My dog's under neck is raw, oily, and oozing after baths. What to do?

Hello, this looks like a case of moist dermatitis, or a hot spot, sometimes caused by an allergy. You can gently clean this with an antibacterial solution like Hibiclens available at all pharmacies. Then apply a light coating of 1% hydrocortisone twice a day. It should look better in a day or so, but if not, please see your veterinarian for further treatment. Thank you.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I think that this looks severe enough that it warrants a veterinary evaluation to shave and clean the area appropriately and also start him on antibiotics to treat a possible infection. They can assess how it looks on a close examination and treat it accordingly. Good luck and have a great day!

Poor Dahlia! That area definitely looks quite raw and sore. There are a few different things that can cause skin rashes and crusty areas like this. The most common possibilities would include allergies (food allergies, or an allergy to something in the environment), a bacterial or fungal skin infection, or skin mites (mange). Treatment will depend on what the underlying problem is, so I would recommend taking her to the vet for an exam as soon as you are able to. He/she can do some simple skin tests to help determine what's wrong and get her started on appropriate treatment. In the meantime, you can try bathing the affected area with an aloe and oatmeal dog shampoo - this will probably not do much to treat the underlying problem, but may help to remove some of the crusty discharge and soothe her skin until you are able to see the vet.

Poor Cooper! It sounds like you're already on the right track for ruling out issues, however, environmental allergens can also flare up this time of year which may be causing the excessive itchiness. Since that area is very badly irritated and inflamed, I definitely agree with getting into your vet ASAP. Since it's right on his neck, you can try inverting an Elizabethan (cone) collar so that the cone part covers the irritation and the neck park sits up closer around his ears, so that it doesn't rub against the irritated spot and protects it from further scratching. Keeping the area clean and dry can also help reduce any secondary infections that may take hold in the irritated skin. An over the counter allergy medication such as Benadryl can also help by reducing any irritation/itchiness, and may also have the added benefit of making him a little drowsy so he's less likely to scratch. However, getting into the vet like you planned is the best course of action. If there is a big wound opening up, it gets worse, it oozes debris, or Cooper seems in major distress, getting into your vet sooner or reaching out to an urgent care vet may be a good idea.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I recommend taking Jordan to a veterinarian to determine the cause of his rash. It may be allergies or he could have a yeast or bacterial infection. All of these conditions would require different medications to treat. Until you get him into the vet I recommend using an antiseptic medication shampoo for dogs (antimicrobial/antifungal) and keep the area clean and dry. Moisture can often worsen skin conditions, so be sure to dry off under his neck after drinking or going outside if there is an moisture on him. I hope Jordan is better soon. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

This presentation could be due to a trauma or localized spot of skin infection (likely to be caused by bacteria -hot spot-). A check up, appropriate disinfection and eventually antibiotics (oral, topical or in a shampoo formulation) are needed to solve the problem. Disinfection can eventually be started at home with very diluted hibiscrub or betadine or salted water baths. Buster collar may be useful as well to avoid scratching. 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.

That heavy discharge generally indicates infection. Your pup will heal the fastest if he goes in to see his doctor. The doctor may give him a systemic antibiotic or may only give him topicals if the lesion is very small. Sometimes these pets can be itchy as well and will get medication for that too. You definitely want to make sure that he cannot itch or lick at that area as it will make it worse. The doctor will also shave the hair as it needs to be exposed to the air to dry up. I hope this is helpful and please feel free to post any additional questions.