My dog has black scabs, not itchy. Is it a skin infection or allergy?

Thank you for submitting your question regarding R. I recommend that he sees his veterinarian. If there is pus coming out from under the scabs, this typically indicates an infection. He will likely need to be treated with an oral antibiotic and/or a medicated shampoo. This is likely a result of his allergic skin, but can have another cause. I hope this information helps!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It sounds like Rocko has been miserable despite therapy. Skin issues are some of the most difficult to manage sometimes. There are a few, less-common diseases that could be going on in his case to include things like auto-immune disease. At this time, it seems Rocko needs to be referred to see a veterinary dermatologist to get a more pointed treatment plan. I would recommend contacting your vet and asking if they think referral is the next step. Your vet may have another next step prior to referral such as soon biopsy before sending for referral, but I hope something gives him at least some relief in the meantime. A sedative may even be appropriate to help break the itch-scratch cycle. It is hard to see whether the bug is the correct size to be anything to cause an issue, but it most closely resembles a flea. Even with prevention, some dogs are so allergic, a single bite will cause an outbreak of allergies, so environmental cleaning with vacuuming and, sometimes, consulting an exterminator, can be necessary in addition to year-round flea prevention for all of your dogs and cats. I hope this helps!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is possibly due to allergies. It really comes down to figuring out what is causing his allergies so that they can be treated or the specific allergen avoided. A secondary infection is likely and also needs to be addressed. There are many things that can cause allergies though in most cases they can be broken down into 3 big categories: flea, food and environmental allergies. Allergies are usually worked up in a stepwise fashion starting with flea allergies as this is the easiest and cheapest to take care of. If not on a flea preventative, then it would be a good idea to get started on one. If already on one then it would be a good idea to change to something else (there are many new products out in the market). If not improved in 1-3 months then it is time to move on and check for food allergies by switching to a novel diet (new protein and new carbohydrate). If that does not seem to be the issue then you are left out having to check for environmental allergies which require blood and/or skin tests. Allergies can be very frustrating to deal with at first but so rewarding at the end when we are able to treat them effectively!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is possibly due to allergies. It really comes down to figuring out what is causing his allergies so that they can be treated or the specific allergen avoided. A secondary infection is likely and also needs to be addressed. What you can do in the meantime is use an e-collar to prevent further self-injury. There are many things that can cause allergies though in most cases they can be broken down into 3 big categories: flea, food and environmental allergies. Allergies are usually worked up in a stepwise fashion starting with flea allergies as this is the easiest and cheapest to take care of. If not on a flea preventative, then it would be a good idea to get started on one. If already on one then it would be a good idea to change to something else (there are many new products out in the market). If not improved in 1-3 months then it is time to move on and check for food allergies by switching to a novel diet (new protein and new carbohydrate). If that does not seem to be the issue then you are left out having to check for environmental allergies which require blood and/or skin tests. Allergies can be very frustrating to deal with at first but so rewarding at the end when we are able to treat them effectively!

This may be the start of a staph infection in the skin. Often these are secondary to allergies. You can start with a medicated shampoo to bathe him in regularly and trim the mats out of his fur from the scratching. Your vet can prescribe an antibiotic and medication to control the itching or underlying allergy to help him further

Hi there and thank you for using pet coach to address your concern. What you are describing could be due to allergies or a skin infection. I would recommend starting a shampoo such as Douxo PS chlorhexidine combination shampoo and bathe twice weekly. I would also recommend welactin omega 3 fish oil, essential 6 spot on by dermoscent and malacetic conditioning spray. If this does not imprive the current problem or it worsens, i would have a veterinarian look at this for further trestment recommendations. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns. I am also available via consultation if needed.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is possibly due to allergies. It really comes down to figuring out what is causing his allergies so that they can be treated or the specific allergen avoided. This does look severe and it would be best to have him evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. There are many things that can cause allergies though in most cases they can be broken down into 3 big categories: flea, food and environmental allergies. Allergies are usually worked up in a stepwise fashion starting with flea allergies as this is the easiest and cheapest to take care of. If not on a flea preventative, then it would be a good idea to get started on one. If already on one then it would be a good idea to change to something else (there are many new products out in the market). If not improved in 1-3 months then it is time to move on and check for food allergies by switching to a novel diet (new protein and new carbohydrate). If that does not seem to be the issue then you are left out having to check for environmental allergies which require blood and/or skin tests. Allergies can be very frustrating to deal with at first but so rewarding at the end when we are able to treat them effectively!