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Why won't my dog's head scabs heal when he keeps scratching?
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | American Pit Bull Terrier | Male | neutered | 80 lbs
I’m wondering what is going on with my dogs head. He has these scabs on the top of his head that are not healing. They’ve been there maybe 2 weeks. He scratches them so I think that’s a big reason why they aren’t healing. Im worried it could be skin cancer?? They don’t seem to hurt him... and he is outside when we’re at work [in shade]. He’s always getting into things. His appetite hasn’t changed and he still drinks a ton of water and goes to the restroom normally.
4 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM
Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident
Published on June 23rd, 2018
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!
3Pet Parents found this answer helpfulRelated Answers from Veterinarians
Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on May 6th, 2016
These could be from recent bug bites in this area. As long as scabs are present then this could have the potential to heal on its own. If they are not found anywhere else, you can continue to monitor this area for now. If the area does not heal or starts to spread to other parts of the body then a good physical exam by your vet is recommended to investigate causes of this, such as demodexx mites, allergies, or fleas. I would also recommend a monthly flea preventative to ensure your pet is protected from flea bites. Here are some good products to consider: Bravecto (pill, lasts 3 month, Rx), Comforts (pill, lasts 1 month, Rx) or Advantage multi (topical, 1 month, over the counter).
22Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Lauren Kennedy, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on May 8th, 2018
This appears to be a localized wound with a lot of surrounding inflammation and a scab on top. It is hard to say whether or not it is from a tick bite or some other type of injury/puncture wound. If you found a tick on your dog in this area then yes, it is most likely from a tick bite and should resolve within a few days. I would recommend gently cleansing the area with the warm washcloth and applying some triple antibiotic ointment to it to help it heal. If it does not go away within a couple of days, gets larger or more irritated, or if you notice other spots pop up, then I would recommend taking your dog to the vet to have it checked out.
I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Amber W
Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist
Published on September 25th, 2017
There's a chance these scabs are related to allergy (food, environmental, or fleas) or they could be related to demodex mites. Sometimes the above issues will result in small areas of bacterial skin infections that can cause scabbing.
You can try giving Gemma a bath in a gentle cleansing shampoo like Douxo Calm. This may help reduce irritation.
If Gemma isn't already on a quality flea preventative like Bravecto, Advantix or Vectra then I suggest starting one to eliminate any possibility of a flea allergy.
If the scabbing is persistent or Gemma becomes itchy then I'd recommend you take her in for an examination with your veterinarian. Your vet can obtain a skin scrape sample to look for mites or infection and treat as necessary.
Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach and I hope Gemma's skin gets better quickly!1Pet Parents found this answer helpful