Why is my adopted lab scratching with red skin and a tail wound?
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Labrador Retriever | Male | neutered | 4 years and 10 months old | 120 lbs
I adopted an overweight black lab 3 weeks ago. About 1 week ago he started scratching a lot and now his tummy is rec, sore by his hind end and open wound on his tail. Food is same other than mixing some green beans in and a little oil
Poor Brutus sounds itchy! This itching can be caused by fleas, mites, ringworm, or allergies. If he isn't up to date on his flea treatment, I can give you one for him. First, I would give him Capstar. It's a one time pill that starts killing fleas within 30 minutes. Then follow up with a spot on treatment, such as Advantage or Revolution. This is a treatment that has to be used once a month. You will also have to disinfect the environment. Wash his bedding in hot soapy water, and vacuum the furniture and carpet surfaces. You can use a spray to kill fleas in the house, such as Indorex, or a flea bomb would work well to kill the fleas in the home. If he is up to date on his flea treatment, I recommend taking him into the vet for an exam today or tomorrow. The vet can do blood tests, skin scrapings, and use a Wood's lamp to diagnose allergies, mites, and ringworm. Once the cause of the itching is found, the vet can prescribe the appropriate treatment. Best of luck, I hope this helps!