Why is my dog's black scab flaking off and becoming an open sore?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

• Answered By Dr. Heidi DVM, CVA, CCRT, CVTP, CVSMT, CVCH

  Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist, Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner

  Published on September 2nd, 2017

  I'm sorry you are having this problems with Rascal. Flea dander is very small and typically looks like small black commas. If you smear them on a wet paper towel, they will turn the paper towel red. Rascal certainly could have a flea allergy with a secondary skin infection (which can cause bumps, scabs and itching) or he may have another reason for itching.
  
  There are a number of reasons for skin problems in dogs. This article does an excellent job of describing them. You could be dealing with allergies (of various types), external parasites (such as fleas or mites), or secondary infections (bacterial or yeast).
  https://www.petcoach.co/article/why-is-my-dog-so-itchy/
  
  This is also an excellent article on itching in dogs and the possible causes and treatments.
  https://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=2604
  
  Often the first step is making sure there isn’t any evidence of external parasites that need to be treated. You may still be dealing with a flea allergy even if you have treated the fleas. Once a flea bites a flea allergy dog, that dog can stay itchy for a week. Here is additional information on fleas causing itching in dogs.
  https://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=2455
  
  I would recommend having your veterinarian evaluate Rascal to discuss your treatment options. They can run a few simple skin tests to rule out fingus, mites or bacteria as the cause. A flea preventative will also help rule out fleas as the cause. You will need to discuss resolving any secondary infections which will make him more itchy. This can involve topical treatments (like shampoos, wipes or sprays) or may involve oral medications. You can then discuss medication for the itching (which may be prescription or over the counter medication).
  
  Please let me know if that was helpful. Thanks for using PetCoach.
  

  

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