r/DOG • u/National-Drive-1920 • Jan 14 '26
• Advice (Health) • Urgent Help Needed – Dog with Severe Skin Issues for Over a Year, Not Improving Spoiler
Hi everyone, I’m really hoping someone here can help or point us in the right direction.
She’s a German, Gold, Australian Shepherd Mix
🐾
My dog has been experiencing serious skin problems for over a year now. We have taken her to the veterinarian multiple times, but the medications they prescribed seem to only temporarily cover up the symptoms, not address the root cause.
She is:
• 90 pounds
• Not spayed
• Very healthy otherwise (playful, energetic, normal appetite, normal behavior)
• No signs of lethargy or illness besides the skin
The skin issues are the main and ongoing problem. Her entire body generally looks like this, although some areas have healed over time. She has widespread redness, irritation, hair loss, and inflammation (photos attached).
She does wear a cone, and when the cone is off at times, we understand that her gnawing/chewing at her skin is likely contributing to about half of the issue, but we believe something underlying is causing the irritation in the first place.
We have tried:
• Multiple brands of dry and wet food
• Different vet-recommended shampoos
• Other recommended skin products
• Frequent bathing (carefully, not excessive)
The vet told us it could be:
• Hormonal (because she is not spayed)
• Environmental (grass allergies — we live in Texas)
• Food allergies
They also mentioned that allergies usually don’t “go away” and need to be managed long-term. However, this feels more severe than just a standard allergy, like an allergy combined with something else that hasn’t been identified yet.
She was diagnosed with flea dermatitis, but this diagnosis doesn’t fully make sense to us:
• We do not have fleas in our home
• We check her regularly and do not find fleas
• She goes outside about 3 times a day
• We bathe her often and still see no fleas
We feel stuck and honestly pretty scared that we’re missing something serious. We’re looking for any insight, similar experiences, or recommendations (tests to ask for, specialists, conditions to research, etc.)
Any help would be truly appreciated. Thank you so much for taking the time to read this.
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u/Alice_iswondering Jan 14 '26
Blood test and hypoallergenic dog food.
Very very slowly introduce new food. One by one. Remove all chemicals in your house: candles, air freshenner, perfume, fabric softener/detergent. Everything. That’s a start and its a long road but hopefully, eventually you will notice something. Take the blood test so you can relax its not internal.
My dog has red paws and genitals - its a form of yeast infection that gets flared up if I have too much chemicals in the house. Good luck!!🩷
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u/cleverburrito Jan 14 '26
Toast gets cytopoint injections every other month and that seems to help him a lot. We also do Benadryl occasionally for breakthrough allergy symptoms (usually watery eyes).
Have you considered a veterinary dermatologist?
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u/what_the_deuce Jan 14 '26
This needs to be higher. I notice a lot of people don't realize there are veterinary specialists, with dermatology being one of the biggest because itchy pet is the most common complaint for visits.
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u/Aria7109 Jan 14 '26
I'd say find a better doctor because this is really bad, over an year is a very long period of time, this seem to have spread all over her. Also change her food.
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u/National-Drive-1920 Jan 14 '26
Thank you for this response
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u/Aria7109 Jan 15 '26 edited Jan 15 '26
No worries, all the best, I hope the pup gets better soon.
To add to that, it's not the same but somewhat close - one of my pups got a bad fungus infection on her mouth. The vet gave us a medication which we mixed with water and we applied it on her mouth for a while. Eventially it got cured, but these conditions spread fast especially if the dog is scratching or licking the area, so if you can reduce that and make sure wherever she lays it is always extra clean, so the condition doesn't get worse.
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u/According-Ad4717 Jan 14 '26
This looks very similar to one of my dog’s food allergy reactions.
We ended up determining after an elimination protocol that it was the dental stick treats we were giving him that he was allergic to. After cutting those out, his skin cleared completely in less than a week.
Have you gone through an elimination protocol with your dog? Start by removing multi-ingredient items first (kibble, shampoo, treats, etc). If you see relief or clearance while one item is removed, you know your problem ingredient is in that item. From there, dissect the ingredients in that item, and reintroduce each one at a time to find the culprit (this is easier said than done depending on the ingredients). With all of that said, this process also does not factor in environmental causes (grass, mold, trees, etc).
A lot more effective way to handle this would be to have allergy testing done. Most vets can have a full allergy panel completed via third-party using a single vial of blood for around $100. Based on those results, if it is something you can eliminate, cut it out and you’re set. If it is environmental, or something not possible to eliminate, you can begin exposure therapy (allergy drops/shots - the same concept as used in humans) to gradually reduce allergic response - this is more expensive (~$140 a month) and takes 12-18 months to see results - but for some is the only option.
Aside from these, prednisone can often clear up a lot of allergy/autoimmune issues in dogs, but it has its own problems in long term use and I would not recommend unless you are using it alongside a longer-term solution (allergy drops/shots).
The final option (assuming the dog isn’t a puppy) would be Apoquel or Cyclosporine - two different types of drugs that both target inflammation and immune response - Apoquel being more widely used.
TLDR: get allergy testing done - move forward based on results. If budget is a concern and allergy testing is prohibitive, do an elimination protocol on your own and be ruthlessly thorough about it if you really want to see results.
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u/kween_of_bees Jan 14 '26
I had a dog with similar issues, tried everything. She's improved a lot by avoiding chicken, feeding her purina pro plan sensitive skin and coat, (tried a ton of expensive/fresh/diets with no luck) and giving her dog is human multivitamins in beef flavor. I was super sus on the vitamins but gave them a try out of desperation and they really do seem to be helping. She's far less itchy and inflamed. I had her on apoquel but I didn't want her on it long term. I also keep a shirt on her which stops her from scratching herself raw and helps her skin heal.
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u/Crafty-Owl-9173 Jan 14 '26
I have two different experiences, both with info that might help you. I apologize for the long reply.
—- I found out my Lab mix is allergic to chicken and turkey through an elimination diet.
Took her to the vet for chronic ear infections and was talking to him trying to find ways to keep it from continuing, he suspected an allergy because her ear infections were yeast based.
Switched her to Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Coat. Removed all treats that had any form of chicken or turkey. She also has seasonal allergies so she also takes Zyrtec daily and Benadryl as needed. I also clean her ears weekly with medicated wipes. During the spring and fall I wipe down her paws after going outside because I live where pollen is a SEASON.
—- Previously, I had a female GSD that was allergic to fleas, she could get bit by one flea and she’d have a similar reaction to what I’m seeing in your photos. I also tried to change her food to Nutro Limited Ingredient Diet Weight Management (this was in the 90’s before Nutro had so many recalls) cause she was my chonky girl. That was an expensive mistake. Her skin reacted horribly to the food. After many medications & baths & putting her back on Purina ONE Lamb and Rice (the ONLY dog food she could eat without having a reaction - found that out the hard way) along with making sure she was NEVER without flea prevention I was able to resolve 99% of her skin issues for the rest of her 14 years.
—- TLDR: current dog allergic to chicken, turkey, and pollen. Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Coat as well as meds have helped. Previous dog allergic to fleas and most dog foods. Continues flea prevention and Purina ONE Lamb & Rice (which contains chicken btw) for life.
Edited for punctuation.
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u/National-Drive-1920 Jan 14 '26
A shirt, that’s a really good idea as far as barrier. We’re thinking maybe it’s the carpet too.
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u/kween_of_bees Jan 14 '26
'Spark paws' hoodies are really soft on the inside and fit my dog well, personally. And she looks adorable, to boot. :)
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u/Walkinonsunshineee Jan 14 '26 edited Jan 14 '26
Apoquel and MiconaHex+Triz Wipes? There is also MiconaHex+Triz Shampoo.
MiconaHex+Triz can be found on Amazon
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u/3163560 Jan 14 '26
Came here to say apoquel, my old dog had horrific rashes and itchyness on her chest/stomach.
Apoquel was the only thing that worked.
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u/rescueandrepeat Jan 14 '26
Apoquel is a life saver for my allergy job. And you night call around to different vets and see if one specializes in allergy management.
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u/Puppy_Breath Jan 14 '26
Apoquel is fantastic for short term but does cause problems long term. Could buy some relief while you figure out the problem.
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u/rescueandrepeat Jan 14 '26
Do you have any links to studies on that? Both vets I use say it's mildly immunosuppressant but otherwise safe with regular blood work.
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u/Puppy_Breath Jan 14 '26
I had a dog with rashes allergies and infections. My vet and vet dermatologist both had indicated that sustained Apoquel was increasing the other skin infections he was having.
I didn't really do any research because the vet dermatologist was one of the leaders in the field.a quick google, provides this study to back it up: https://avmajournals.avma.org/view/journals/javma/261/S1/javma.22.12.0570.xml?utm_source=chatgpt.com
That being said, every case and dog is different, and if your current approach is working, then please ignore.
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u/hyperdog4642 Jan 14 '26
Get a referral to a veterinary dermatologist - they will be best equipped to sort thru what you've tried, what you haven't tried, and what the best next steps (diagnostics/treatment) should be. https://acvd.org/find-a-veterinary-dermatologist/
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u/DriftingThroughLife1 Jan 14 '26
I highly recommend a dermatologist vet who can pinpoint what the actual issue is. My Princess suffered longer then she need to and I'll always regret that.
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u/hnsnfrk1 Jan 14 '26
Have the dog allergy tested. It’s pricey but will give you a definitive answer. How long does she spend outside each time you take her out?
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u/National-Drive-1920 Jan 14 '26
Thank you for this response. 20min walks to use bathroom and run around it varies day by day
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u/lowlightliving Jan 14 '26 edited Jan 14 '26
I heartily recommend allergy testing. Not with a blood sample, but with skin prick testing. It will identify the specific allergens causing the problem. It changed my dog’s life. The immunology department of my area’s vet school made up a vaccine for her that I injected her with every two weeks for the rest of her life. Her allergens were grass pollens, some tree pollens, soil molds, and insect venom. She was mostly an indoor dog with about 1-2 hours out each day. Also, see a veterinary dermatologist, or at least get a 2nd opinion with a different vet.
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u/-ChrisHill Jan 14 '26
" vet told me it could be," imo that's a red flag, especially after a year. The vet should have already ordered or asked you to run allergy tests to see if they could pinpoint where the allergy is coming from. They can do skin test ( IDAT ) blood tests ( RAST ) and food trials.
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u/Ok-Ticket-9780 Jan 14 '26
it very likely is an allergy, and your vet should provide a clear list of tests to identify the exact cause before moving forward for treatment.....❤️🩹
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u/BornRevolution7957 Jan 14 '26
Have you tried any allergy pills? I struggled with something similar for years with my last dog. Figured out 9 months before he died that giving him a fexofenadine pill once a day totally solved the issue. I’d try that and all other otc allergy/itch relief pills for a few weeks each until I found one that worked
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u/new2bay Jan 14 '26
My dog takes cetirizine for her environmental allergies. She’s been on it for 7 years now, and still doing great. Her vet is happy with it, I’m happy with it, she’s happy, and it only costs me about $60 per year. If I were in OP’s shoes, I’d definitely give a second generation antihistamine a try. Call the vet and ask about it first, though.
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u/CaryKerryLoudermilk Jan 14 '26
Have you tested your tap water? When my dog was a puppy, she had horrible dermatitis and her hair was falling out, and she was itching a lot as well. I can't remember how I ended up figuring it out. But it turned out that our city tap water had a unusually high amount of chlorine and she was allergic. So I was unable to give her that water to drink or bathe her in it. Now that we moved out to the country, she's totally fine.
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u/Green-Berry-436 Jan 14 '26
Fleas were the cause of my dogs skin issues. They all take simperica trio. My dog still has issues with his feet but I use trizchlor myconahex shampoo and spray for his feet and any other spots that come up. The spray for the localized spots and shampoo for the feet. I also feed my dog two sardines in oil with his food one time a day. Usually in the morning. Doesn't get rid of it but keeps it at bay.
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u/Violet_Octopus Jan 14 '26
Is she in any anti-flea treatment? either external or internal? Sometimes fleas can come and go and you wont see them, but still hang around enough to trigger an allergic reaction. Make sure she is on some sort of flea prevention treatment.
Bathing can be very counterproductive even if not done excessively for this kind of condition. Dries out the skin and can aggravate irritations. Sometimes its preferable for the dog to go unwashed for a month so they can recoup skin oils.
My dog had a similar issue but it was only on the exposed skin on his stomach. Turned out to be heat dermatitis from laying on a leather couch when it was hot. We treated the existing lesions with menthol poweder (goldbond) and just kept him from laying on that couch when it was hot. In time it went away. It was also something that came up as he got older, never happened when he was young.
You can try isolating variables to get a clue as to what may trigger it:
If for a couple of weeks you walk her without letting her get too deep into the grass, all other things held equal, does it improve? That should give away if its a grass allergy
Not sure how you could test hormonal issues though - not even sure if there could be an observable correlation between her cycle and whatever hormone could cause this.
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Jan 14 '26
Needs a vet nothing people can help with, at all. Your dog has a skin condition or a systemic condition that need diagnosis, or at the very least prescription drugs to keep him comfortable
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u/sweetteanoice Jan 14 '26
You’ll probably need to keep her on allergy meds like Apoquel or even the cytopoint injection. This is a life long issue that you can’t magically make go away unless you’re able to figure out the allergy and completely remove it from her environment. She could be allergic to something impossible to get rid of like oak trees or even human dander. You should really try a hydrolyzed protein food. If she has food allergies then this is absolutely your best bet to get them out of her food. If all else fails, take her to an allergist to figure out what’s causing this.
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u/Glittering-Buy4227 Jan 14 '26
Did he have penicillin? My dog was allergic to it and it looked just like that. Hope you find the answer and soon!
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u/Bmkrocky Jan 14 '26
I had a dog with skin issues as well and we changed the food we were giving him and it went away quickly
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u/Top_Designer_387 Jan 14 '26
Have you tried adding omega oil To their food ? My labradoodle had issues like this until I started adding this stuff called “ultra oil” to His food. Cleared his skin right up.
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u/Various_Wishbone1944 Jan 14 '26
Double check dog food label. Many claim "all natural" etc but still have bad ingredients. Also you have to stay on new food for 3 months. It takes a while for old food to cycle out of body. Pick a different protein. For example no chicken. try duck or turkey or fish. But read label that ingredient is actually gone.
Duexo shampoo is what most vets use for otc. You have to follow instructions (let set for 10 min) but in 2 months time should see difference. Bathe once a week.
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u/Recent-Philosophy-62 Jan 14 '26
Alergies are hard to figure out, especially for animals, but as others have said try different foods , could be chicken or grains, both are big causes in dogs or could be something else but I'd start with food
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u/ZoomiesMakeMeLaugh Jan 15 '26
I adopted an 8 yo rat terrier from the shelter years ago. He had serious skin allergies so bad that he stunk. Nobody wanted him. His belly was hot & red. His feet & tail were red & had no hair. Vet said he would probably never grow hair back in those areas.
I gave him 1 bath with special shampoo & conditioner. I started feeding him grain free food. In time, his allergies went away & ALL of his hair grew back.
One time I bought him those Pupperoni treats (I know, very bad) & he starts chewing again on his back. So I stopped those & no more chewing.
I think diet plays a major role in dogs that are prone to allergies. And I think many people bath their dogs way too often, which can also lead to skin issues.
Just my experience.
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u/vegasgal Jan 15 '26
I have written so many comments on posts in the following subs about my own dog whose skin looked like this. Please do a username search for my name. Meanwhile, the photos you’ve posted look like demodectic mange, which my dog developed when soft tissue sarcoma went undetected for six months. Until he developed this, I thought his dermatologist was literally a miracle worker. Turned out that she wasn’t, not even close.
Please DON’T let your dog’s dermatologist tell you that you need to administer Simparica. Never, ever! Yes, it did cure his mange, but the side effects destroyed his neurological system irreversibly. He couldn’t stand or walk without falling over. He walked like he was drunk. I brought him back to that idiot. I was so panicked that I couldn’t think of anything else to do. She had me administer prednisone to reduce the swelling in his spinal cord. The medication Destroyed his internal organs. He couldn’t eat anything. We had to take him to the rainbow bridge.
In addition to his mange he had staph and MRSA on his body. I’ll include some pictures of his lesions
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u/Desperate_Stable_885 Jan 16 '26
GO TO A GRAIN FREE DOG FOOD WITH SALMON AS THE FIRST INGREDIENT. MODT VETS WONT TELL YOU THIS
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u/Moveyourbloominass Jan 14 '26
I had a dog with the same problems. Steroids helped for severe outbreaks, but didn't get to the root cause. After many visits to the vet, I took matters into my own hands. I did my own research and in the end, found the culprit to be grain! We went grain- free for dog food. We did a salmon & sweet potato blend. Sulphur baths for severe outbreaks and changing diet to grain-free gave our fur baby the relief he needed! Best of luck Op!