to determine the underlying cause, this is probably due to an allergy, but it could also be due to an infection or mites. Old age itself is unlikely to cause anything like you described. First of all, in order to rule out skin parasites, you will need to treat with a high quality flea treatment, then ask the vet to perform a skin scrape - this might reveal an infection or a mite infestation. If all of those came back negative, the next step is to treat the allergy symptomatically and try to discover the cause of the allergy. Three main type of allergies are usually affecting pets: food allergies, flea and parasite related ones and environmental type (allergens coming from trees, pollens, dust etc etc). Some medications can be given by the vet in order to repair any possible skin lesions (like steroids and antibiotics). 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.

While it's possible for food sensitivities to change over time and cause skin issues, since Mariner is a senior pup it may be time for a senior wellness exam. Scabbing on the skin could be due to a number of things including the aforementioned food allergies, environmental allergens, skin infections, parasites and even metabolic changes. A complete examination of his coat plus some general bloodwork may alert you to the cause of his scabbing. In the meantime, an Elizabethan (cone) collar, if it doesn't interfere with his service work, or a T-shirt to protect the affected area, may help prevent him from scratching or chewing and give the area some time to heal. It will also keep Mariner from introducing more bacteria into the site which can lead to an infection.

Poor Poppy! Dogs can develop skin conditions at any age. In older dogs things such as endocrine diseases and food allergies are more common. If you notice the lesions are getting worse, then I would recommend to have him seen by his veterinarian. The doctor will take a look at him and get a thorough history and may recommend some blood tests if an underlying cause is suspected. The doctor will also recommend treatment for the lesions. At home, washing the lesions in an antibacterial hand soap and rinsing them well once a day can help to exfoliate and cleanse the skin. You can apply a dab of coconut oil and rub it in well once the skin is dry. You need to make sure however that he does not lick the coconut oil. This may help but if there is an underlying cause, the lesions will simply come back. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions!

Poor Loca! There are a number of skin problems that can cause scabbed-over sores like this. The most common possibilities would include allergies, fleas, a bacterial or fungal skin infection, or skin mites (mange). Treatment recommendations would depend on the underlying problem, so I would recommend having Loca 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.

Hi there and thank you for using Pet Coach! Without pictures it is difficult to say what the scabs are. I would suspect either trauma, insect bites or sores from a skin reaction. I would monitor these for now, especially if they do not seem to be bothering Zuni. Monitor for changes in size, appearance and how many there are. If you notice they are not resolving or are worsening I would have Zuni examined by a veterinarian so that further diagnostics and treatment can be performed. I would recommend a wound cream such as Zymox topical ointment (can be found online) and apply as directed on the tube of ointment. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any further questions. I am also available via consultation if needed.

If she is having a rapidly spreading skin condition, Lucy should be seen by a veterinarian to have the skin checked. At the vet, they will be able to do scrapings, cultures, and biopsies. Most importantly, they will be able to prescribe medications to help relieve the pain and itchiness that Lucy is currently experiencing. She also likely will require an e-collar to prevent her in the short-term from itching herself raw. As for what it might be, it sounds like there could be an infection of the skin that started somewhere and is spreading rearward. There are autoimmune conditions and allergies that can affect the skin in the ways that you are describing, but that latter do not typically cause the scaliness you are talking about. Unfortunately, with a 14 year old dog, we also need to consider more serious conditions as well such as certain skin cancers. Your vet should definitely take a look at what is going on you guys can come up with a plan together.

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