Why does my dog have little black scabs

Scabs on dogs: Causes and treatment for your pups crusty scabs

Can I put Neosporin on my dogs scabs?

Neosporin is formulated for humans, not for dogs. While it may not incur dangerous side effects when administered in small amounts, its best to avoid using the product on dogs in general. Instead, use a balm or wax specifically made for dogs. You should also see a vet to treat the underlying cause of scabs, which could be things like fleas, allergies, or infections.

Can I put Vaseline on my dogs scabs?

Vaseline is safe to put on your dogs scabs, but it may not help much. It might feel soothing, but it could overdry your dogs scab. Instead, use a balm or salve specifically formulated for dogs.

Do ticks leave scabs on dogs?

Ticks can nest into dogs skin and feed off their blood. This makes dogs scratch, leaving their skin irritated with scabs. However, it is possible to remove ticks from your dogs skin, just make sure to take the head out, otherwise, it could later cause infection.

How long does it take for a dog scab to heal?

This depends on the severity of the scab and whats causing it. In many cases, scabs on dogs can heal between 3 and 14 days. However, infected scabs can take longer, and scabs can reoccur. Healing scabs may mean treating the underlying scab cause, which could be things like allergies, irritation, skin imbalances, and fleas.

Scabs on Dogs [With Pictures]: Our Vets Explain What To Do

This article was updated on February 7th, 2024

One common problem we often encounter as veterinarians is the presence of scabs (serous crusts) on a dogs skin. Scabs on dogs can be the sign of an underlying health problem, such as an infection or allergy, so it is important to understand the potential causes and discuss the situation with your veterinarian. In this article, our veterinarians Dr. Whittenburg & Dr. Crow share the common causes of scabs in dogs with pictures.

1. Scabs from minor wounds usually heal in 1-2 weeks

Most scabs from minor wounds or injuries heal by themselves within a couple of weeks (depending on the size and severity of the injury). Scabs are great protectors of the wound, and its best to let them heal without any additional medication.

Dr. Alex Crow

If your dogs scabs are due to an injury, read our article about Wound Healing in Dogs.

2. Scabs taking longer to heal are likely caused by a medical issue like a skin infection or allergy

If your dog suddenly develops scabs without any obvious injury, it may indicate an underlying medical issue that needs veterinary treatment. Dr. Crow explains:

Scabs on dogs can also be caused by health issues such as skin infections or allergies. If there is any health issue at play, the scab may take much longer to heal (if at all) or even get worse without the proper care. Therefore, scabs that lasts for weeks should be examined by your veterinarian to make sure you are treating the underlying medical issue before it gets worse.

Dr. Alex Crow

3. Top causes of scabs (with pictures)

As mentioned, medical issues, such as allergies, skin infections, and parasites, are the most common culprits of long-lasting scabs. Lets go over each one (with pictures):

1. Allergies

Dogs with allergy issues also often exhibit excessive itching, scratching, and paw chewing due to skin irritation. Excessive scratching and irritation can lead to hair loss and scabs, as shown on the pictures below.

Allergies are very common in dogs: we see an average of 10 dogs a week with allergies in our veterinary practice. Dogs can develop allergies to a wide range of things, including pollen, mold, dust mites, fleas, and certain foods. Allergies can cause the skin to become red, flaky, thickened, and itchy.

Dr. Jamie Whittenburg

To treat allergy-related issues, you must first control the underlying allergy. This can be accomplished in many ways, for example with allergy prevention medications, shampoos, wipes, and diet or environment changes. If a secondary skin infection is present, appropriate medication will be needed to treat the infection.Learn more: Skin Allergies and Scabs

2. Bacterial skin infections

Scabs form over irritated and compromised skin and serve as protection from bacteria and infection, similar to a band-aid. Bacterial infections often cause redness, whiteheads (pustules), flakes and scabs, as shown in the pictures below.

You may also notice your dog itching, chewing, or excessively licking. Antibiotics are often necessary to cure bacterial skin infections. Medicated shampoos, sprays, or ointments may also be prescribed.

With bacterial infections, there is also usually inflammation of the hair follicle called folliculitis. This can lead to the build-up of crusts (scabs form). There may be small bumps (papules), raised hairs (tufted papules) and hair loss.Learn more about bacterial skin infections or folliculitis.

3. Yeast Infections

Dogs can develop yeast skin infections, which are characterized by a distinctive sour or musty odor, a scent often described as being like corn chips. A yeast skin infection can cause redness, itching, inflammation of the skin, and scabs.

These infections may be found anywhere on the body but are especially prevalent in areas of high moisture and little light (ears, skin folds, between the digits, groin, underarms). Yeast infections are treated with oral antifungals, shampoos, powders, and creams. Learn more about Yeast Infections.

4. Hot Spots infections

As the name suggests, hot spots are specific, isolated, inflamed, and moist areas of your dogs skin, as shown in the pictures below. They most commonly form due to scratching and self-trauma resulting from bacterial infections, insect bites, or allergies. Hot spots are treated with both oral and topical medications, depending on the underlying cause. Learn more about Hot Spots.

5. Ringworm

Despite being named after a worm, ringworm is actually caused by a fungus. It infects the skin in circular lesions resulting in scabs, soreness, and hair loss, as shown in the pictures below. It is an infection that can spread quickly and even pass to humans. Learn more about Ringworm.

6. Mites

Mites are microscopic parasites (under 1mm in length) that can affect your dogs skin and cause intense itching, discomfort, crusty and scaly skin, and hair loss.

When these mites proliferate and cause skin irritation, it leads to a condition known as mange. There are two main types of mange in dogs: demodectic and sarcoptic mange.

Demodectic Mange primarily affects young, old, pregnant, and immunocompromised dogs (e.g., chemotherapy, corticosteroids, oclacitinib-Apoquel). It is not always itchy. These dogs lose hair, typically beginning around the eyes. However, they usually do not scratch at them or form scabs.

Sarcoptic mange (scabies) is a mite infestation that is contagious and acquired through contact with the mites in the environment or from another host (e.g., fox, coyote, wolf, other dog). These infestations are very itchy, and excessive scabbing of the skin is common. The most common areas affected are the ear flaps (margin), elbows, and hocks (ankles). Learn more about Scabies.

7. Fleas & allergies to fleas

Fleas are hard to spot, but their droppings (flea excrement) can usually be spotted in a dogs coat. Dogs infected with fleas, ticks, or lice will typically excessively lick, scratch, or even have scabs or hot spots (learn the best ways to tell if your dog has fleas). Some dogs experience an allergic reaction to flea saliva, which can cause inflammation, redness, and scabbing, often in the area near the tail. Learn more about Flea Scabs.

Other potential causes

There are numerous other issues that may cause scabs, including autoimmune disorders, hormone imbalances, and nutritional issues. If your dog is forming scabs without trauma (injury), they should be evaluated by their vet ASAP.

4. Most scabs from injuries heal on their own, but persistent scabs may require prescription medication

Owners often ask us if there is any medicine that can help with scabs. In general, scabs from injuries should be left alone to heal: they are marvelous wound protectors and do not need additional medications to do their job.

However, as we have discussed, multiple scabs can be an indication of an underlying health problem, such as a skin infection or an allergy. In these cases, your veterinarian may prescribe a topical or systemic antibiotic to treat the underlying condition.

5. Take your dog to the vet if you see sudden changes in your dogs skin, or if your dog starts scratching or licking a lot

A veterinarian should have a look at your dog ASAP if you see any of the following (in addition to scabs):

• Significant changes in your dogs skin
• Sudden appearance of sinister-looking lesions (scabs on dogs should be monitored to make sure they dont evolve into something more serious)
• Areas causing your dog a lot of discomfort or resulting in excessive scratching or licking

Its also important to pay attention to your dogs overall well-being. If your dog is acting differently or seems unwell, you should call your veterinarian.

6. The location of the scab may help identify the issue

The location may tell you a bit more about what your dog may be suffering from. For example, if your dog has scabbing on their nose, it could be due to a dry nose (hyperkeratosis). Read our articles about the most common scabs in dogs by location:

Frequently asked questions

What if my dog has scabs and flaky skin?

Often, flaky skin is nothing to worry about. Just like humans, dogs can get flaky skin. Giving your dog fatty acid supplements or using moisturizing shampoo may help.

However, flaky skin can also be an indication of something more serious going on with your dog, including allergies, hypothyroidism, autoimmune disorders, and other skin conditions. If flaky skin persists, makes your dog uncomfortable, or if you observe other symptoms such as hair loss, consult your veterinarian.

What are scabs, and how do they form?

Scabs are bumpy and dry protective formations (crusts) that develop over a sore during the healing process. The scab starts to form as soon as the skin is injured. Cells found in the blood (known as platelets) gather at the break in the skin and clump together.

This clump is the foundation of a blood clot, which aids in halting the bleeding.When a clot dries, it becomes a scab. Platelets then work to form a more permanent clot while the injury heals.

In other words, when exposed to air, platelets break apart and form thread-like structures. These threads then form a web-like mesh that traps any red blood cells from escaping the wound. A scab forms when this mix of the mesh and red blood cells dries.

Scabs are typically reddish-brown in color and may be found anywhere on the skin. The size of the scab will vary and will correlate to the size of the injury.

Scabs are usually dry and rough on the surface, and moist below the surface. Scabs form to serve as protection from bacteria and infection, like a band-aid.

Where do scabs on dogs appear most frequently?

Scabs appear anywhere on the skin where there has been a trauma that breaks the skin barrier. These injuries can range from superficial to severe.

Because scabs can be the result of self-inflicting trauma (excoriations), the most common areas to find scabs are those that the dog can reach with their claws or paws. These scabs result from self-trauma (scratching and licking) and typically have an underlying cause such as an infection or allergy.

The back, chest, and under the ears are common areas for scabs. Injuries such as cuts and scrapes can be found anywhere.

What are the top causes of scabs due to injuries?

1. Cuts and scrapes:Like humans, dogs can sustain injuries to their skin, such as cuts and scrapes, resulting in a scab. If the injury is superficial and not infected, most of these will heal on their own. More significant cuts may need to be stitched, and any injury that gets infected will need to be seen by a veterinarian.

2. Self-trauma:The second most common reason for scabs in dogs is self-trauma. These scabs form after a dog has scratched or licked itself aggressively. If your pet is experiencing these issues, the underlying cause needs to be treated. Some issues that may cause a dog to scratch excessively include:

Understanding each of these potential reasons can help you find the proper treatment.

Read more about common dog skin issues:

Related posts:

• Dr. Jamie Whittenburg is a Veterinarian Director at 'Senior Tail Waggers' and Director and Owner of Kingsgate Animal Hospital, a full-service animal hospital in Lubbock, TX. She graduated from Kansas State University's College of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) and has over 17 years of experience working as a veterinarian & hospital director.

  View all posts

Disclaimer: This website's content is not a substitute for veterinary care. Always consult with your veterinarian for healthcare decisions. Read More.