My dog has dry, flaky skin. Could it be fleas from my cats?

Hi, thanks for using PetCoach! Fleas usually cause red irritated skin and hair loss. This MIGHT be from the fleas so you can monitor him for 2 weeks to see if it improves. My feeling is that is is unrelated. I would bathe him in the shampoo below weekly for 2-3 baths and leave the lather on for 10 mins before rinsing and I would add in a Omega 3 fish oil to improve skin and coat health. Fleas get really bad Aug-Oct so be diligent with your prevention. Good luck! https://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=19121 https://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=21564

Hi and thanks for your question! Flaky skin around the head and ears could be the result of constant itching of those areas due to flea allergy or another cause may be ring worn which typically presents in flaky round patches on the head and neck. If it does not improve soon then it if worth a trip to the vet for a skin scrape and fungal culture. Hope this has helped!

If you are seeing flea dirt on Bruce then it's likely with hair loss and based on those pictures that he has flea allergy dermatitis. However, There are other causes of these changes that include food and environmental allergies. I'd recommend taking Bruce to see your veterinarian as it is common to have secondary bacterial skin infections with flea allergy dermatitis. You will also need to use a quality flea preventative like Bravecto, Revolution, or Advantix. Flea preventative should be consistent as it can take as many as 6 months for fully eradicate a flea problem. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach and I hope Bruce's skin is better soon!

These red/flakey patches often occur due to a bacterial or fungal infection. It's also possible that this is due to ringworm (a fungal infection). It's best to get it diagnosed by a veterinarian, because ringworm can spread to different parts of the body and can spread to people. Also, the more involved the infection, the longer it will take to clear. For now, I recommend washing your hands anytime you touch Lucky. I recommend cleaning his belly with a medicated wipe or shampoo (can get this at the pet store) once a day until the skin appears normal. If it seems to get worse, or not better within a week, then you'll want to take Lucky into the vet for an exam. Below is a link to an article with more information about skin infections in dogs. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/pyoderma-in-dogs I hope that helps and all is well with Lucky.

Hi there and thank you for using pet coach to address your concern. What you are describing could be due to allergies or a skin infection. I would recommend starting a shampoo such as Douxo PS chlorhexidine combination shampoo and bathe twice weekly. I would also recommend welactin omega 3 fish oil, essential 6 spot on by dermoscent and malacetic conditioning spray. If this does not imprive the current problem or it worsens, i would have a veterinarian look at this for further trestment recommendations. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns. I am also available via consultation if needed.

Hello. Sorry to hear that Rugrat is having this issue. Dry skin can be the result of many different things. Usually it is a symptom of something underlying and not a primary disease. It could be related to his diet, an allergy, a problem with his immune system, a skin parasite, or any number of other things. It would be best to take him to a vet for an exam so they can try to find the underlying cause. It's not normal for a dog his age to have such flaky skin. In the meantime you can get him a special shampoo to help with the dandruff like this one: http://www.naturalpets.com/dbepeplsh8.html?gclid=CMmp7-rh7tMCFYl3fgodZywDjg Lather the shampoo, let it sit on his skin for 5-10 minutes and then rinse well. The shampoo needs the contact time with the skin to work so be sure to leave it on at least 5 minutes. Wash him 2-3 times a week to start then go down to 1-2 times a week until it seems under control. This may help but it will not fix the underlying cause. He still should see a vet for an exam. I hope this helps. Best wishes! Dr. Amber

It looks like Lil'l Striped has dry skin. Make sure he is up to date on his flea treatments, and I can give you one if he isn't up to date on them. You can also give him fished based food, which has omega 3 fatty acids that help with dry skin. There are supplements for cats available online that contain omega 3 fatty acids, and you can try supplement his diet with one of those. Dose him according to the package instructions. I would also have him seen by a vet for a health check. Dry skin in cats can be caused by medical conditions such as hyperthyroidism, heart problems kidney disease, and diabetes. He should get a geriatric blood test, physical exam, and urinalysis just to make sure he is healthy. If a medical condition is found, the vet can prescribe treatment for it. I would have him seen by a vet tomorrow. Flea treatment: First, I would give him Capstar. It's a one time pill that starts killing fleas within 30 minutes. Then follow up with a spot on treatment, such as Advantage or Revolution. This is a treatment that has to be used once a month. You will also have to disinfect the environment. Wash his bedding in hot soapy water, and vacuum the furniture and carpet surfaces. You can use a spray to kill fleas in the house, such as Indorex, or a flea bomb would work well to kill the fleas in the home. I hope this helps :-)