My dog has painful, itchy red sores on neck and tail. Is it serious?

I am so sorry but the pictures never attached. If Wally has spots I recommend a veterinarian. If you can re-submit the question again with the photos, that way we can see what the spots look like. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Yes, please attach a photo for us to see. There is an option to attach pictures when you post a question, so you can attach them with your posting. You will need to repost this question because we cannot see previous questions, but one of us will be happy to try to help you.

I am sorry to hear about Lexi. While it is impossible to provide a diagnosis from a photo, it looks like Lexi could be suffering from acute moist pyoderma, also known as a "hot spot". These are areas of superficial skin infection and can be quite painful. You can read more about them here: http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=2714. I would recommend a visit to your vet. They can shave the area with clippers, clean the skin and may prescribe either topical treatment such as a medicated shampoo or spray, or oral antibiotics/anti-inflammatory medication.

Hello, thank you for your question about Buddy. Based on the photos that you have attached I think that it is very possible that this lesion could be a bug/spider bite. It is also possible that Buddy was exposed to something irritating to his skin. If he is not bothered at the area and it does not seem very painful I would recommend continuing to monitor him. If the lesion progresses or he develops any additional symptoms I would have Buddy evaluated by your veterinarian. Hope this helps, good luck!

Hi, I am sorry to hear about Marley. Based on your description and the pictures you took, it appears that Marley may have a "hot spot". This is a moist dermatitis that causes discomfort, inflammation, and a secondary infection. When you say that he "received an allergy shot", I presume this is a steroid injection. If that is the case, the steroid injection should help to reduce his discomfort within less than 24hrs after the shot. Generally, I always treat a hot spots with a prescription of oral antibiotics, rather then topical. I allow the affected area to "dry out", as this is considered a "moist dermatitis" and we want it to no longer be "moist". Steroids are key to helping him feel more comfortable. Make sure to keep the ecollar on at all times to prevent him from chewing or licking at that sore area. I would recommend to contact your vet and ask if a prescription of oral antibiotics is warranted in Marley's case. They are the ones who can get this medication for you if it will help him and is indicated in his case. Best of luck to you and Marley.

Hello there. So sorry that Beau is having this issue. It is really difficult to give advice without seeing a photo of what you are referring to. Can you please re-post with all the same information but add a few photos? All I can say without seeing it is that usually scabs mean trauma/injury to the skin. Is he scratching/biting that area? Have you checked him for fleas? Right at the base of the tail is where fleas like to congregate and cause irritation. Please post again with some photos if you can. Thank you.

I am very sorry but we can't really tell much from this photo. It may be just a hot spot. You can use some hydrogen peroxide diluted 1/2 and 1/2 with water and try to clean the crusts off it and, if possible, shave the hair from around it. After you do that if you could post again with new photos we may be able to help you better.