Why does my dog have red, sore skin around the eyes and muzzle? | arlo.® Atlas
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Overview
Red, sore skin around the eyes and muzzle can be caused by mange, but it can also come from irritation, allergies, infections or rubbing. You can often spot a few clues at home, but you can’t tell the exact cause just by looking, so it’s best to keep an open mind.
If the skin is very itchy, crusty, patchy or spreading, mange is one possible reason. If there’s discharge, swelling, pain or the problem is mainly around one eye, that needs a closer look.
Things To Check
1. Check whether the redness is on both sides of the face or just one area.
2. Look for hair loss, crusts, scabs, greasy skin or broken skin around the eyes, lips and muzzle.
3. Notice whether your dog is rubbing, scratching, pawing at the face or rubbing on furniture.
4. Think about any recent changes such as new food, shampoo, grooming products, bedding or exposure to plants and dust.
5. Check for discharge from the eyes or nose, or any bad smell from the skin.
6. See whether the skin feels warm, swollen or tender when your dog is touched there.
7. Note whether the problem is getting worse quickly, staying the same, or coming and going.
8. If you have other pets, check whether any of them are itchy or showing similar skin changes.
Common Causes
Mange is one possible cause, especially if the skin is very itchy, crusty or patchy around the face. Some types of mange can affect the muzzle and eye area more noticeably.
Allergic skin irritation is also common. Dogs can react to things in the environment, food, grooming products or contact irritants, and the face is an easy place for the skin to flare up.
Face rubbing, minor scratches and grooming irritation can all cause redness and soreness too, particularly if the coat is short or the skin is sensitive.
Less commonly, a skin infection, yeast overgrowth or another underlying skin condition may be involved, especially if the area is smelly, crusted or not improving.
What To Do
Gently stop any obvious rubbing or scratching where you can, and keep the area clean and dry without scrubbing it.
Try to note when the redness started and whether anything seems to trigger it, such as walks, grooming, new bedding or outdoor exposure.
Wash hands after handling the area and avoid sharing grooming tools between pets until you know what’s going on.
Keep a close eye on the skin for changes in size, colour, crusting or discharge over the next day or two.
If your dog seems otherwise well and the redness is mild, it’s reasonable to monitor briefly, but don’t let it drag on if it’s worsening or not settling.
When To Contact A Vet
Speak to your vet promptly if the skin is painful, swollen, oozing, smelly or spreading, or if your dog is rubbing at the eyes a lot. It’s also sensible to get advice if both eyes are involved, the problem is affecting vision, or you’re seeing similar signs in other pets.
Vet advice is especially important if you suspect mange, because a proper diagnosis helps guide the right care and reduces the risk of it being confused with another skin problem.
Products That May Help
If your dog’s skin is sore around the face, a gentle grooming and hygiene routine can be useful as part of day-to-day care, especially while you’re keeping an eye on what might be triggering it.
Related Questions
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Atlas is here to support owners with practical, easy-to-understand guidance. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If you're concerned about your animal's health, symptoms worsen, or something doesn't feel right, contact your vet.