Dog Has Dry, Flaky Skin and is Losing Hair – Top 3 Reasons Why

The state of a dog’s hair and skin is a good way to monitor a dog’s health. Here are the most common reasons for dogs that develop dry, flaky skin and are also losing hair at the same time.

Sign of Parasites

Dy, flaky skin might be a sign that the dog is suffering from parasites, specifically ones that cause mange. Parasites to watch out for include the demodex mite and canine scabies. The vet will need take samples of the dog’s skin and examine them under a microscope in order to confirm whether your dog is affected by such parasites.

Bacterial and Fungal Infections

A combination of dry, flaky skin and hair loss may also be a result of bacterial or fungal infections. Pyoderma, for example, is a bacterial skin infection that cause flaky skin and patchy hair loss. Dogs affected by such skin infections should be taken to the vet right away for the appropriate treatment.

Part of a Larger Problem

Unfortunately, hair loss and dry skin may be a sign of a larger health problem. Dry skin, for example, could be a sign of metabolic diseases like hypothyroidism and Cushing’s disease. They are serious health conditions that should not be taken lightly.