My dog has dandruff and skin issues. Should I take him to the vet?

I am so sorry to hear about Rocky. Based on your photo I suspect he has what we call a "hot spot" or acute moist pyoderma. This is a bacterial infection of the skin and can be painful and itchy. Most often we treat these by shaving and cleaning the area then prescribing a course of antibiotics and steroids. You can read more about this at http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=2714. I would recommend setting up an appointment at your vet to get him taken care of!!! Hopefully with treatment Rocky will be back to normal soon!

The most common reason for change of skin color and itchy skin is fleas. I would recommend keeping up with a monthly flea prevention. Even if you are not seeing fleas on Rockey he could be bitten by fleas causing sensitivity of the skin. IF you are using flea prevention monthly than it is possible Rockey is having environmental allergies that need medication from a vet to resolve. I would recommend taking Rockey to a vet to make sure the skin is not infected and stronger medications are needed. hope that helps

I'm concerned that Jack may have a bacterial infection in his skin thats causing this issue. Fleas can also make the skin look this way. Ideally, take him to the vet for an exam so that appropriate treatment can be started. You can try bathing him twice a week with a moisturizing shampoo made for dogs, and make sure you are using a good flea control product, but I'm worried he may need to see a vet to get on top of the issue. Thanks for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Hi there and thank you for using pet coach to address your concern. From the pictures that you provided my primary suspicions would be a skin infection. There are some things that you can do at home if you are unable to get to a vet right away. I would suggest starting with a shampoo that is medicated such as Duoxo chlorhexidine PS combination and bathe him twice weekly until the infection is resolved. I would also suggest starting welactin omega-3 fish oil and essential 6 Spot On by dermoscent. If there is no improvement then I would see your vet for further testing and treatments. I hope this helps! Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. I am also available via phone or text base consultation if needed

Poor Rocko! This looks like it could have a bacterial component and likely an allergy component to it even though he isn't itchy. I would have your vet take a look at him and see if he could benefit from a few weeks, possibly even a month, of oral antibiotics. Your vet can also prescribe him a stronger allergy medicine like apoquel or a short course of steroids to see if this will help. I would continue with the medicated bathe twice a week. I would also add in some omega 3 fatty acids and vitamin E to help heal his coat from the inside out. I hope this helps and he starts to feel better soon!

I’m sorry that Clifford is so itchy. Often very itchy skin with dandruff can be caused my mites, ringworm, or skin infections. I would highly encourage you to have him evaluated by your veterinarian soon. Some of these concerns can be transmitted to people as well. Best of luck and I hope he improves soon. Thank you for using Pet Coach.

It is really hard to tell from a photo alone what is going on in the skin, however it is evident that something is causing inflammation of the skin. Dermatitis can be caused by many things including infection, irtitants, parasites, allergies or metabolic conditions. With you being away stress may have had a role in this. Ask your friend if they have given any new foods or used new shampoo? I would advise you to get to a vet for a skin exam in the next day or 2 as it is best to nip this sort of thing in the bud before it spreads.