My Older Dog Has Flaky Skin, Itchy Bleeding Feet and Is Drinking a Lot. What Could It Be?

We're worried for your dog, and it's clear you care about her. Flaky skin, waxy ears, itchy feet that bleed and ooze pus, weight loss, sleeping a lot and drinking more water together suggest she needs a vet soon. Increased thirst and weight loss can be signs of conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease or Cushing's disease, and these illnesses can also weaken the skin's defenses, leading to infections and even demodectic mange in older dogs.

Infected feet are painful and won't get better without treatment, and home remedies can't fix an underlying illness. Please try talking with your mom again and share what you've noticed, especially the drinking and weight loss. If cost is the worry, a local humane society or animal shelter, a low-cost clinic or a veterinary school may be able to help, and many vets will discuss lower-cost options or payment plans if you call and explain.

If you can, ask another trusted adult to help you get her seen. Read more about mange and other causes of skin problems in dogs.

This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.