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Why is my dog scratching, has hot spots, red bumps, and black skin?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Female | spayed | 5 years and 11 months old | 11 lbs

I would like to know what my dog has. About less than a month ago she started it scratching herself constantly, it started to show as hotspots so we thought fleas or her feeding was a problem and we changed things, but it still persisted. She started to have red bumps on her inner thighs and now, her inner thighs/armpits are starting to become a black color. The red stops are now in her neck too, and some hotspots on her legs as well as inside/around her ears. Its now sticky & has a bad odor.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on December 7th, 2019

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. : )
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