Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

Is this raised spot on my dog's neck after grooming a scab or tick?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Shih Tzu | Male | neutered | 2 years and 5 months old

Jake has this on his neck, I’m assuming it’s a scab from when he had his hair cut Tuesday but It is quite raised! I’m worried it might be a tick? Apologies for the bad quality but what do you think it is?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on September 3rd, 2018

This does not look like a tick. I would observe it and wait until the scab falls off by itself. This lesion should then be healed. If the scab increases in size or the lesion increases in size, you should have a vet examine it..

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on November 30th, 2017
It certainly could be a tick bite. Usually though, they leave no marks. It would have had to been embedded very deeply or attached for an extended period of time to cause that kind of reaction. It is also possible that this lesion is so reactive because Scruffy is an "allergic" dog to other things. Regardless of all of that I don't think I would be overly concerned unless he starts to feel unwell or if the lesion does not seem to be healing. For now just keep the wound clean (do not use peroxide) and then you can apply Neopsorin or other type of topical antibiotic ointment. I also suggest you speak to your vet about what tick-borne disease are prevalent in your area and if/when you should have Scruffy tested for any of them.

Best wishes.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Health & Wellness

My dog has scabs with hair on its neck and body. What are they?

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 !

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why is my dog's neck bald, moist, and scabby a week after a tick bite?

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!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog has a black raised spot on her back. Is it a scab or serious?

It doesn't appear to be related to fleas. It could be an injury but it could also be the start of a tumor. I would recommend you leave it alone and monitor it for about a week. Don't pick at it or apply anything to it. If it is just a scab from an injury it should be much improved if not all the way healed in that time frame. If it is virtually the same or just a tad bit improved then I would have your vet check that spot out. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

How can I tell if a bump on my dog's head is a tick or a scab?

That looks more like a scab than a tick. Examine the area closely. If it's a tick, you will be able to see 8 tiny legs (4 on each side). If it's a scab, hair will be attached to the lesion. Look online at pictures of attached ticks. If you are still not sure, run Lucy by the vet's office. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Training & Behavior

My dog has a hard, brownish spot on her neck after grooming. What is it?

It does look like a small scab. I would just leave it alone and watch Sophie for a few days. If she seems to be itching it or bothered by it, or if it bleeds or exudes a sticky discharge, then she needs to be checked by a vet.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

What's this under my dog's fur? Is it a tick, scab, or lump?

Hello. I do not think this is a tick, so it could be a scab. It could also be a small skin tumor, so if this does not seem to be healing over the next couple of days, it would be best to let your veterinarian take a look. It is sometimes very difficult to diagnose something from just a picture, but a quick visit with your veterinarian can confirm exactly what this is. Best to you & Loki & thanks for contacting JustAnswer.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

What's this bump scab on my dog's head and what should I do?

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.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share