What causes scabby clumps on my dog's back and how to treat?

This presentation is probably due to an allergy, although it could also be infection or mites. First of all, in order to rule out skin parasites, you will need to treat with a high quality flea treatment, then ask the vet to perform a skin scrape - this might reveal an infection or a mite infestation. If all of those came back negative, the next step is to treat the allergy symptomatically and try to discover the cause of the allergy. Three main type of allergies are usually affecting pets: food allergies, flea and parasite related ones and environmental type (allergens coming from trees, pollens, dust etc etc). Some medications can be given by the vet in order to repair any possible skin lesions (like steroids and antibiotics). Hope this answer was helpful, but 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.

The hair is coming off as the scab starts to fall off. So the hair isn’t the problem, it is what is causing the scabs to form in the first place. The most common cause would be pyoderma (infection caused by either bacteria or yeast/fungus). You can try a medicated shampoo like the one linked below, but if you aren’t seeing improvement in a week, I would recommend taking Finch to the vet for evaluation and a diagnosis. https://www.amazon.com/Dechra-MiconaHex-Triz-Shampoo-Cats/dp/B07N1J5BDD/ref=sr_1_13?dchild=1&keywords=Decorate+dog+shampoo&qid=1629323097&sr=8-13

Hi there and thanks for posting your question and pictures. It looks like Maggie may have a skin infection or a type of dermatitis called seborrheic dermatitis in which the oily glands of the skin are producing too much oil and causing irritation to the skin. There are certain shampoos to treat both conditions. Benzoyl Peroxide treats the seborrheic dermatitis and a chlorhexidine based shampoo would help treat a skin infection. I would have Maggie's vet take a look at this in order to prescribe the most appropriate shampoo and possible oral antibiotic. Please feel free to contact me with any other questions / concerns. I am also available via consultation.

Poor Samantha! A round yellow, scaly patch of skin like this could be caused by quite a few different things. The most common possibilities would include allergies, 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 when you are able to - he/she can do some simple skin tests to help diagnose the problem and get her started on appropriate medication to treat it.

Hi there and thank you for using pet coach to address your concern. What you are describing could be due to allergies or a skin infection. I would recommend starting a shampoo such as Douxo PS chlorhexidine combination shampoo and bathe twice weekly. I would also recommend welactin omega 3 fish oil, essential 6 spot on by dermoscent and malacetic conditioning spray. If this does not imprive the current problem or it worsens, i would have a veterinarian look at this for further trestment recommendations. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns. I am also available via consultation if needed.

Poor girl. This looks like classic allergic dermatitis which is likely due to an adverse reaction to something in her environment. She now has an odor due to a secondary bacterial or yeast infection. She will need to see your vet to have the skin tested to determine the kind of infection, then started on medication to clear this up. She will also need allergy medication to help calm down the itchiness and redness. Two viable options for most dogs with skin allergies are either oral Apoqeul or injectable Cytopoint. There is also allergy testing available through your vet, if you are interested in getting allergy shots formulated for Maggie. Here is more information on skin allergies in pets--> https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951973 Until you can get Maggie in to be seen by your vet, you can try an over the counter pet formulated spray to help alleviate the itching. A "hot spot" spray or one that contains hydrocortisone would be most suitable for this. I hope that Maggie's skin improves soon! Best of luck and take care. : )

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is possibly due to allergies. It really comes down to figuring out what is causing her allergies so that they can be treated or the specific allergen avoided. A secondary infection is likely and also needs to be addressed. 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!