13 Dog Skin Conditions Every Pet Owner Should Know About (Plus How to Recognize Symptoms & Treat the Causes)

If your dog won’t stop scratching, licking, or nibbling at their skin, you’re not alone—and you’re definitely not imagining things.

Skin conditions are among the most common health issues in dogs, affecting pups of all breeds, sizes, and ages.

From dry, flaky skin to persistent rashes and hair loss, these problems can make your furry friend downright miserable—and leave you feeling helpless. The tricky part? Skin issues in dogs often look the same on the surface.

A red patch could be anything from an allergy to a parasite, and constant paw-licking might point to stress just as easily as it could to a yeast infection.

That’s why understanding the underlying causes, spotting the early warning signs, and knowing when to step in is key to helping your pup feel better (and stop scratching up your furniture in the meantime).

This guide will walk you through the most common dog skin conditions, break down what causes them, highlight the symptoms to watch out for, and offer practical advice on how to treat—and even prevent—them.

Whether your dog is dealing with seasonal allergies, a stubborn case of mange, or something more serious like an autoimmune disorder, we’ve got you covered.

Because let’s be honest: our dogs can’t tell us when something feels off.

But with a little knowledge and a lot of love, we can become their best advocates—and their first line of defense against irritating (and sometimes painful) skin troubles.

1. Allergic Dermatitis (Atopic Dermatitis)

When dogs have allergic reactions, their skin often pays the price. Atopic dermatitis is a chronic condition caused by environmental allergens like pollen, dust mites, or mold.

It’s especially common in breeds like Bulldogs, Retrievers, and Terriers. You’ll usually notice relentless scratching, licking, or biting—especially around the paws, face, and belly.

The skin may become red, inflamed, and even infected if left untreated. Dogs with atopic dermatitis may also have recurring ear infections or chronic skin thickening. Unfortunately, it’s not curable, but it is manageable.

Treatments include antihistamines, medicated shampoos, prescription anti-itch meds, and allergy shots. Avoiding the allergen when possible is key.

A vet can help confirm the trigger with allergy testing and guide you toward the best management plan.

2. Flea Allergy Dermatitis

For some dogs, just one flea bite can unleash a world of itching. Flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) is an allergic reaction to flea saliva, and it’s one of the most common causes of itching in dogs.

Unlike a typical flea infestation, even minimal flea exposure can cause intense irritation in sensitive dogs.

Symptoms often include biting at the base of the tail, hair loss in patches, and red, scabbed skin. You might not even see fleas—but the allergic response is still in full swing.

The best treatment? Prevention. Consistent flea control using vet-recommended treatments is essential.

If your dog is already suffering, anti-itch medications, antibiotics for secondary infections, and medicated shampoos can help ease the flare-up.

3. Hot Spots (Acute Moist Dermatitis)

Hot spots are angry-looking, moist, red areas of inflamed skin that seem to appear overnight.

They’re often caused by excessive licking, scratching, or biting at a small irritation—like a bug bite, minor wound, or allergic reaction—that spirals into a full-blown infection.

These lesions are painful, itchy, and can quickly grow larger if left untreated. You’ll often notice them on the neck, hips, or limbs. Dogs with thick coats or those who love swimming are especially at risk due to moisture trapped against the skin.

Treatment involves clipping the fur around the area, cleaning it thoroughly, and using topical or oral antibiotics.

Anti-itch meds may also be needed to break the itch-scratch cycle. Keeping the area dry and preventing licking—often with a cone—are vital for healing.

4. Mange (Sarcoptic or Demodectic)

Mange sounds scary—and it can be. Caused by mites that burrow into the skin, this condition leads to intense itching, redness, hair loss, and scabs.

There are two main types: sarcoptic mange (contagious and intensely itchy) and demodectic mange (usually not contagious, often affecting younger or immune-compromised dogs).

Sarcoptic mange, also known as canine scabies, can spread to other pets and even humans. Demodectic mange tends to stay localized and may clear up on its own in mild cases.

Vets diagnose mange through skin scrapings and often prescribe medicated dips, oral treatments, or topical spot-on products. Isolation and frequent cleaning of your dog’s environment are essential, especially with sarcoptic mange.

Prompt treatment helps avoid secondary infections and spreads.

5. Ringworm (Dermatophytosis)

Despite its name, ringworm isn’t caused by worms—it’s a fungal infection that targets the skin, hair, and sometimes nails. It often appears as circular, scaly patches with hair loss in the center and a red, irritated border.

While not always itchy, it’s highly contagious—to other pets and even humans.

Puppies, older dogs, and those with weakened immune systems are more vulnerable. You’ll often spot lesions on the head, ears, front legs, or paws. Some dogs may also become carriers without showing symptoms.

Treatment usually includes antifungal creams, oral medications, and frequent bathing with medicated shampoos.

Disinfecting your home and grooming tools is crucial, as the fungus can survive in the environment for months. Isolation from other pets helps prevent further spread.

6. Yeast Infections

Yeast infections in dogs often show up as smelly, greasy, or discolored skin—especially in warm, moist areas like ears, paws, groin, and armpits.

The skin may appear thickened or leathery, and your dog might scratch or lick the area obsessively. A classic telltale sign? That musty, “corn chip” odor.

This condition is usually caused by an overgrowth of Malassezia yeast, which naturally lives on your dog’s skin but can flourish when the immune system is off balance or the skin barrier is damaged.

Treatment often involves antifungal shampoos or wipes, along with oral medication for more severe cases. Keeping the affected areas dry and clean is essential.

Regular grooming, ear cleaning, and addressing any underlying conditions like allergies can help prevent future flare-ups.

7. Bacterial Skin Infections (Pyoderma)

Pyoderma is a bacterial skin infection that often develops secondary to another skin issue like allergies, parasites, or wounds. You’ll typically see red bumps, pustules, crusty patches, or hair loss.

Some cases come with a foul odor or sticky discharge, especially in skin folds or moist areas.

It can be superficial or deep, depending on how far the infection has progressed. Dogs with compromised skin barriers or excessive scratching are more prone to it.

Vets may prescribe oral antibiotics, medicated shampoos, or topical ointments to clear the infection.

Treating the root cause—like fleas or food allergies—is crucial to prevent recurrence. In chronic cases, additional testing may be needed to rule out immune system issues or hormonal imbalances.

8. Seborrhea (Oily or Dry Skin)

Seborrhea causes flaky, itchy skin and can make your dog’s coat appear greasy or dull. It’s often categorized as either “dry” (seborrhea sicca) or “oily” (seborrhea oleosa), and in many cases, dogs suffer from a mix of both.

You might notice dandruff-like flakes or an unpleasant, musty odor.

This condition can be primary (inherited, as seen in breeds like Cocker Spaniels and Basset Hounds) or secondary to underlying problems such as allergies, parasites, or hormonal disorders.

Managing seborrhea involves medicated shampoos designed to reduce excess oil and flaking.

In chronic or severe cases, your vet may recommend supplements, dietary changes, or tests to uncover the root cause. Regular grooming and a consistent skincare routine are essential for long-term relief.

9. Dandruff (Canine Seborrheic Dermatitis)

Just like in humans, dandruff in dogs appears as small white flakes scattered throughout the coat. While it’s often harmless, it can also be a sign of dry skin, poor diet, underlying infections, or even low humidity in your home.

You may also notice your dog scratching more than usual or shedding excessively. Some dogs develop red or irritated skin underneath the flakes if the condition persists.

Treatment starts with identifying the cause—whether it’s environmental dryness, nutritional deficiencies, or something more serious.

Omega-3 supplements, humidifiers, and gentle moisturizing shampoos often help. If flakes persist despite these efforts, it’s worth seeing a vet to rule out infections or allergies.

10. Lick Granuloma

A lick granuloma is a thickened, inflamed area of skin that develops from excessive licking—often out of boredom, anxiety, or underlying pain.

It usually appears as a firm, raised sore on the front legs, and once it starts, dogs tend to obsessively lick the same spot, making healing difficult.

These lesions can become infected and are notoriously hard to treat. They often signal an emotional or behavioral issue in addition to a physical one.

Treatment involves addressing the root cause of the licking, whether that’s anxiety, joint pain, or allergies.

Vets may prescribe antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, or bitter-tasting sprays to discourage licking. In some cases, behavior modification or anxiety meds are needed for long-term success.

11. Skin Tumors or Growths (e.g., Lipomas, Histiocytomas)

Not all lumps on your dog are cause for panic—but they should never be ignored. Skin tumors can be benign (like lipomas, which are soft, fatty growths) or malignant (like mast cell tumors).

Common locations include the chest, abdomen, and limbs, especially in older dogs.

Some growths may appear suddenly, change in size or shape, or bleed. While lipomas are usually harmless, fast-growing or ulcerated lumps should be checked by a vet immediately.

Diagnosis typically involves a fine needle aspiration or biopsy. Benign tumors may just be monitored, but others might require surgical removal or further treatment.

Always have new bumps examined early—catching a cancerous tumor in its early stages can make all the difference.

12. Autoimmune Skin Diseases (e.g., Pemphigus)

Autoimmune skin conditions are rare but serious. They occur when your dog’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own skin.

Pemphigus is the most common of these and often shows up as crusty blisters, ulcers, or oozing sores—especially around the nose, mouth, ears, and paw pads.

Dogs with autoimmune skin disease may also develop fever, lethargy, and secondary infections. These conditions can be chronic and fluctuate in severity.

Diagnosis requires a biopsy, and treatment usually involves long-term immunosuppressive medications like corticosteroids.

Managing autoimmune skin diseases can be challenging, but with a dedicated vet and a consistent care routine, many dogs lead comfortable lives.

13. Acral Lick Dermatitis

Acral lick dermatitis is similar to a lick granuloma, but the issue becomes even more psychological over time. It starts with a small irritation—like an itch or minor wound—but constant licking creates a self-perpetuating sore that won’t heal easily.

These thickened, hairless, red patches are often found on the front legs or paws. Even after the initial cause is gone, the behavior may continue from habit, stress, or anxiety.

Treatment requires a multi-pronged approach: antibiotics or anti-inflammatories for infection, e-collars to prevent licking, and addressing emotional triggers with behavioral training or medication.

It takes time and patience, but many dogs recover with consistent care.