Most people land here because their dog or cat won’t stop scratching, their coat looks dull, or they’ve noticed redness, flakes, scabs, a smell, or small bald patches. Skin problems rarely stay “just skin”; once the barrier is irritated, secondary bacterial or yeast infections can move in, and discomfort can become a daily background noise for your pet.1, 2
Below is a clear way to recognise common skin trouble, work out likely triggers, and support the skin’s natural barrier with grooming, diet, parasite control and season-aware routines — plus the moments when a vet visit is the safest next step.
Why skin health matters (beyond the coat)
Skin is a working organ. It helps keep moisture in and irritants out, supports temperature control, and hosts a busy community of microbes that normally live in balance. When that barrier is disrupted — by parasites, allergies, infection, harsh washing, or chronic licking — the surface becomes leaky and inflamed, and problems tend to snowball.1, 2
Common skin issues in pets
Allergic skin disease
Allergic itch (often called atopic dermatitis in dogs) typically shows up as persistent scratching, licking and rubbing, sometimes with seasonal flare-ups. The feet, face, ears, armpits (axillae) and belly are common trouble spots, and the visible redness and hair loss often come later, after weeks of self-trauma.2
Fleas and flea allergy dermatitis
Fleas can make any pet itchy, but some animals react strongly to flea saliva and develop flea allergy dermatitis. In dogs, classic signs often include intense itch and crusting around the lower back and tail base; in cats, itch and small crusted bumps can appear across the back, neck and face.1
Secondary bacterial or yeast infections
Once skin is inflamed, secondary infections commonly follow and can worsen the itch. You might notice a “yeasty” smell, greasy skin, pimples, scabs, thickened skin, or recurring ear trouble alongside the scratching.2
Signs worth taking seriously
Watch for changes that persist beyond a day or two:
- Constant scratching, chewing, face-rubbing, or over-grooming
- Redness, scabs, scaling, dandruff, or moist sores (“hot spots”)
- Hair loss, broken fur, or brown staining from licking
- Greasy coat or a strong skin odour
- Recurrent ear irritation or head shaking
Why skin problems happen
Parasites and their knock-on effects
Fleas remain one of the most common triggers for itch, and flea allergy can flare even when you rarely see a flea. Flea eggs also drop into the environment (bedding, carpet, soil), which is why control often needs a whole-house approach, not just treating the pet once.1, 3
Environmental irritants and allergens
Pollens, grasses, moulds, dust mites, and contact irritation can all inflame sensitive skin. Some pets show a clear seasonal pattern; others itch year-round with periodic flare-ups.2
Diet and nutrients
Nutrition helps maintain the skin barrier. Essential fatty acids (omega-3 and omega-6) are particularly important for skin and coat health, and deficiencies can contribute to dry, scaly skin and a dull coat. If you’re considering supplements, it’s worth checking the whole diet first with your vet, especially if your pet is on a complete commercial food that’s already formulated to be balanced.4
Breed and body shape
Some breeds are more prone to allergic skin disease. Predisposed breeds often include Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Dalmatians, Boxers, West Highland White Terriers and Chinese Shar-Pei, among others.2
Skin folds also change the local environment on the body. Wrinkled breeds can develop irritation or infection in folds if moisture and debris sit there too long.
Prevention and maintenance that actually helps
Grooming: steady, gentle, observant
Brushing removes loose hair and debris and gives you a regular chance to notice early changes — a new scab, a thinning patch, flea dirt, or a sore starting to weep. Keep baths sensible: too frequent washing, or using human shampoo, can strip oils and aggravate dryness.
Parasite control: don’t guess
If itch is on the table, fleas should be ruled out early. Your vet can recommend an effective flea control plan suited to your pet’s lifestyle and local risk, and guide you on treating the environment (bedding, carpets, pet hangouts) so you’re not chasing reinfestation.1, 3
Reducing everyday allergen load
- Wash pet bedding regularly in hot water where possible.
- Vacuum areas where your pet sleeps and rests.
- After high-pollen walks, wipe paws and belly with a damp cloth, then dry thoroughly.
Treatment options (and what to avoid)
Over-the-counter products: use with care
For mild dryness or irritation, a vet-approved moisturising shampoo or rinse can be helpful. Avoid using human medicated creams (including some antihistamine or steroid creams) unless your vet tells you to — pets lick, and some ingredients are unsafe if swallowed.
When to see a vet
Make the appointment sooner rather than later if you see:
- Open sores, bleeding, pus, or a strong odour
- Rapidly spreading redness or swelling
- Intense itch that disrupts sleep
- Hair loss in patches, recurrent ear infections, or skin that keeps relapsing
- No improvement after good flea control and gentle skin care
Diagnosis often depends on history, pattern of lesions, and ruling out look-alikes such as fleas, infections or food-related allergy. Treatment commonly includes itch control, medicated washes, and addressing secondary bacterial or yeast infections when present.2
Seasonal skin care in Australia
Summer: heat, sun and hot ground
On hot days, aim for early-morning or late-evening walks and avoid hot pavement, sand and asphalt that can burn paws. Shade and cool water matter more than you think, especially for older pets and flat-faced breeds.5, 6
Pets can get sunburnt, particularly on sparsely haired or lightly pigmented areas (nose leather, ear tips, belly). If sun exposure is unavoidable, ask your vet about a pet-safe sunscreen rather than guessing with human products.7
Heat stress and heatstroke: a quick safety note
If your pet shows signs of overheating (heavy panting, drooling, weakness, vomiting, collapse), move them to a cooler place and begin cooling with tepid or cool water and airflow — then seek urgent veterinary care. Avoid ice-cold water or ice, which can make things worse.7
Winter and dry indoor air
In cooler months, some pets develop drier skin, especially with indoor heating. Gentle grooming helps distribute oils, and bathing less often (or switching to a moisturising product) can reduce flaking. If dandruff is persistent, it’s worth checking for parasites, infection or underlying disease rather than assuming it’s “just winter”.
Nutrition and supplements: keep it practical
Look first at the basics: a complete, balanced diet appropriate for your pet’s life stage, and a stable feeding routine. If your vet suspects allergy, they may recommend a proper elimination diet trial — done with a specific veterinary diet and a strict plan — because “swapping proteins” casually often muddies the picture.2
Omega-3 fatty acids can be useful for some inflammatory skin conditions, but dose and product quality matter, and they can interact with other health issues. Treat supplements like a medicine: discuss them with your vet before starting.4
Grooming products and tools
Choosing products
Use pet-formulated shampoos and conditioners. If your pet has a history of flare-ups, ask your vet about medicated options (for bacteria or yeast) and how often to use them — overuse can irritate, underuse can fail to control infection.
Tools that help
- A brush suited to coat type (short coat, double coat, long coat)
- A comb for checking down to the skin, especially in long coats
- A flea comb for quick checks around the tail base and neck
Small facts that clear up common myths
- Dogs mainly cool themselves by panting rather than sweating like people; their sweat glands are limited, including in the paw pads.8
- Flea allergy can flare with very low flea numbers, so “I haven’t seen fleas” doesn’t reliably rule them out.1
- In allergic skin disease, the visible rash is often secondary; itch can be the first and biggest sign.2
Final thoughts
Healthy skin is quiet and unremarkable — until it isn’t. If you keep grooming gentle, parasite control consistent, and nutrition steady, you’ll catch changes early and make flare-ups less dramatic. And when the itch starts to loop back on itself, a vet’s diagnosis can save weeks of guesswork and a lot of discomfort for the animal living inside that coat.
References
- Merck Veterinary Manual (Professional) — Flea Allergy Dermatitis in Dogs and Cats
- Merck Veterinary Manual (Professional) — Canine Atopic Dermatitis
- Merck Veterinary Manual (Professional) — Fleas in Dogs and Cats
- World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) — Nutritional Assessment Guidelines (PDF)
- RSPCA Australia — 4 ways to keep your dog cool this summer
- HealthyWA (WA Health) — During a heatwave (pets section)
- RSPCA Australia — Keeping your pet safe during the heat
- Merck Veterinary Manual (Consumer) — Thermoregulation in Dogs
- Agriculture Victoria — Caring for animals during extreme heat (includes pets)
Veterinary Advisor, Veterinarian London Area, United Kingdom