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Why does my dog have yellow scabs on his chest and armpits?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered

My dog has yellow scabs under his armpit and on his chest. Was a rescue dog from the pound so not sure on age. Can send photos if needed.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on July 13th, 2016

Hi there, photos can be shared only through private consultations, which you can take with any of our online vets. Regarding the skin issue, it could be an allergy, a fungal or bacterial infection as well as skin parasites, in most cases it is necessary to take a small sample from the affected skin and investigate it under the microscope in order to find out what it is, your vet can do that in house within 10-20 minutes.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

    Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

    Published on

    The only way to upload photos for us to look at is to request a private consultation - feel free to do this if you like! But in general, I can tell you that yellow scabs on the skin may indicate a bacterial or fungal skin infection, an allergy problem, or even skin mites (mange). All of these problems will require prescription medication to treat. I would recommend having Bruce examined by a vet - he/she can do a simple test called a skin scrape if needed to determine the problem, and get him started on appropriate medication to treat it.

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    Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Pictures can unfortunately be sent only by requesting a consultation. Diffuse yellow scabs can be the result of a skin infection. I would recommend to take him to your veterinarian to have him checked and have an antibiotic treatment prescribed (shampoo or oral). Depending on the type of lesions, they could be due to skin allergy or other type of inflammation/infections.

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