When your dog’s skin looks irritated

Repeated scratching, licking, redness, odor or hair loss can have several causes. Allergies, parasites and infections can look similar from the outside.

What to note

Record when it began, which areas bother your dog and any recent changes in food, products or parasite prevention. Clear photographs can help show how the skin changes over time.

Ask before treating

Book a veterinary check rather than choosing a medicated shampoo, cream or supplement yourself. The right treatment and bathing frequency depend on the cause and the condition of the skin.

Contact your veterinarian promptly if skin is painful, open or worsening, or if your dog seems unwell. Follow their instructions for preventing further licking or scratching.

Further reading: VCA: itchy skin in dogs.