What Are Itchy Scabby Spots on a Dog?

Just like people, dogs can experience medical conditions that affect their skin, resulting in itchy skin that may scab over. These symptoms can indicate one of several conditions that may be affecting your dog. If you notice that your dog has been scratching and has scabs on its skin, a trip to the veterinarian can give you the answers regarding your dog's problem.

  1. General Allergies

    • If your dog experiences general allergies, such as food allergies or seasonal allergies, it may scratch more often than is typically normal for a dog. Your dog may also chew on its paws and other areas of its skin to relieve itchy skin. When your dog excessively scratches or chews an area on its skin, the skin may break open and scab over. These scabby spots start a cycle of itching as they heal. Treating your dog's allergies can eliminate these scabby spots by reducing your dog's allergy-related itching.

    Flea Infection

    • Fleas are a common ailment in dogs and can typically be prevented with flea prevention treatments. However, if your dog does become infected by fleas, it can cause itching that results in scabby spots on your dog's skin. Similar to an allergic reaction, the flea bites cause your dog's skin to itch. When your dog uses its claws or teeth to scratch, the skin may break open and bleed, causing the formation of scabs. Other parasites, such as mites, chiggers and intestinal worms, can also cause this problem.

    Irritation

    • Some outside elements may irritate your dog's skin, causing it to scratch itself and cause scabbing on your dog's skin. If your dog is exposed to chemical in your home or yard, it can cause an irritation that your dog scratches. Bathing your dog too often can strip the skin of important oils that typically protect the skin, leaving your dog open to irritants and dry skin. Your dog's diet can also have an impact on skin itching. Some dogs are even prone to itching and scabbing based on heredity.

    Treatment

    • If you notice the itching and scabs present on your dog, you should take it to the veterinarian to check for underlying causes. A trip to the veterinarian is especially important if it appears that the area may be infected. Signs of infection may include oozing, redness and pain. Antibiotic ointments may be necessary to resolve the issue. Once the issue is resolved, you must make an effort to prevent it from happening again by removing the irritants if possible and reducing your dog's exposure if you can't eliminate the exposure. Medication may be necessary to control allergy issues in your dog.