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My dog has a red, gooey rash on his neck. Is it infected? What to do?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Bulldog | Male | unneutered | 46 lbs

Dog has red looking rash on neck that is discharging gooie feeling. He wore a cone for two days when we took it off it looked red like a rash didn't think much of it. We wiped the rash because it looks red and no blood just goo. He looks like he's scratching often in that area. Can aloe vera help? What to do? Also sprayed him with skin irritation solution bought over the counter.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on June 14th, 2017

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.

3Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Hello! The rash area on Rocco's neck looks infected, this means it's not likely to get better with over the counter/natural products, he will need a course of antibiotics in order for it to heal properly an fast, i would strongly recommend taking Rocco to the vet ASAP in order to get it treated.
3Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on October 16th, 2017
This is commonly seen when they get a skin infection (aka hot-spots). The neck is a common place for this to happen, because moisture often gets trapped under their collar and/or loose skin.

It appears to be to be somewhat involved from the picture, but you can try a couple of things at home to clear this up.

1) Clip the hair around the area and expose all of the lesions.
2) Wash the area with warm water and a medicated shampoo (can get this at the pet store) once a day. Use a cloth and gently wipe away the scabs. Do not scrub, because it will irritate the skin more. It's OK if all of the scabs do not come off in each washing.
3) Make sure the area is completely dry after washing.
4) Leave the collar off.

You should start seeing good results within a week after starting this. It may take a few weeks before it's completely cleared. If two weeks go by and it's not getting any better, then it's best to have a veterinarian exam it, because it may need prescription medication to clear it. Also, if it appears to get worse, then take him to the vet for treatment.

I hope that helps and this gets cleared up soon.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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