Managing Itchy, Smelly Skin Lesions in Dogs: Reader’s Question and Solutions

Practical Solutions for Chronic Itchy Skin Lesions in Dogs:
A Response to a Reader's Experience

My dog gets elevated bumps on hips. They are itchy so he licks them and wound opens up between hair. Hair cover the wound so it becomes healing lesion underneath his fur. Same on his belly (left upper side). They smell terribly. Dog is on hypoallergenic food and spring water. The only thing that helps is shaving the area, treating with topical and swimming in the summer for hours.

Our Response

Thank you for reaching out and sharing detailed information about your dog’s condition along with the images. From what I see and based on your description, the itchy, smelly lesions on his hips and belly are likely a result of chronic skin inflammation and infection, exacerbated by licking and moisture trapped under his fur. Here’s a structured analysis and plan to address the issue.

Most Likely Cause

• Atopic Dermatitis: This condition is common in dogs and is caused by environmental or seasonal allergens. The fact that it improves with swimming (likely removing allergens and soothing inflammation) supports this possibility.



• Secondary Pyoderma: The open wounds and smelly lesions are likely infected due to bacteria thriving in the moist environment under his fur.


• Malassezia Dermatitis: The smell and flaky spots suggest a potential overgrowth of yeast, which often occurs alongside bacterial infections in moist and irritated areas.

Recommended Course of Action

Immediate Steps at Home

• Shave the Affected Areas: As you’ve noticed, keeping the fur short around the lesions allows the wounds to stay dry and heal more effectively.


• Clean the Wounds: Gently clean the areas daily with a diluted antiseptic solution (chlorhexidine 0.05%) to reduce bacteria and yeast. Pat the areas completely dry after cleaning.


• Apply Topical Treatment: Use a veterinary-recommended antimicrobial ointment, such as one containing mupirocin or silver sulfadiazine, to treat the infection and promote healing.


• Monitor Other Flaky Spots: Apply antifungal and antibacterial topical solutions (e.g., medicated wipes with chlorhexidine and ketoconazole) to flaky areas to prevent them from progressing into open wounds.

Dietary

and Environmental Management

• Continue Hypoallergenic Food: It’s great that you’ve already switched to hypoallergenic food and spring water. Ensure the food is truly hydrolyzed or limited-ingredient as prescribed by your veterinarian.
• Address Seasonal Allergies: If this flares up seasonally, discuss the possibility of antihistamines or allergy medications like Apoquel or Cytopoint with your vet to reduce itching and inflammation.
• Swimming Benefits: Continue swimming during warmer months as it seems to provide relief. You might consider introducing regular baths with medicated shampoos (e.g., chlorhexidine or benzoyl peroxide-based shampoos) during other seasons to mimic the effect.

Veterinary Care Recommendations

• Skin Scraping and Cytology: Request tests to confirm the presence of bacterial or yeast overgrowth, as this will guide specific treatments (e.g., systemic antibiotics or antifungals).


• Allergy Testing: Consider allergy testing to identify environmental allergens that could be contributing to his atopic dermatitis. This may allow for allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT).


• Systemic Medications: If infections persist or are widespread, your vet may prescribe oral antibiotics or antifungals alongside anti-inflammatory medications to speed recovery.

Long-Term Preventative Care

• Frequent Grooming: Keep the fur around commonly affected areas trimmed and clean year-round to reduce moisture retention and bacterial/yeast buildup.
• Regular Medicated Baths: Use a medicated shampoo (chlorhexidine, ketoconazole, or selenium sulfide) every 1-2 weeks to keep the skin healthy and manage recurring infections.
• Monitor and Act Early: Catch new flaky spots early by applying topical treatments before they develop into open lesions.

It’s clear you’ve been doing everything you can to manage your dog’s skin condition, and I applaud your diligence in shaving, cleaning, and using topicals. Since this issue seems to be worsening with age, combining your home care routine with veterinary-guided diagnostics and treatments will likely lead to better control and comfort for your dog.

Feel free to reach out with updates or further questions. You’re doing a wonderful job caring for him!

Best Regards,
Jeff
Editor and Publisher
Dog Health Guide







Please help it gets worse with his age (turning 6) he now has both hips affected and more flaky spots around his body that I catch with topical so they don’t turn into same wet non healing spots underneath his fur.