My dog has a skin condition — what should I do? 14 common dog skin diseases and how to prevent them [Pet care guide] (Part 2)

When the weather turns humid and muggy, dogs are prone to skin flare-ups — scratching all over their bodies, and if that’s not enough, flipping onto their backs to rub against the floor. So how can you help relieve your dog’s itchy skin?

Today, let’s take a look at which skin diseases cause dogs to scratch like crazy, and how you can help prevent skin problems in your dog day to day.

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【Acral lick dermatitis】

Acral lick dermatitis, also known as lick granuloma, is a skin condition caused by a dog repeatedly licking the same spot, preventing the wound from healing. The front of the lower leg is a commonly affected area.

1. Causes

The most common cause is a psychological issue — it’s considered a canine form of obsessive-compulsive disorder, with contributing factors including boredom, stress, and anxiety. Other causes include fungal infection, nerve trauma, allergies, and joint disease. Acral lick dermatitis frequently leads to secondary bacterial infections.

2. Solutions

Start by identifying the underlying cause and treating it accordingly. If the cause is psychological, spending more quality time with your dog can help. If your dog is open to having another furry companion, getting them a friend is an option — but if your dog doesn’t get along well with other pets, a pet hotel or pet sitter can be a great alternative, so your dog won’t feel lonely even when you’re not around.

【Skin tumors】

Skin tumors can be life-threatening for dogs. If you notice any small growths on your dog’s body, stay alert and take them to a vet right away.

Tumors fall into two categories: “benign” and “malignant.” Benign tumors are typically localized, affect only one area, rarely recur, have a good prognosis, and can be surgically removed. Malignant tumors grow quickly, can spread to other organs, and become very serious — even fatal — if not treated early.

1. Symptoms

1. Abnormal swelling or a lump that keeps growing
2. Wounds that won’t heal
3. Loss of weight and appetite
4. Unusual odor from the body
5. Difficulty eating or swallowing
6. Decreased activity levels
7. Difficulty breathing, urinating, or defecating
8. Stiff joints, difficulty walking, or limping
9. Bleeding or discharge from affected areas

2. Common types of skin tumors

1. Mast cell tumor

One of the most common skin tumors, mast cell tumors typically develop in a dog’s dermis and subcutaneous tissue, though they can appear elsewhere on the body. They can sometimes feel like a lipoma, making them easy to overlook.

2. Squamous cell carcinoma

Tends to occur on a dog’s nasal surface, skin, and between the toes. Treatment primarily involves wide surgical excision.

3. Lipoma

Most commonly seen in older dogs, lipomas are generally benign. Some lipomas, depending on how they grow, can be classified as “intermuscular lipomas” or “infiltrative lipomas” — both of which can cause discomfort due to pressure or local invasion, and may require surgical removal.

4. Melanoma

Can occur anywhere on the body. Benign melanomas typically grow on haired skin, while malignant ones tend to appear in the oral cavity or between the toes and nails. Wide surgical excision is the most effective treatment; for areas that cannot be surgically removed, radiation therapy may be used in combination.

3. Treatment options

1. Surgical removal: Directly removing the tumor is the most common approach, and a successful procedure can immediately improve your dog’s quality of life.
2. Chemotherapy: Used for tumors that cannot be surgically removed. Oral medications can slow the growth of or kill tumor cells, though your dog’s overall health must be assessed to determine whether they can tolerate the side effects.
3. Radiation therapy: Uses radiation to destroy tumor cells.
4. Immunotherapy: Uses biological agents to stimulate the immune system to fight tumor cells.

【Immune system disorders】

If your dog’s skin infections or wounds won’t heal, they may be suffering from an immune system disorder.

1. Causes

There are many possible causes of immune system disorders, including poor constitution due to inbreeding, malnutrition, insufficient sleep, and even a dirty or unhygienic living environment.

2. Prevention

1. Massage

Regular massage helps dogs relax, stabilize their mood, and reduce stress. It’s especially beneficial for dogs that can’t exercise much.

2. Exercise

Exercise is an effective way to boost immunity. Physical activity helps flush toxins from cells and activates the body’s immune cells.

3. Diet and nutrition

Malnutrition can weaken immunity. Vitamins A, C, E, and B6, along with zinc and linoleic acid, are all nutrients that support immune function. A high-quality, well-balanced diet gives your dog the energy they need to keep their immune system healthy.

【Alopecia (hair loss)】

Hair loss in dogs can be either “normal” or “abnormal.” Normal shedding varies depending on the season, environment, and breed. However, if your dog experiences widespread hair loss or patchy loss severe enough to expose bare skin, it’s time to take notice — this may be a sign of abnormal hair loss.

1. Normal shedding

During seasonal changes, some degree of shedding is completely normal. Some dogs grow a thick, full coat in winter and shed heavily in spring. Brushing your dog regularly during this time helps remove excess fur — if you don’t, their skin can become stuffy and irritated. Older dogs may also experience both coat color changes and increased hair loss, making calcium and vitamin supplementation especially important at this stage.

2. Abnormal hair loss

In addition to the previously mentioned causes like allergies, bacterial or fungal infections, and parasite infestations, the following conditions can also lead to abnormal hair loss.

1. Eating overly salty food

Too much salt in the diet can cause hair loss, coat fading, and even kidney failure.

2. Vitamin deficiency

A lack of vitamin B can trigger hair loss, as well as symptoms such as weight loss, loss of appetite, and vision problems.

3. Endocrine disorders

Conditions such as congenital or acquired hypothyroidism, adrenal gland disease, and pituitary gland defects can all cause hair loss — and the pattern is often bilaterally symmetrical.

4. Stress-related hair loss

Excessive stress can cause dogs to repeatedly lick the same spot, leading to acral lick dermatitis. Any area that has been licked repeatedly is likely to experience hair loss.

3. How to protect your dog’s coat

1. Brush your dog regularly to remove excess loose fur.
2. Choose a shampoo formulated for dogs — it protects their coat and helps prevent skin disease. Never use human shampoo on your dog.

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Providing your dog with proper nutrition not only boosts their immune system but also reduces the risk of disease. Whether you’re trying to keep these conditions at bay or help your dog recover faster, good nutrition is essential — without it, conditions can worsen over time.

Most importantly, never abandon your dog just because they’re sick. Face it together, and their skin will have a much better chance of healing.

The above covers the last 5 of the 14 most common dog skin diseases.

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