Why does my dog have bald patches with flaky skin? | arlo.® Atlas

Read time: 3 minutes

Overview

Bald patches with flaky skin can happen for several reasons, and mange is one possible cause. Other common causes include allergies, other skin parasites, fungal infection, bacterial skin infection and irritation from grooming or scratching. You can often spot useful clues at home, but you usually can't tell the exact cause without a vet examining your dog.

Things To Check

1. Look at where the bald patches are. Localised patches, widespread thinning or hair loss around the face, ears, elbows or belly can point to different causes.

2. Check for itchiness. If your dog is rubbing, scratching, licking or biting the area, that can help narrow down what might be going on.

3. Look closely for flaky skin, redness, scabs, broken skin, discharge or a bad smell.

4. Feel the skin gently. Warmth, soreness or swelling can suggest inflammation or infection.

5. Think about whether it started after a change in shampoo, grooming, bedding, diet or contact with other animals.

6. Check whether any other pets in the home are itchy or developing skin changes too.

7. Note whether the problem is getting bigger, spreading or not improving after a few days.

Common Causes

Mange is one possible cause, especially if the skin is flaky and your dog is very itchy or losing hair in patches. Different types of mites can affect dogs in different ways, and the pattern can vary.

Allergies are another common reason. These can be linked to food, environmental triggers or contact irritation, and they often come with scratching, licking or recurring skin flare-ups.

Fleas and other parasites can also lead to patchy hair loss and flaky skin, particularly if your dog is sensitive to bites or has been scratching a lot.

Skin infections, including bacterial or fungal issues, can develop when the skin barrier is damaged. These may cause redness, crusting, odour or soreness as well as hair loss.

Less commonly, friction from collars, harnesses or repeated grooming can leave the coat patchy and the skin dry or irritated.

What To Do

Start by keeping a note of when the patches appeared, whether they are spreading and how itchy your dog seems. Photos taken every few days can help you track changes.

Keep the area as clean and dry as you reasonably can, and avoid using human creams, essential oils or home remedies unless your vet has told you to.

If your dog is scratching a lot, try to reduce further irritation by keeping nails trimmed and avoiding any rough grooming over the area.

If there are other pets in the home, monitor them as well for itchiness or hair loss, since some causes can affect more than one animal.

If the skin is only mildly flaky and your dog otherwise seems well, a simple grooming and washing routine may help you keep an eye on things while you arrange advice if needed.

When To Contact A Vet

Book a vet check if the bald patches are spreading, your dog seems very itchy or uncomfortable, or the skin is red, sore, smelly, crusted or oozing. A vet should also assess it if your dog is unwell, other pets are affected, or the problem keeps coming back.

Skin conditions can look very similar at home, so getting the right cause identified early can save time and reduce the risk of it worsening.

Products That May Help

A gentle grooming and washing routine can be useful when you're keeping an eye on patchy, flaky skin. The Pet Care collection may help support everyday coat and skin hygiene while you monitor the problem.

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