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Why is my dog losing hair with a raw, crusty spot on his neck?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | unneutered | 4 years and 1 month old | 80 lbs

I gave my dog a bath one day and later that night I noticed a patch of hair missing from the back of his neck it has now been there for about 2 weeks and has gotten bigger. When I first happened it looked like raw skin and then had a puss like crust to it and now it looks like it is back to the raw skin but more hair around it is gone. He did have fleas and that's why we gave him a bath. It also seems like I hurts and when it had the crust it itched. Please let me know what I can do?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Sara Farmer, DVM

Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on January 8th, 2017

This sounds like it could be a hot spot or superficial bacterial skin infection. Most of the time hot spots are treated with antibiotics and sometimes some prescription topical medications. I'd recommend making an appointment with your veterinarian.
Vote Icon2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

    Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

    Published on June 28th, 2019

    Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It is hard to tell for sure just based on a picture. However, this is likely a hot spot that has become infected. I highly recommend you take him to your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They would be able to check for this and start therapy accordingly. If this is what is going on, they could start antibiotics and further therapies. Best of luck!

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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