What's this on my dog's head? Scab, tick bite, or something else?

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.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor girl! This actually look more like a scab from some mild trauma. While I do not see evidence of a bite in that picture, that is still possible and an examination would be needed to determine that for sure. Because it is small and mild, I think it would be ok to treat at home. You may apply a thin film of triple antibiotic ointment on the affected area twice daily for 5 days. If this does not improve or resolves, have her evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. There is a very good chance that this will improve quickly. However, if you notice any signs of worsening, like severe swelling, have her evaluated. Good luck and have a great day!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This looks like a scab which probably formed secondary to some type of injury or traumatic event. As long as it continues to heal up then Buffy is likely going to be just fine. If at any point you notice any discharge or it becomes open, have him evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Good luck and have a good day!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This looks like a small focus of infection. You can try to shave around it and clean it. If it continues to look superficial (as it looks on the picture), you can consider applying a thin film of triple antibiotic on it in case it is just a mild infection. If it does not resolve within 1 week of starting such treatment, have him evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Good luck and have a good day!

This looks like a scab. He could have gotten this after a little bug bite, a local skin infection, a minor injury from being in the yard, or something else. Since it is so small, I would not be too concerned right now. If it isn't healing, you see discharge, you find more spots, or this spot gets larger, I would have your vet take a look at it to see if he needs any oral meds or other treatment to help it heal. I hope this helps !

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This may be due to a focal infection or mild ulceration from a mild traumatic injury. I recommend that you continue to monitor Patriot for now. It looks like it is already healing nicely. If it continues to heal then there is no reason to have him evaluated by a veterinarian. If no improvement is noted in the next week or it worsens, have him evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment. There is a good chance that he will be just fine. Good luck and have a good night!

Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. She definitely could have gotten a bug bite in that area that caused her to itch/bite at that area, creating a scab. If it is the only small area, I'd say a single bug bite is more likely than something like allergies, which tend to affect a diffuse part of the body. As long as she is acting normally at home (not continuously itching, and she is eating/drinking normally), I recommend monitoring her at home. You can check that site daily to see if it is getting smaller and less red. If you notice that it is getting bigger, or you notice the development of more similar spots, or she is licking/biting at it, I recommend having her seen by your veterinarian. I hope this is helpful - best of luck with Precious!