Your dog's skin tells you a lot, if you know where to look. Do this quick check once a week.
How to check
- In good light, part the fur in several places: back, sides, belly, tail base.
- Look inside and behind the ears.
- Spread the toes and check between them and under the pads.
- Lift the armpits and check skin folds.
- Smell the skin and ears.
Healthy skin is pale pink or brown (or pigmented, depending on breed), smooth, with no strong smell.
What the signs usually mean
| What you see | What it often points to |
|---|---|
| White flakes | Dry skin, harsh shampoo, diet |
| Redness with itching, no parasites | Allergy or irritation |
| Red patches with crusts, sour smell | Fungal or bacterial infection |
| Dark specks in fur | Flea dirt |
| Small bumps you can feel | Ticks, or insect bites |
| Moist, red, painful patch | Hot spot |
| Bald patches | Infection, mites, hormonal issues, over-licking |
| Greasy skin, strong smell | Oil imbalance, yeast |
| Dark, thickened skin | Long-term irritation |
This table is a guide, not a diagnosis.
When to see a vet
- broken skin, bleeding or discharge
- sudden swelling or lumps that grow
- bald patches spreading quickly
- your dog seems unwell, off food or in pain
- itching that keeps your dog awake
When Dermacare helps
For everyday skin problems such as dryness, dandruff, odour, ticks, mild infections and shedding, the right therapy usually makes a clear difference. Mylopaws Dermacare starts every session with a skin assessment, and our specialists tell you honestly if something needs a vet.
Related: why dogs keep scratching and dog hair fall in Bangalore.