Why is my dog scratching his muzzle and causing bruises? How to stop?

Sometimes these lesions can occur from rubbing the muzzle on cages doors, carpets...etc. Sometimes they can also be from infection and less commonly from an autoimmune disease. I would recommend to have him examined by his veterinarian who will likely prescribe medication orally. Treating this area topically can be difficult as most dogs will lick off any medication you apply to the area so oral medications are generally best. You should also protect the area from further rubbing with an elizabethan collar which should be worn at all times. You can try gently washing the ears with an antibacterial hand soap (rinse well) once daily if he tolerate it. I hope he starts feeling better quickly and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Hello. Bulldogs are just so prone to skin problems, including allergies & infections. I would have your veterinarian check Bruce's anal glands to make sure they are not full or impacted. This is generally the number one reason for scooting. But skin allergies can inflame the rectal tissue, so another reason to scoot. Finally, tapeworms can cause a dog to scoot its bottom. But with the overall scratching & blisters on his muzzle, skin allergies with a possible secondary skin infection would be high on my list of problems. Bruce may need antibiotics & anti-allergy medications & your veterinarian can definitely help Bruce with these issues. Thanks for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

The lesions that you are seeing on the back of Bruce's neck could be a result of a skin infection from his excessive scratching (possibly related to allergies to fleas, food or environmental factors), but could also be associated with ringworm, mange or benign or malignant cancerous processes. Bruce should go to his vet for evaluation because he likely needs a course of antibiotics to treat any infection present. Until you can get to the vet, keep an e-collar (cone) on him to prevent further scratching and skin damage. Also be sure that he is receiving a high quality flea preventative (such as Nexgard, Bravecto or K9 Advantix II) regularly. Baths in an antibacterial shampoo (here is one example: http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=27982) may be beneficial until his vet appointment. I hope that all goes well!

Place an e-collar (cone) on him to prevent pawing or rubbing. It should extend at least two inches beyond the tip of the nose. This may be enough to allow healing. If not, have him examined by your veterinarian.

It's a little difficult to tell from your picture, but I think the spot on the muzzle looks more like a skin mass or growth that could be infected or inflamed. The other spots look like they might be signs of a bacterial or fungal skin infection which can occur secondary to allergies. I'd recommend having your vet take a look in person.

He could have a skin infection or an allergic dermatitis. You could bathe him with a medicated dog shampoo and see if that helps. If not, have your vet take a look at him. He may need an antibiotic, anti-histamine, or a corticosteroid to help treat the problem.

Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Excessive scratching is this area is usually caused by allergy to flea bites. Please, take Jackee to your local vets for an appointment as apart from flea product, she will likely need a course of anti-inflammatory medication to help with itching.