Scratch that: a guide to dog skin conditions

This article provides general information only and is not a substitute for personalised veterinary advice. Always speak with your vet about your pet’s individual health needs. Accurate as at 18 September 2026.

If your dog’s been scratching, licking or nibbling at their skin more than usual, you’ll naturally want to know what’s bothering them, and how you can help.

The tricky thing is that dog skin conditions can have all sorts of causes. Allergies, fleas and mites, infections, and even seasonal changes can leave dogs with very similar-looking signs. That’s why it’s worth getting your vet to take a look rather than trying to diagnose the problem at home.

In this guide, we’ll run through some of the common causes of dog skin problems, the signs worth keeping an eye on, and the kinds of treatment your vet may recommend.

Table of contents

• What are the most common dog skin allergies?
• How do parasites cause skin problems in dogs?
• What skin infections commonly affect dogs?
• Signs of skin conditions in dogs
• Common treatment options
• Supporting your dog’s skin health

What are the most common dog skin allergies?

Allergies are among the most frequent causes of dog skin conditions. They generally fall into two main camps: environmental allergies and food allergies.

Environmental allergies

Just like us, dogs can react to things in their environment. Environmental allergies occur when a dog’s immune system reacts to allergens in the environment, such as pollen, mould spores, and dust mites.

Dogs suffering from environmental allergies may lick their paws, rub their face against surfaces, or scratch around their elbows. Over time, you might also notice areas of skin becoming red, thicker, or darker. Environmental allergies often occur seasonally, although for some dogs it can eventually become a year-round problem.

Environmental allergies are often associated with atopic dermatitis, a common allergy-related skin condition in dogs.

To learn more about dog allergies, please refer to our dog allergy guide.

Food allergies

Food allergies are less common than environmental allergies, but they can still cause itchy, irritated skin. If your vet suspects a food allergy, they may recommend a special elimination diet to help identify what’s causing the reaction.

How do parasites cause skin problems in dogs?

Tiny parasites can cause a surprisingly big amount of discomfort. Fleas, mites, and ticks can all irritate your dog’s skin, and sometimes lead to bigger problems if they’re not dealt with.

Flea allergy dermatitis

A flea bite is itchy enough on its own. But for dogs who are allergic to flea saliva, flea bites can trigger a much stronger reaction called ‘flea allergy dermatitis’. Severe flea infestations can also lead to skin infections and, in young, older or unwell animals, blood loss and anaemia.

Keeping on top of flea prevention can make a big difference. Year-round, vet-recommended flea prevention for every pet in the household, along with regular vacuuming and washing of bedding, is recommended to help prevent and control flea infestations and flea-allergy problems.

Mites and mange

Sarcoptic mange, also known as ‘scabies’, is caused by tiny mites that burrow into a dog’s skin and can cause intense itching. Other signs can include redness, crusting and hair loss, particularly around the ears, elbows and legs.

It’s highly contagious and can spread through contact with an infected dog or contaminated environments, such as kennels and dog parks. If you think your dog may have mange, it’s best to speak to your vet.

Ticks

Ticks can cause skin problems too, including redness, swelling or a crater-like mark where the tick has attached. Some ticks in Australia can also carry diseases, including ehrlichiosis.

Here in Australia, the paralysis tick is a particular concern. That’s why it’s important to check your pet’s coat every day and use vet-approved tick control products. The paralysis tick is most active from spring through to late autumn in southern regions, while in parts of northern Australia it can pose a risk all year, so it’s worth checking regularly whatever the season.

Tick paralysis is a medical emergency. If you find a tick and your dog is showing signs such as weakness, a changed bark, or difficulty breathing, contact your vet immediately. For more information, including how to safely remove a tick, see our guide here.

What skin infections commonly affect dogs?

Skin infections are often a sign that something else is going on underneath. Rather than being the original problem, infections in dogs are commonly secondary to another condition, often an allergy, that has already damaged the skin’s natural protective barrier. Once that happens, bacteria or yeast can multiply and cause an infection.

Bacterial skin infections

Bacterial skin infections in dogs are almost always secondary to an underlying disease, with allergies being the most common trigger. When the skin becomes inflamed, damaged or irritated, its natural protective barrier can be disrupted, making it easier for bacteria to multiply and cause an infection. Signs can vary from small pink spots that look a little like mosquito bites, to scaling and yellowish crusts.

To diagnose the problem, your vet will usually examine a sample from your dog’s skin under a microscope. Treatment isn’t just about clearing up the infection. Finding and managing the underlying cause is important too, otherwise the infection may come back. If your vet prescribes antibiotics, it’s also important to complete the full course, even if your dog’s skin starts looking better sooner.

Fungal infections

Fungal infections are another possible cause of skin problems in dogs, with ringworm being one of them. Despite its name, ringworm isn’t caused by a worm. It’s a fungal infection that affects the skin and hair and can spread between animals, as well as from animals to people. One of the classic signs is a circular patch of hair loss with scaling. Interestingly, unlike many other skin conditions, it often isn’t itchy.

Yeast infections are another type of fungal problem, commonly seen in dogs with environmental allergies. That’s why managing the underlying allergy can be an important part of preventing those yeast infections from making an unwanted return.

Signs of skin conditions in dogs

Your dog may not be able to tell you when their skin feels itchy, but they can give you plenty of clues. Because many dog skin conditions share similar signs, knowing what to look out for can help you spot when something isn’t quite right.

Keep an eye out for:

• Scratching, licking, or chewing at their skin or paws
• Redness, rashes, or raised, inflamed areas
• Hair loss, thinning fur, or brittle, broken hairs
• Scaling, crusting, or greasy, flaky skin
• Dark or thickened patches of skin that develop over time
• An unusual or unpleasant odour
• Recurring ear infections
• Small lumps, craters, or swelling where a tick has attached

If you notice any of these changes, it’s best to book a vet visit rather than trying to guess the cause yourself. Allergies, parasites, infections, and environmental triggers can look remarkably similar in their early stages, and your vet is best placed to diagnose your dog.

Common treatment options

When it comes to dog skin conditions, there isn’t one type of treatment that works for everything. The right approach depends on what’s causing the problem.

Your vet will usually begin with a physical examination. Depending on what they find, they may recommend further investigation, such as skin scrapings, a food elimination trial, or a referral to a veterinary dermatologist for allergy testing. They’ll also want to learn more about the signs you’ve been noticing at home to help identify the underlying cause.

Once the cause has been identified, treatment might include:

• Vet-prescribed flea, tick, or mite control used consistently throughout the year.
• Topical treatments such as medicated shampoos, wipes, or antiseptic washes for surface infections.
• A course of antibiotics for bacterial infections, completed in full even if your dog’s skin starts looking better beforehand.
• Antifungal treatment for ringworm or yeast infections.
• Dietary changes, including a strict elimination diet if a food allergy is suspected.

Some skin conditions, particularly allergies, are something you manage rather than cure once and for all. That can mean a bit of trial and error along the way, but with an ongoing plan developed with your vet, many dogs can stay comfortable and enjoy a good quality of life.

Supporting your dog’s skin health

Skin problems can be uncomfortable for dogs, and frustrating for the humans who love them, too. The good news is that once your vet gets to the bottom of what’s causing the problem, there’s often plenty that can be done to help your dog feel more comfortable.

Some skin conditions, including environmental allergies, flea allergy dermatitis, and recurring infections, can require ongoing care. That may mean repeat vet visits, tests, and medication over time. Having pet insurance in place can help cover a portion of these costs, so you don’t have to face the financial responsibility alone.

And with RSPCA Pet Insurance, you can also customise your cover to suit your pet and budget by choosing the annual cover limit, benefit percentage, excess, and optional extras that suit you best. Plus, every policy also contributes to vital RSPCA animal welfare initiatives. It’s protection with purpose. For your own pet, and thousands of others across Australia.

To learn more about how RSPCA Pet Insurance could support you and your pet, click here. Or, if you’re ready to take the next step, you can fetch a commitment-free pet insurance quote online.

Disclaimer

As with any insurance, terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. Please read the Product Disclosure Statement to make sure the cover suits your needs.

 

References 

[1] RSPCA Australia. How do I stop my companion animal from getting fleas? RSPCA Knowledgebase. Available from: https://kb.rspca.org.au/knowledge-base/how-do-i-stop-my-companion-animal-from-getting-fleas/

[2] RSPCA Australia. How can I protect my dog or cat from tick paralysis? RSPCA Knowledgebase. Available from: https://kb.rspca.org.au/categories/companion-animals/dogs/caring-for-my-dog/how-can-i-protect-my-dog-or-cat-from-tick-paralysis

[3] RSPCA Australia. What is ringworm and how do I know if my companion animal has it? RSPCA Knowledgebase. Available from: https://kb.rspca.org.au/categories/companion-animals/cats/health-issues/what-is-ringworm-and-how-do-i-know-if-my-companion-animal-has-it

[4] RSPCA Australia. How can owners of dogs with exaggerated physical features help their pets? RSPCA Knowledgebase. Available from: https://kb.rspca.org.au/categories/companion-animals/dogs/health-issues/how-can-owners-of-dogs-with-exaggerated-physical-features-help-their-pets

[5] University of Sydney. Dermatology. Available from: https://www.sydney.edu.au/vet-hospital/small-animals/dogs/specialist-services/dermatology.html

[6] Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. Sarcoptic mange (scabies). Available from: https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-information/sarcoptic-mange-scabies

[7] Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. Atopic dermatitis (atopy). Available from: https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-topics/atopic-dermatitis-atopy

[8] University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. Pyoderma: recurring skin infections in dogs and cats. Available from: https://vetmed.illinois.edu/pet-health-columns/pyoderma-skin-infections-dogs-cats/

[9] National Library of Medicine. Food allergy in dogs and cats; current perspectives on etiology, diagnosis, and management. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36917613/

[10] RSPCA Australia. What is Ehrlichiosis? RSPCA Knowledgebase. Available from: https://kb.rspca.org.au/categories/companion-animals/dogs/caring-for-my-dog/what-is-ehrlichiosis