Dog Skin Conditions: Pictures, Causes, and When to See a Vet

Written by Jeff Grill, Dog Health Guide editor · Updated November 2026 · Based on veterinary dermatology guidelines and peer-reviewed research (16 sources) · Not a substitute for a veterinary exam

Key Takeaways

  • Skin problems are among the most common reasons dogs see a vet. In a study of more than 22,000 dogs, skin disorders were the second most common group of diagnoses, and skin allergies have topped Nationwide's dog insurance claims for 15 straight years.[1][2]
  • Itch usually means allergy or parasites. Flea allergy, environmental allergies (atopic dermatitis), food allergy, and mites (mange) explain most itchy dogs.
  • Infections are usually a symptom, not the cause. Bacterial and yeast infections typically set in on top of allergy or another skin problem, so they come back unless the underlying cause is treated.
  • Get any new lump checked. A lump the size of a pea that is still there after a month should be sampled with a needle. Mast cell tumors, the most common canine skin cancer, can look like a harmless bump.[12][13]
  • Diagnosis takes a few simple tests. Skin scrapings, tape or swab cytology, a fungal culture, a needle sample of lumps, and an 8-week diet trial for suspected food allergy answer most cases.
On this page: When to see a vet now | Skin problem checker | Match the symptom to the cause | Pictures | Allergies | Parasites and mange | Infections | Lumps and tumors | Hormonal and autoimmune causes | How vets diagnose | Treatment | What the research shows | At-home care | FAQ

When to see a vet right away

Most skin problems can wait for a regular appointment. These cannot:

  • Facial swelling or sudden hives with vomiting, weakness, pale gums, or trouble breathing (possible anaphylaxis, an emergency).
  • A wound or swelling that is hot, oozing, or spreading fast, or any skin problem with fever, lethargy, or loss of appetite.
  • Large raw, red, weeping patches that appear within hours (hot spots can spread quickly and are very painful).
  • A lump that grows quickly, changes size from day to day, bleeds, or ulcerates.
  • Any skin problem in a young puppy, especially sores and swelling on the face and muzzle (juvenile cellulitis, or "puppy strangles").

Dog Skin Problem Checker

Answer a few questions to see what's most likely going on, how soon to see a vet, and what to read next. This is not a diagnosis.

1. Is your dog having any of these right now?
2. What do you see most? (pick the best match)
3. Where is it? (check all that apply)
4. How itchy is your dog?
5. How old is your dog?
6. Anything else? (check all that apply)

Match your dog's symptom to the likely cause

Vets narrow down skin problems by what the skin looks like, where on the body it is, whether it itches, and the dog's age and breed. Use this table to see what is most likely, then follow the link for the full guide on that condition.

What you seeMost likely causesNext step
Itching and scratching, little to see on the skinFleas or flea allergy, environmental allergy, early scabiesComb for fleas and flea dirt; start vet-recommended flea control for every pet in the home
Itchy rear half: lower back, base of tail, back of thighsFlea allergy dermatitis[3]Year-round flea control for all pets; vet for itch relief and any infection
Licking paws, rubbing face, scratching armpits and belly, often seasonalAtopic dermatitis (environmental allergy) or food allergyVet visit; ask about itch medication and an 8-week diet trial
Red bumps, pimples, and circular crusts with peeling edgesBacterial skin infection (pyoderma), often on top of an allergyVet exam and cytology; medicated shampoo is often enough for mild cases
Greasy, smelly skin, darkened or thickened skin, itchy earsYeast (Malassezia) infection, usually with allergy underneathVet cytology; antifungal shampoo or medication; treat the allergy
Patchy hair loss around the eyes, mouth, or front legs, especially in puppiesDemodectic mangeDeep skin scrapings at the vet
Intense itch on ear edges, elbows, hocks, and belly; people in the house itch tooSarcoptic mange (scabies)[10]Vet visit; treat all dogs in the home; it can spread to people
Round patches of hair loss with scaling, often on the face, ears, or legsRingworm (a fungus), demodex, or bacterial infectionVet tests (Wood's lamp, culture, PCR); ringworm spreads to people
Sudden raw, wet, painful patchHot spot (acute moist dermatitis), usually set off by itchVet visit for clipping, cleaning, and pain and itch relief
Raised welts or puffy face appearing within minutes to hoursHives from an allergic reaction (insect sting, vaccine, drug)Same-day vet call; emergency if breathing is affected
A lump on or under the skinFatty tumor (lipoma), cyst, wart, or a tumor such as a mast cell tumorNeedle sample if it is pea-sized and still there after a month[13]
Even hair loss on both sides of the body, no itch, thin skin, pot belly, drinking moreHormonal disease: hypothyroidism or Cushing's diseaseVet blood work
Crusts on the nose, ear tips, or footpadsAutoimmune skin disease such as pemphigus foliaceus, or sun damageVet biopsy
Gray, thick, hairless patch on an elbow or hockPressure callus from lying on hard floorsPadded bedding; vet if it cracks or oozes
Flaky skin or dandruffDry skin, seborrhea, Cheyletiella mites ("walking dandruff"), or a sign of allergy or hormonal diseaseSee dry skin causes; vet if it persists or itches

Pictures of common dog skin conditions

These photos show what common conditions look like. Many skin problems look alike, and a dog can have more than one at a time, so a picture can point you in the right direction but cannot replace an exam.

Red, irritated skin on a dog's belly and legs from atopic dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis (environmental allergy): redness on the belly and inner legs, areas dogs lick and scratch.
Lhasa Apso with hair loss and red skin on the face from atopic dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis on the face of a Lhasa Apso. The face, feet, ears, armpits, and belly are typical spots.
Four photos of bacterial skin infection in dogs: folliculitis, pustules on the belly, epidermal collarette, and short-coated pyoderma
Bacterial skin infection (pyoderma): deep folliculitis, belly pustules, a ring-shaped "epidermal collarette," and moth-eaten coat in a short-haired dog.
Deep pyoderma sores on a German Shepherd
Deep pyoderma on a German Shepherd, a breed prone to this deeper, more painful infection. Source: Washington State University.
Puppy with swollen, crusted muzzle and face from juvenile cellulitis
Juvenile cellulitis ("puppy strangles"): facial swelling and crusts in a young puppy. Needs prompt vet care. Source: Washington State University.
Yeast infection causing red, greasy skin on a dog's face and ear
Yeast (Malassezia) dermatitis on the face and ear: red, greasy, often smelly skin.
Hair loss and crusting on the nose of a Miniature Pinscher with ringworm
Ringworm (dermatophytosis) on the nose of a 9-year-old Miniature Pinscher. Source: Washington State University.
Thin skin and hair loss on a dog with Cushing's disease
Cushing's disease (hyperadrenocorticism): thin skin, hair loss, and a pot-bellied look.
Four types of non-itchy hair loss in dogs including follicular dysplasia and color dilution alopecia
Non-itchy hair loss: follicular dysplasia, castration-responsive dermatosis, pattern alopecia on the ear, and color dilution alopecia.
Ulcerated sore on a dog's back caused by squamous cell carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma: a skin cancer linked to sun exposure that can look like a sore that won't heal.
Pressure ulcers over bony points on a dog
Pressure (decubitus) ulcers over bony points, most often in large, older, or less mobile dogs.
Red, inflamed allergic skin on a dog
Allergic skin disease: red, inflamed skin. Source: WSU College of Veterinary Medicine.

Allergies: the most common cause of itchy skin

Allergies are the leading reason dogs itch. There are three main types, and many dogs have more than one.

Flea allergy dermatitis

Some dogs are allergic to flea saliva, so a few bites can set off weeks of itch. The Merck Veterinary Manual calls flea allergy the most common skin disease of dogs in the southern United States. The itch and hair loss center on the lower back, tail base, and back of the thighs.[3] You may never see a flea, because allergic dogs chew them off. Vets often confirm the diagnosis simply by seeing the itch improve on strict flea control. That means treating every dog and cat in the home, every month, all year, and cleaning the environment.[3] See our guide to flea medicine.

Atopic dermatitis (environmental allergies)

Atopic dermatitis is an inherited allergy to things in the environment such as dust mites, pollen, and mold. Signs usually start between 6 months and 3 years of age. Dogs lick their paws, rub their faces, and scratch their ears, armpits, belly, and groin, and many get repeated ear and skin infections. Breeds prone to it include West Highland White Terriers, Labrador and Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, French and English Bulldogs, Boxers, Shih Tzus, and Shar-Peis. There is no cure, but it can usually be controlled well with a combination of treatments (see Treatment).[4] Read more about seasonal allergies and atopy and skin allergy remedies.

Food allergy

Food allergy causes year-round itch, often on the face, feet, ears, and rear end, and sometimes soft stools or more frequent bowel movements. In a review of 297 food-allergic dogs, the most common culprits were beef (34%), dairy (17%), chicken (15%), and wheat (13%). Soy, lamb, corn, and egg were each 6% or less.[5] Blood and saliva allergy tests are not reliable for food allergy. The only accurate test is an elimination diet: a prescription hydrolyzed diet or a single novel protein, with no treats or flavored medications, for 8 weeks. More than 85% of food-allergic dogs improve within 5 weeks and more than 95% within 8.[6] If the itch returns when the old food is reintroduced, the diagnosis is confirmed. See food allergies and intolerance.

Parasites: fleas, mites, and lice

Demodectic mange

Demodex mites live in small numbers on all dogs. Mange develops when the immune system can't keep them in check, most often in puppies, or in adult dogs with an underlying illness or on immune-suppressing drugs. It causes patchy hair loss, often around the eyes, mouth, and front legs, and may itch only when a bacterial infection sets in. Small patches in puppies often clear on their own. Widespread cases need treatment. Modern isoxazoline flea and tick drugs work well, and vets recheck monthly until two skin scrapings in a row are negative.[9] Demodex is not contagious to people. See demodectic mange and signs of mange.

Sarcoptic mange (scabies)

Sarcoptic mites cause intense itch that starts on the ear edges, elbows, hocks, and belly. Rubbing the ear edge often makes the dog kick a hind leg (the "pinnal-pedal reflex"). The mites are hard to find, and skin scrapings miss about half of cases, so vets often treat based on the signs.[10] Scabies spreads easily between dogs and can cause itchy red bumps in people that go away once the dog is treated. All dogs in the home need treatment. Some older treatments such as ivermectin can be dangerous for Collies, Shelties, Australian Shepherds, and related breeds with the MDR1 (ABCB1) gene mutation.[10] See dog scabies.

Other parasites

Cheyletiella mites cause "walking dandruff" along the back. Lice cause itch and a dull coat. Ticks cause local bumps and can carry diseases such as Lyme disease.

Bacterial, yeast, and fungal skin infections

Bacterial skin infection (pyoderma)

Most dog skin infections are caused by Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, a bacterium that normally lives on dog skin and takes over when the skin barrier is damaged.[7] Allergy is the most common trigger, and others include parasites and hormonal disease. Signs include red bumps, pustules, crusts, and round scaly rings with a peeling edge (epidermal collarettes).

Veterinary guidelines now favor medicated shampoos, sprays, and wipes (such as chlorhexidine) as the first treatment for surface infections, because they work well and reduce the use of antibiotics. When antibiotic pills are needed, they are usually given for at least 3 weeks and continued for a week after the skin looks normal.[7][8] Antibiotic-resistant staph (MRSP) is becoming more common, so dogs that don't improve, or keep getting infections, should have a bacterial culture.[7][8] See pyoderma, skin infection, and skin pimples.

Yeast infection (Malassezia dermatitis)

Malassezia yeast also lives on normal skin and overgrows when allergies or other problems disturb it. Infected skin is red, greasy, itchy, and has a musty smell. Over time it can turn dark and thick. Yeast commonly affects the ears, paws, lips, armpits, and neck. Vets confirm it by looking at a tape or swab sample under a microscope. See dog yeast infection.

Ringworm (dermatophytosis)

Ringworm is a fungus, not a worm. It usually causes round patches of hair loss with scaling and crusting, often on the face, ears, and paws, and it is usually not very itchy. The species Microsporum canis glows apple-green under a Wood's lamp in most untreated cases, and vets confirm it with a fungal culture or PCR test.[11] Treatment combines oral antifungal medication with medicated rinses or shampoo and thorough cleaning of the home. It can spread to people, so wash your hands after handling an infected dog.[11] See ringworm in dogs and fungal skin infections.

Lumps, bumps, and skin tumors

Most lumps in dogs are harmless, such as fatty lipomas, cysts, warts, or skin tags. But you can't tell a benign lump from a cancerous one by looking at or feeling it. Mast cell tumors are the most common skin tumor in dogs, making up 7% to 21% of them. They can look like anything from a soft fatty lump to a red, itchy bump that swells and shrinks.[12] Boxers, Boston Terriers, Pugs, Golden and Labrador Retrievers, and Bulldogs are at higher risk.[12]

Veterinary oncologists recommend a simple rule called "See Something, Do Something": any lump the size of a pea (about 1 cm) or larger that has been there for a month should be sampled with a fine needle.[13] The test is quick, usually needs no sedation, and often gives an answer in the same visit. See dog lumps on skin, skin cysts, skin warts, and skin cancer symptoms.

Hormonal, autoimmune, and other causes

  • Hormonal (endocrine) disease: Hypothyroidism and Cushing's disease cause even, non-itchy hair loss on both sides of the body, thin or darkened skin, and repeated skin infections. Cushing's also causes increased thirst, appetite, and a pot belly. Both are diagnosed with blood tests.
  • Autoimmune disease: Pemphigus foliaceus, the most common autoimmune skin disease in dogs, causes pustules and crusts on the bridge of the nose, around the eyes, on the ear flaps, and on the footpads. It is diagnosed by biopsy and treated with immune-suppressing medication.
  • Sun damage: Dogs with white or thin coats who sunbathe can get red, thickened skin on the belly and nose that can turn into squamous cell carcinoma.
  • Calluses and pressure sores: Large dogs that lie on hard floors develop thick gray calluses on the elbows and hocks.
  • Hot spots: Hot spots are painful, wet patches that dogs create by licking and chewing, usually because of an allergy or flea bites.

How vets diagnose skin problems

A vet starts with a history (age at onset, season, diet, flea control, other pets, and itch level) and a full exam. Then a few inexpensive tests answer most questions:

TestWhat it looks for
Flea combFleas and flea dirt
Skin scrapings and hair plucksDemodex and sarcoptic mites[9][10]
Tape or swab cytologyBacteria and yeast under the microscope
Bacterial cultureWhich antibiotic will work, including for resistant staph (MRSP)[7]
Wood's lamp, fungal culture, PCRRingworm[11]
Fine needle aspirateWhat a lump is made of[12][13]
Elimination diet trial (8 weeks)Food allergy[6]
Blood work and hormone testsHypothyroidism and Cushing's disease
Skin biopsyAutoimmune disease, unusual tumors, and cases that don't respond to treatment
Allergy testing (skin or blood)Which environmental allergens to include in allergy shots or drops. It confirms the triggers once atopic dermatitis has been diagnosed, but it can't diagnose it on its own.[4]

Treatment: what works

Treatment depends on the cause, and many dogs need several approaches at once. A typical plan:

  1. Treat the trigger. Use year-round flea control for every pet, mite treatment if mange is found, or a diet trial if food allergy is suspected.
  2. Treat any infection. Medicated shampoos, sprays, or mousses come first, and antibiotic or antifungal pills are added when needed.[7][8]
  3. Control the itch. For allergic itch, international guidelines support short courses of steroids and oclacitinib (Apoquel).[4] Newer options include lokivetmab (Cytopoint), an injection that blocks an itch-signaling protein for 4 to 8 weeks,[15] and ilunocitinib (Zenrelia), approved in 2024 for dogs at least 12 months old. Zenrelia carries an FDA warning about vaccines, so ask your vet about vaccine timing.[16] Cyclosporine is used for long-term control. Antihistamines help only a minority of dogs.[4]
  4. Protect the skin barrier. Regular baths with a gentle or prescribed shampoo remove allergens and bacteria. Omega-3 fatty acids may help the skin, but they rarely control itch on their own.[4]
  5. Prevent flares. Allergen-specific immunotherapy (allergy shots or drops) is the only treatment that targets the allergy itself instead of the itch.[4]

Never give your dog human medicines without your vet's advice. Doses differ, and some ingredients, such as decongestants added to antihistamines and xylitol in some liquid medicines, are toxic to dogs.

What the Research Shows

  • Skin disease is a top reason for vet visits. Among 22,333 dogs in UK primary care, skin disorders affected 12.6% in a single year, second only to dental disease. Ear infections (otitis externa) alone affected 7.3%.[1]
  • Beef, dairy, and chicken are the top food allergens. They account for most reported food allergies in dogs. Grains are less common triggers than many owners assume.[5]
  • Diet trials need patience. More than 95% of food-allergic dogs improve by week 8, but more than 1 in 10 are not better by week 5.[6]
  • Steroids may be unnecessary for mild allergic reactions. In 880 dogs treated for hives or facial swelling, adding a steroid injection to an antihistamine did not improve recovery.[14]
  • Topical therapy is now preferred for surface skin infections to slow the rise of antibiotic-resistant staph.[7][8]

What you can do at home

  • Check for fleas first. Part the fur at the base of the tail and use a flea comb. Specks that turn red on a wet paper towel are flea dirt.
  • Keep every pet on flea prevention year-round, not just in summer.[3]
  • Bathe gently. Use a mild, soap-free dog shampoo (oatmeal-based shampoos soothe mild itch) and rinse thoroughly. Avoid human shampoos and harsh scented products.
  • Stop the licking. A cone or a soft T-shirt can protect a sore spot while you wait for the vet.
  • Take photos and notes. Track when the itch started, where it is, food changes, and new products. Your vet will find this useful.
  • Skip unproven remedies on broken skin. Coconut oil may soften dry skin but does not treat infection or allergy. Vinegar, tea tree oil, and alcohol can sting or harm damaged skin, and tea tree oil is toxic to dogs if licked.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most common skin problem in dogs?

Allergic skin disease is the most common skin problem in dogs. It includes flea allergy, environmental allergies (atopic dermatitis), and food allergy. Skin allergies have been the number-one dog insurance claim at Nationwide for 15 years running, and bacterial and yeast infections that follow allergies are close behind.[2]

Why does my dog keep getting skin problems?

Repeated skin infections almost always have an underlying cause, most often an allergy, and less often hormonal disease such as hypothyroidism or Cushing's disease. Antibiotics clear the infection, but it returns until the trigger is found and controlled.[7]

What does a fungal skin infection look like on a dog?

Ringworm usually causes round, scaly patches of hair loss, often on the face, ears, or paws, that may not itch much. Yeast (Malassezia) infections look different: red, greasy, smelly skin that may darken and thicken, especially on the paws, ears, armpits, and lips.[11]

How can I tell if my dog's skin infection is bacterial or fungal?

You usually can't tell by looking. Bacterial infections tend to cause pimples, pustules, and ring-shaped crusts, and yeast causes greasy, smelly skin, but the two often occur together. A vet can tell in minutes by looking at a tape or swab sample under a microscope.

What does a cancerous skin lump look like on a dog?

There is no reliable look. Mast cell tumors, the most common canine skin cancer, can look like a soft fatty lump, a wart, or an itchy red bump.[12] Warning signs include fast growth, changing size, redness, ulceration, and bleeding. Have any pea-sized lump that has been there for a month checked with a needle sample.[13]

What is the most common autoimmune skin disease in dogs?

Pemphigus foliaceus is the most common one. It causes pustules and crusts on the bridge of the nose, ear flaps, around the eyes, and on the footpads, and it is diagnosed with a skin biopsy.

What dog breeds have the most skin problems?

Breeds prone to allergies and skin infections include West Highland White Terriers, French and English Bulldogs, Shar-Peis, Labrador and Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Boxers, and Shih Tzus. Wrinkly breeds also get infections in their skin folds.

Is coconut oil good for my dog's skin rash?

Coconut oil may soften mildly dry skin, but it doesn't treat the allergies, parasites, or infections that cause most rashes, and dogs tend to lick it off. Ask your vet about a medicated shampoo or spray instead.

What can I give my dog for itchy skin?

Start with a flea check and year-round flea control, plus a gentle oatmeal bath. For real relief, see your vet: prescription options such as Apoquel, Cytopoint, Zenrelia, and short courses of steroids are far more effective than over-the-counter antihistamines, which help only some dogs.[4][15][16] Don't give human medications without your vet's guidance.

Can dog skin conditions spread to people?

Most can't. Allergies, yeast, demodectic mange, and most bacterial infections are not contagious to people. The main exceptions are sarcoptic mange (scabies) and ringworm, which can cause itchy or scaly skin in people.[10][11] Fleas also bite people.

References

  1. O'Neill DG, James H, Brodbelt DC, Church DB, Pegram C. Prevalence of commonly diagnosed disorders in UK dogs under primary veterinary care: results and applications. BMC Veterinary Research. 2021;17:69.
  2. Nationwide. Chronic conditions dominate this year's list of most common and expensive pet health problems. March 5, 2026.
  3. Gentry C. Flea Allergy Dermatitis in Dogs and Cats. Merck Veterinary Manual. Reviewed April 2026.
  4. Olivry T, DeBoer DJ, Favrot C, et al. Treatment of canine atopic dermatitis: 2015 updated guidelines from the International Committee on Allergic Diseases of Animals (ICADA). BMC Veterinary Research. 2015;11:210.
  5. Mueller RS, Olivry T, Prélaud P. Critically appraised topic on adverse food reactions of companion animals (2): common food allergen sources in dogs and cats. BMC Veterinary Research. 2016;12:9.
  6. Olivry T, Mueller RS, Prélaud P. Critically appraised topic on adverse food reactions of companion animals (1): duration of elimination diets. BMC Veterinary Research. 2015;11:225.
  7. Hillier A, Lloyd DH, Weese JS, et al. Guidelines for the diagnosis and antimicrobial therapy of canine superficial bacterial folliculitis (Antimicrobial Guidelines Working Group of the International Society for Companion Animal Infectious Diseases). Veterinary Dermatology. 2014;25(3):163-e43.
  8. Pieper JB. Canine pyoderma: a tiered approach. Veterinary Focus. 2024;34(1). Via IVIS.
  9. Mueller RS, Rosenkrantz W, Bensignor E, et al. Diagnosis and treatment of demodicosis in dogs and cats: clinical consensus guidelines of the World Association for Veterinary Dermatology. Veterinary Dermatology. 2020;31(1):5-27.
  10. Torres SMF. Canine sarcoptic mange. In: Small and Large Animal Dermatology Handbook, Vol. 1. University of Minnesota; 2025.
  11. Moriello KA. Dermatophytosis in Dogs and Cats. Merck Veterinary Manual. Reviewed February 2025.
  12. Weir M, Williams K, Pinard C, Downing R. Mast Cell Tumors in Dogs. VCA Animal Hospitals.
  13. Ettinger S. Veterinary Oncology: What to Do With Lumps and Bumps on Dogs and Cats. Today's Veterinary Practice. July/August 2017.
  14. Helgeson ME, Pigott AM, Kierski KR. Retrospective review of diphenhydramine versus diphenhydramine plus glucocorticoid for treatment of uncomplicated allergic reaction in dogs. Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care. 2021;31(3):380-386. Summary at Clinician's Brief.
  15. Zoetis. Zoetis Receives USDA License for CYTOPOINT. December 21, 2016.
  16. Elanco. Elanco Announces FDA Approval and Launch of Zenrelia (ilunocitinib tablets). September 19, 2024.

This guide is for general information and is not a substitute for an exam by your veterinarian. Dog Health Guide is owned and operated by Web Ventures of New York, Inc.

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