Your pet’s skin is their largest organ, covering their whole body from nose to tail. It protects them from germs, sun, heat, insects, and the environment. Because pets can’t tell us when something feels itchy or sore, small skin issues can grow into big problems fast.
That’s why regular nose-to-tail skin checks are such an important part of a Recurring Pet Maintenance service. Carers can spot things early—before they become painful, infected, or expensive.
This easy guide explains common skin issues in pets, symptoms to watch for, and how you can help your dog or cat live itch-free.
What Are the Most Common Skin Issues in Dogs?
Dog skin problems are extremely common in Australia due to heat, allergies, parasites, grasses, and high humidity. The most frequent issues include:
- Hot spots
- Rashes
- Dry skin
- Flea allergies
- Grass allergies
- Cuts and scrapes
- Lumps or bumps
- Bacterial infections
- Ear and skin yeast problems
- Parasites (mites, fleas, ticks)
Cats experience many of the same issues—especially allergies, flea bites, and dry skin.
Through PetCloud you can connect with Pet Professionals who perform Pet Maintenance which can include routine skin checks every visit to help identify early warning signs.
What Is a Dog’s Skin Called?
A dog’s skin is made of two main layers:
- Epidermis – the outer layer (protection)
- Dermis – the deeper layer (contains follicles, glands, nerves)
Underneath is a fatty layer called the subcutis. In simple terms, it’s just called skin, but vets refer to it as the canine integumentary system.
Common Symptoms of Skin Problems in Dogs
Watch for these warning signs:
- Scales or flakes
- Redness
- Hair loss
- Discolouration
- Odour
- Itching or constant scratching
- Greasy coat
- Scabbing
- Bumps
- Oozing sores
If you notice any of these symptoms, book a vet check—or arrange a recurring PetCloud skin check through Pet Maintenance, where carers can spot early changes.
10 Most Common Dog Skin Disorders (Explained Simply)
1. Allergies (Food, Fleas, Environment)
Cause itching, redness, hair loss, and licking.
2. Parasites (Fleas, Ticks, Mites)
Cause itching, scabs, bumps, and infections.
3. Bacterial Skin Infections
Often appear after scratching. Look for red sores or pimples.
4. Hot Spots
Wet, red areas that spread quickly. Very painful.
5. Yeast Infections
Smelly, greasy, itchy skin—often in ears, paws, or folds.
6. Ringworm
A fungal infection. Causes round bald patches.
7. Dry Skin
Caused by weather, bathing too often, or poor diet.
8. Alopecia (Hair Loss)
May be caused by hormones, allergies, parasites, or stress.
9. Skin Cancer
Common in dogs with light skin or lots of sun exposure.
10. Autoimmune Disease
The immune system attacks healthy skin.
Why Is My Dog’s Skin So Dry?
Dry dog skin can come from:
- Weather (cold or dry air)
- Overbathing
- Harsh shampoos
- Poor diet
- Allergies
- Fleas or mites
- Dehydration
How to help dry skin
- Use a gentle, pet-safe shampoo
- Add omega-3s or skin supplements
- Increase water intake
- Avoid overbathing
- Try a humidifier
- Book a skin check through PetCloud Pet Maintenance
How Do You Treat a Dog’s Skin?
Treatment depends on the cause:
- Fleas/mites: flea treatment or medication
- Allergies: antihistamines, diet changes, baths
- Infections: antibacterial or antifungal medication
- Dry skin: moisturising shampoos, diet improvement
- Hot spots: clipping, medicated sprays or vet care
- Lumps/bumps: vet examination
Never apply human creams—many are toxic to pets.
PetCloud carers can help spot symptoms early so you know when to seek veterinary treatment.
Nose-to-Tail Skin Checks: What PetCloud Carers Look For
During a Recurring Pet Maintenance visit, carers check:
✓ Nose
Dryness, cracking, or discharge
✓ Head & Ears
Scabs, redness, yeast smell
✓ Neck & Shoulders
Lumps, rashes, hotspots
✓ Back & Belly
Redness, wounds, allergy patches
✓ Legs & Paws
Grass irritation, licking damage, dryness
✓ Tail & Rear
Bumps, hot spots, parasites
If they spot a problem, they notify you immediately so you can seek vet care.
Protect Your Pet’s Skin All Year Round
Avoid itching, infections, hot spots, and expensive unexpected vet bills by posting a job for free on PetCloud for Pet Maintenance which can include regular nose-to-tail skin checks.
👉 Post a Job FREE: https://www.petcloud.com.au/guest/post-a-job
Top Questions Pet Owners Ask About Dog & Cat Skin
1. What are the common skin issues in dogs?
Allergies, fleas, mites, infections, dry skin, hot spots, and lumps.
2. How do I treat dog skin disease at home?
You can bathe with gentle medicated shampoo and keep the skin clean—but you still need a vet diagnosis.
3. What are the types of dog skin diseases?
Allergies, bacterial infections, fungal infections, parasites, autoimmune diseases, and cancers.
4. Why does my dog keep scratching?
Usually allergies, fleas, dryness, or irritation.
5. Why does my dog have bumps on its skin?
Could be allergies, bites, cysts, or infection.
6. What helps dog skin infections?
Vet-prescribed antibacterial or antifungal treatment.
7. How do I moisturise my dog’s skin?
Use pet-safe conditioners, omega-3 supplements, and gentle grooming.
8. Do cats get skin allergies?
Yes—especially to fleas, food, and dust.
9. What causes hot spots on dogs?
Moisture, heat, bites, allergies, or licking.
10. When should I see a vet for skin problems?
If there’s swelling, pus, bleeding, hair loss, or worsening symptoms.
