Understanding & Treating Poodle Skin Problems

Dubbed by the American Kennel club “dogdom’s true aristocrats,”1 Poodles rose from humble origins as German-bred duck hunting dogs to show, circus, and lap dogs amongst French nobility.

These dogs’ graceful appearance sometimes comes at the cost of certain skin disorders, but many Poodle skin problems are treatable if you know what to look for. We’ll share skin issues Poodles may face and how you can treat and prevent them.

Just like people, Poodles suffer from skin problems, including allergies. Common types of skin allergy in dogs include:  

• Food allergies - Common in dogs, food allergies develop over time as dogs are exposed to the same food ingredients. Common ingredient culprits include proteins such as dairy, beef, chicken, soy, and wheat gluten. Symptoms include itchy skin, particularly on the feet and ears, as well as digestive issues.¹ 

• Seasonal allergies - Seasonal allergies, including those triggered by dust, pollen, mold, and other allergens, also affect dogs. Affected dogs may be itchy all over or only in certain areas. Repeated skin and ear infections are common.² 

• Flea Allergy - Many dogs are allergic to flea saliva, which is left behind when fleas bite your dog. The allergic reaction to flea saliva can be intensely itchy and uncomfortable. In some cases, Poodles with flea allergy dermatitis may have a characteristic pattern of hair loss on the middle of the back, base of the tail, and along the hind legs.³ 

Allergy Treatment Options

If you think your Poodle may have allergies, consult your vet. 

If a food allergy is the culprit, an elimination diet will determine which food caused the reaction. Once the offending food component is identified, your vet will recommend a well-balanced diet that excludes that ingredient. 

Flea allergy treatment requires killing all stages of the flea lifecycle, starting with the fleas on your Poodle. You’ll also have to treat other pets in the house, as well as the environment inside and outside, to kill all the life stages of the flea and prevent reinfestation.

For seasonal allergies, your veterinarian will conduct allergy testing to determine which environmental allergens trigger your Poodle's symptoms. From there, medication, including antihistamines, steroids, medicated shampoos, and other allergy treatments, may be recommended.

The intense itch experienced by Poodles, and any dogs, with skin allergy symptoms may lead them to scratch, bite, or rub itchy areas aggressively, triggering local trauma and secondary skin infections. Vetericyn offers itch-calming, non-toxic dog shampoo and spray for Poodles experiencing skin sores, pain, itch, and inflammation. However, consult your veterinarian for the best treatment, which may include topical or oral medications.

Common causes of canine dermatitis that lead to Poodle skin conditions and problems for any affected dog include:

• Mites –Otodectes cynotis is the most common type of ear mite in dogs. It causes a thick, brown discharge and intense itching. Demodex and Scabies are mites that cause skin symptoms. Cheyletiella mites, also known as walking dandruff, are more common in dogs from shelters.⁴

• Fungal infection – Malassezia yeast can overgrow in certain conditions, causing irritation. Dermatophytosis, also known as ringworm, causes intense, focal itching and is contagious to people and other pets. 

If you notice your Poodle has a skin issue, consult your veterinarian for advice. In the meantime, you can use Vetericyn’s non-toxic, soothing dog care products at home to start making your pet feel more comfortable. 

Although rare, sebaceous adenitis is seen in young adults and middle-aged dogs. Sebaceous adenitis is an immune system disorder in which the immune system targets the sebaceous glands in the skin ⁵ Since these glands are associated with the hair follicles, the condition affects both the coat and the skin. Poodles are among the breeds predisposed to sebaceous adenitis.

To manage this, it’s essential to understand whether poodles shed and to maintain their coat properly. Treatment includes shampoos and other topical products as well as vitamin A and fatty acid supplements. Secondary skin infections are treated as they occur. Treatment continues for life, and dogs affected by this condition should not be bred.⁵ 

Collagen Disorders

Rare collagen disorders, such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, have been linked to specific genes and may be more common in toy breed poodles, particularly in females. The condition results in thin, fragile skin that is slow to heal.⁶ 

Treatment involves preventing skin injury by leash walks to avoid accidental injury and keeping nails short. Any skin scratch or skin issue should be treated promptly and thoroughly. Affected animals should not be bred. ⁷ 

Atopic dermatitis is a common skin condition that causes redness, itching, and swelling in people and dogs. Multiple factors go wrong, including issues with the immune system, genetic abnormalities, the skin's protective barrier, and alterations in the bacterial populations typically present on the skin. ⁸

It’s most common in mixed-breed dogs, Shih Tzu, and Poodles.⁸ Because of the multiple factors that combine to cause atopic dermatitis, treatment involves many layers. Specific allergies are identified and treated. Secondary infections are treated as they arise. Immunotherapy is a crucial component of atopic dermatitis treatment. 

Antihistamines, steroids, and immunosuppressant medications may also be recommended. You’ll need your veterinarian's guidance to manage this. Vetericyn’s canine skin wellness products can be part of the plan as they are soothing, non-toxic, and help prevent secondary infections.

It’s also important to consider other diseases, outside of skin conditions, that may have an impact on your Poodle’s skin.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Poodles, along with Afghan Hounds, Irish Setters, Collies, and other breeds, are among those predisposed to this autoimmune disease. 

Affected animals exhibit a range of symptoms, including skin issues, as their immune system mistakenly attacks its own cells and proteins. Skin symptoms are sometimes the first signs of this problem. It can also involve the heart, kidneys, and joints.⁹

Cushing’s Syndrome

This is an endocrine disorder characterized by the adrenal glands overproducing cortisol. It can also be caused by excessive administration of glucocorticoids by any route. Symptoms are variable and involve multiple body systems. Skin signs include symmetrical hair loss on both sides of the body, infected hair follicles, hyperpigmentation, and recurring skin infections.⁹

Poodles, Boston terriers, German shepherds, beagles, and dachshunds are predisposed to Cushing’s syndrome. It is also called hyperadrenocorticism.⁹

Addison’s Disease

This is an endocrine problem in which the adrenal glands don’t produce enough cortisol because they are either damaged or not receiving the signal to produce cortisol. It is also called hypoadrenocorticism. The condition can range from mild to severe. There are numerous symptoms associated with this disease. Skin symptoms include hair loss. 

Many breeds are predisposed to hypoadrenocorticism, including Standard poodles.⁹

These conditions require testing and treatment under the guidance of a veterinarian. 

Like many other breeds, Poodles are prone to a variety of skin conditions, including skin allergies, dermatitis, sebaceous adenitis, infections, and more. Don’t fret if you notice these symptoms of Poodle health issues—most of these conditions are manageable, and the luscious skin and coat your pet gets in return is well worth the vet visit.

Vetericyn is on your team when it comes to caring for your Poodle’s skin. Vetericyn Plus Hot Spot Antimicrobial Hydrogel can help soothe your Poodle’s irritated skin while it heals naturally. It’s designed to provide relief from itching and inflammation without harming healthy tissue. Vetericyn’s non-toxic, non-irritating formula sticks in place as an extra layer of protection without alcohol, steroids, or antibiotics. Our FoamCare shampoo, made to relieve dry or itchy skin and promote haircoat shine, enhances every dog’s skin care plan.

Your Poodle deserves the pampered skin and haircoat worthy of an aristocrat, and Vetericyn is here to deliver that itch-free glow. Visit our catalog to learn more about our animal wellness lines for various issues across species.

Sources:

1. Llera R, Barnette C, Ward E. Food Allergies in Dogs | VCA Animal Hospitals. Vca. Accessed September 15, 2025. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/food-allergies-in-dogs
2. Diener M, Gold K. Dog Seasonal Allergies: Symptoms and Treatment. Accessed September 15, 2025. https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/skin/seasonal-allergies-dogs
3.  Dryden MW. Flea Allergy Dermatitis in Dogs and Cats - Integumentary System. Merck Veterinary Manual. April 2024. Accessed July 1, 2025. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/integumentary-system/fleas-and-flea-allergy-dermatitis/flea-allergy-dermatitis-in-dogs-and-cats
4. Weir M, Hunter T, Ward E. Cheyletiellosis in Dogs | VCA Animal Hospitals. Vca. Accessed September 15, 2025. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/cheyletiellosis-in-dogs
5. Diaz A. Sebaceous Adenitis in Dogs and Cats - Ear Disorders. Merck Veterinary Manual. Accessed September 15, 2025. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/ear-disorders/diseases-of-the-pinna/sebaceous-adenitis-in-dogs-and-cats
6. TAKEDA M, ARAI N, KOKETSU Y, MIZOGUCHI Y. Factors associated with canine skin extensibility in toy poodles. J Vet Med Sci. 2022;84(2):282-288. doi:10.1292/jvms.21-0266
7. Read G. Ehler-Danlos Syndrome (Cutaneous asthenia, dermatosparaxis). Veterinary Practice. October 1, 2016. Accessed September 15, 2025. https://www.veterinary-practice.com/article/ehler-danlos-syndrome-cutaneous-asthenia-dermatosparaxis
8. Drechsler Y, Dong C, Clark DE, Kaur G. Canine Atopic Dermatitis: Prevalence, Impact, and Management Strategies. Vet Med (Auckl). 2024;15:15-29. doi:10.2147/VMRR.S4125709. Tilley LP et al. 5 Minute Veterinary Consult. In: 7th ed. Wiley Blackwell; 2021:668-719.