✓ Veterinarian Reviewed
Reviewed by Dr Gloria Ebeyer (BAVBS, DVM, Grad Cert SAECC, MANZCVS [Veterinary Practice])
Last reviewed: July 2026
Your dog scratching itself from time to time is perfectly normal, but persistent or excessive scratching and licking may signal a skin condition that needs attention. Skin issues in dogs are one of the most common reasons pet parents end up at the vet.
Let’s take a closer look at the most common dog skin conditions, how to identify them, and when it’s time to see the vet.
Signs your dog's skin needs attention
Many canine skin conditions have similar or overlapping symptoms, so keep an eye out for:
- Persistent scratching or licking
- Redness, rashes or hives
- Flaky, scaly or greasy skin
- Hair loss or thinning patches
- Unusual odour
- Scabs, sores or oozing patches
Common dog skin conditions
Allergies (flea, food, environmental)
Skin problems in dogs can be triggered by food, flea bites or environmental allergens such as pollen and dust mites. You can take a deep dive into the key allergies and the resulting skin conditions they cause on our blog, ‘Does My Dog Have Skin Allergies?’
Hot spots
Hot spots are red, inflamed patches of skin that can appear suddenly. They’re usually triggered by an underlying irritant such as a flea bite, allergy, or trapped moisture. Once the skin gets itchy, your dog is likely to begin a cycle of scratching, licking and chewing. If left unaddressed, a small irritation can quickly become a larger, sore patch.
Hot spots are often found on the head, hips, or legs, and they can ooze or form scabs. Warm, humid weather tends to worsen hot spots.
Treatment usually involves addressing the underlying cause (bite, allergy, trapped moisture, etc.) with your veterinarian and then keeping the area clean and dry while medication assists with healing.
Take clear photos of any skin changes as soon as you notice them. This can help you track whether the area is spreading or improving and give your vet a useful reference at the appointment.
Yeast and bacterial infections
Small amounts of yeast and bacteria naturally live on a dog’s skin, but an overgrowth can lead to infection. These infections most commonly occur in warm, moist areas such as the paws, ears, armpits and skin folds.
Keep an eye (and nose) out for:
- The presence of a musty or “yeasty” odour
- Skin that appears greasy, thickened, or discoloured
- Frequent head shaking or ear scratching - these can be signs of a yeast infection in the ears
Yeast infections are often linked to another underlying issue, such as allergies or sensitivities. You will need to visit a vet to confirm the cause and receive appropriate treatment.
Ringworm
Ringworm is a fungal infection and one of the more contagious skin conditions dogs can pick up. Some key signs of ringworm include:
- Round, red and scaly patches on the skin
- Lesions around the face, ear tips, tail, legs or paws
- Itchiness, broken hairs and patchy hair loss
Vets typically treat ringworm with a combination of topical and oral antifungal medications. Ringworm can spread to people and other animals, so good hygiene is essential if your dog is diagnosed.
Mange (Demodex)
Mange is a condition caused by microscopic mites that live in your dog’s hair follicles. While most dogs carry a small number of these mites without issue, problems can occur if a dog’s immune system is weakened and can’t keep the mites in check.
Key signs and risk factors include:
- Mange is more common in young puppies or dogs with weakened immune systems
- Mange often appears as small, scaly bald patches, especially around the eyes
- More widespread cases of mange can cause significant hair loss and skin irritation
Mild, localised cases may respond to topical mite treatments, while more serious cases require vet-prescribed medication.
Dandruff and dry, flaky skin
Dandruff is another very common skin condition that can occur due to a variety of factors. It’s dead skin that flakes off your dog’s coat. Several contributing causes, from dry weather and low humidity to nutritional gaps or an underlying allergy, can lead to dandruff.
Regularly grooming your dog and providing them with a consistent diet rich in omega-3s can help support healthier skin over time. If the flaking consists or worsens, it’s best to mention it to your vet during your next visit.
Breeds more prone to skin issues
Some dog breeds are predisposed to dog skin issues such as skin sensitivities and allergies, so it’s always a good idea to keep a closer eye on them just in case. Breeds more prone to skin issues include Cavoodles, Staffies, Bulldogs, Golden Retrievers, and German Shepherds.
For the best advice on how to support their skin health needs, book an appointment with your vet.
Diet's role in skin health
Your dog’s diet can play an important role in their overall skin health. For dogs, there’s a strong link between their gut and skin health. Nutritional deficiencies and foods with low-quality fillers may contribute to dog skin problems.
Single-protein or limited-ingredient diets may help manage certain skin and coat issues, particularly when food sensitivities are involved. Dog food containing omega-3 fatty acids may also support skin and coat health.
If you suspect a diet change could help, it’s best to speak with a vet about the right options for your dog.
When to see a vet
See a vet if the symptoms last more than a day or two, worsen quickly, or are accompanied by oozing, a strong odour or visible distress.
Because many dog skin disorders have similar symptoms and underlying causes, a vet is best placed to make an accurate diagnosis.
Have you noticed your dog scratching more than usual? Shop our dog skin and coat care range today.