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My dog has black spots, scabs, peeling skin on belly, no itch?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | neutered | 2 years and 6 months old | 58 lbs

My dog has spots on his belly that has a black spot in the middle with a scab over it. Also it is peeling around the outside of it. But he isn’t itchy or in pain.

5 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Amber Da Silva, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on October 23rd, 2017

This looks like it is most likely an infection in the skin. It is very common to start out red and crusty like this. The black spots are usually a reaction to irritation and the skin gets more pigment. Most of the time, infections in the skin are secondary to allergies or anything else that causes inflammation in the skin. I would recommend an evaluation by a veterinarian and a skin scraping. The skin scraping will look for mites, yeast and bacteria. This way, the veterinarian can choose the right type of treatment. Often, these infections need to be treated with oral medication. I hope this helps and that Chappie gets better soon!

23Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on September 30th, 2019
Hi, and thanks for your question. This could be due to an allergy, although it could also be infection or mites. First of all, in order to rule out skin parasites, you will need to treat with a high quality flea treatment, then ask the vet to perform a skin scrape - this might reveal an infection or a mite infestation. If all of those came back negative, the next step is to treat the allergy symptomatically and try to discover the cause of the allergy. Three main type of allergies are usually affecting pets: food allergies, flea and parasite related ones and environmental type (allergens coming from trees, pollens, dust etc etc). Some medications can be given by the vet in order to repair any possible skin lesions (like steroids and antibiotics). Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on June 19th, 2017
Your dog could have a bacterial and/or yeast skin infection. You could bathe him with a medicated dog shampoo and see if that helps. Otherwise, he should be rechecked by your vet as he may need an oral antibiotic and/or an anti-fungal to help treat the problem. The condition could also be associated with allergies or an endocrine disease and your vet can run lab-work, if needed, to help diagnose and treat. You could also try Mal-A-Ket wipes in that area to see if that helps the problem.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on March 23rd, 2018
Although a picture of it would help to determine the underlying cause more specifically, this presentation could be due to a trauma or localized spot of skin infection (likely to be caused by bacteria or fungal). A check up, appropriate disinfection and possibly antibiotics or antifungal meds (oral, topical or in a shampoo formulation) are needed to solve the problem.
Disinfection can eventually be started at home with very diluted hibiscrub or betadine or salted water baths. Buster collar may be useful as well to avoid any licking.

Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on May 24th, 2017
This presentation could be due to a mild localized skin infection (likely to be caused by bacteria). A check up, appropriate disinfection and eventually antibiotics (oral, topical or in a shampoo formulation) are needed to solve the problem completely.
Disinfection can eventually be started at home with very diluted hibiscrub or betadine or salted water baths. Buster collar may be useful as well to avoid licking.

Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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My dog has black spots on her belly. Are they allergies or infection?

This looks like a mild bacterial skin infection. Dogs can get this from laying on damp ground. Often it will go away on its own. You can bathe the area with antibacterial shampoo once or twice weekly to help it heal more quickly. Since she’s not bothered by it I’m not overly concerned. Should it worsen please take her in for an exam. She may need oral antibiotics if is gets bad. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Marley.

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My dog has black scabs on belly and licks. What can I do at home?

This could be a skin condition called acanthosis nigricans. It may also be due to chronic inflammation or infection. The only way to diagnose the underlying cause is to have Scruffy physically examined by your veterinarian or a veterinary dermatologist. Sometimes, a skin biopsy is required. Any treatment will depend on the diagnosis. You can discuss payment plans or alternative financing options, such as CareCredit ( www.carecredit.com ), with the veterinarian or office manager. Family or friends can also be asked to assist you financially. There is nothing OTC that can be used to resolve the conditions. You would only be guessing without a diagnosis. You can place an e-collar (cone) on Scruffy to prevent licking or chewing until he sees the doctor. Keep the area clean and dry as well. https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/acanthosis-nigricans/

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My dog has scabs and a dark belly. What's causing this skin issue?

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My dog has red itchy spots on belly, worsening. Should I see a vet?

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Why does my dog have scabs and red spots on her belly and back?

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Coco. I recommend that she sees a veterinarian. Scabs can indicate a bacterial skin infection. If this is the case, she will likely need an oral antibiotic or a medicated shampoo. In the meantime, you can bathe her with a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner such as an oatmeal or fatty acid based formula to soothe the skin. I hope this information helps!

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My dog has flaky skin, scabs, red spots, and itches. No fleas. Why?

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