My dog has a growing, scabby lump and thinning hair. What's wrong?

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 possibly be started at home with very diluted hibiscrub or betadine or salted water baths. Buster collar is useful as well to avoid any scratching (as you have used). 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.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It is difficult to know without an examination. However, this is possibly due to a severe infection or even a growth is possible. I would highly recommend that you have her evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Good luck and have a good night!

Scabs like that can be a few things. Sometimes it’s a one time infection. Sometimes it’s related to allergies and sometimes it can be related to hypothyroidism. Your fastest option is to have her examined by the veterinarian. Lesions on the nose may not heal very well with topical medication because pets lick it off. Often they are prescribed systemic medications since they travel in the bloodstream. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

If this just appears to be a crusted area and is not raised, it is possible this was an insect bite that got irritated or a small scratch/wound. If the lesion is raised (I can't really tell from the appearance) then we sometimes get warty skin growths that can get traumatized and bleed/crust over. I would wash the area with a mild soap or Hibiclens (available at most drug stores) and apply a topical antibiotic like Polysporin or Neosporin a few times day. If she is scratching/rubbing at the area she may need an e-collar for a few days to stop self-trauma. If the lesions isn't improving after several days of this or it starts to get larger/other spots appear then these would be reasons to seek veterinary care.

This looks like the start of a mass in his skin. Masses around the skin can be cancerous or benign, because if he is location it is good to get them tested asap. Otherwise it may be an infection in the skin or a crust over a scab.

The lesion on Luna's face may be a bacterial infection, a fungal infection known as ringworm or due to a skin mite known as Demodex. Luna will need to see a veterinarian for an exam and a skin scrape to determine the correct diagnosis. Treatment is very different for each condition and they can all look similar, so testing needs to be done to be sure.

Aww poor Grizzlu that must be very painful! That looks like very severe dermatitis. Some causes of this are bacterial and fungal infections, autoimmune disease, severe allergies, mites and even cancer. Please take Grizzlu to see a veterinarian as soon as you can. Whatever caused this it looks like it is now infected and she likely need antibiotics, topical treatment and possible other oral medications like corticosteroids.