Why is my pet's neck raw and bleeding from constant scratching?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Male | neutered | 10 lbs
Raw skin under neck itching and bleeding from scratching.
5 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on April 22nd, 2017
Oh no, poor Hookie sounds very itchy! This itching could be caused by fleas, mites, ringworm, or allergies. If he isn't up to date on his flea treatment, he will need a spot on treatment such as Advantage or Revolution. You will need to disinfect the environment as well. Even if he's up to date on his flea medications, he should see a vet. The vet can do blood tests, skin scrapings, and use a Wood's lamp to diagnose allergies, mites, and ringworm if he is up to date on his flea treatments. he will also need his raw skin treated, and it may be infected from all the scratching. Once the cause of the itching is found, the vet can prescribe the appropriate treatment.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
-
Published on February 22nd, 2020
Intense itching can have multiple causes, including fleas, ticks, ear mites, ear infection, anxiety, bladder issues, etc. Since the skin is bleeding and could become infected, I would recommend having Spazzy examined by a vet. The vet may need to treat the skin in addition to the initial cause for the itching to occur.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
-
Published on October 21st, 2019
Hi, and thanks for your question. This could be due to an allergy, although it could also be infection or mites. First of all, in order to rule out skin parasites, you will need to treat with a high quality flea treatment, then ask the vet to perform a skin scrape - this might reveal an infection or a mite infestation. If all of those came back negative, the next step is to treat the allergy symptomatically and try to discover the cause of the allergy. Three main type of allergies are usually affecting pets: food allergies, flea and parasite related ones and environmental type (allergens coming from trees, pollens, dust etc etc). Some medications can be given by the vet in order to repair any possible skin lesions (like steroids and antibiotics). Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
-
Published on June 10th, 2018
Thank you for submitting your question regarding Harley. I am sorry to hear that he is so itchy! Allergies are a very common problem this time of year. This is even more likely if he was even a little bit itchy this time last year. Fleas will also make a dog as can food or contact allergies. Skin infections will have the same result. I would start by bathing him with a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner such as an oatmeal or fatty acid based formula to give him some relief. He will need to see his veterinarian though. He may require skin tests to rule out ringworm or mites. If these tests are both negative, then allergies are more likely. He will most likely need an antibiotic and a medication to control the itch. There are several new allergy medications available for itchy dogs. They are extremely effective. Apoquel is a tablet that is given once or twice daily. Cytopoint is an injection given every 4-8 weeks. You can ask your veterinarian if either of these would be appropriate for Harley. I hope this information helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
-
Published on January 6th, 2017
The first thing to rule out would be fleas. Even though he doesn't go out, fleas can come inside on you or on small mammals such as mice. Check him over for live fleas or fleas dirt. This will be black specks like pepper. Rub them on a moistened cotton ball and you will get rust colored streaks. This is digested blood. Treat with a topical preventative for at least 3 consecutive months, preferably year round. You will also need to treat the environment for fleas to prevent reinfestation. Allergies are also a concern. They can be difficult and frustrating to diagnose, so you will likely need to see your vet for an exam. Consider adding an essential fatty acid supplement (usually a fish oil) to his diet to promote healthy skin. Search www.pet360.com for fish oil supplements such as DermCaps or EicosaCaps. If allergies are diagnosed, your task is to try to determine what he is allergic to and decrease or eliminate it. Discuss food elimination trials, hydrolyzed diets and allergy testing with your vet. At this time of year, dry air can cause dry, itchy skin. Use a humidifier in the house and see if that helps.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
My male Akita Inu he is about 3 years old, he scratches his belly very frequently and it has created bleeding wounds in his body. We keep him in our garden but even though I wash him and try to keep him clean he likes to go to my dads garage where it
Ulcers with drainages, on the back of the neck, itchy, clear liquids mixed with blood from scratching.
My pug dog won’t stop scratching to the point that her coat is falling off and bits of blood are coming out. She doesn’t have fleas and we have been treating her for allergies as well as giving her vitamins to ensure she is getting the nutrients she
Why does my cat scratch until he reaches skin and it gets all scabby/kinda bloody?
My Mini Schnauzer Cooper has started scratchong excessively a few weeks ago. Hes always scratched a bit but never like this. Hos neck is raw. Ive tried some moisterizing lotion for dogs thinking it was dry skin. He doesnt have fleas. His diet is
My dog is very itchy and he's scratched his back bad
hi my cat always licks and scratches it probably has itchy. suffers from a little of this. it hurts my heart to see it like this. what can I do ?
Why does my dog scratch himself so much so bad is stomach and legs are red raw? And what can I do to stop it?
I have 2yr old Siberian Husky that is scratching and biting himself so much his skin is raw or bleeding. We've changed dog foods, gave him oatmeal baths, and put itch spray on the itchy spots but nothing seems to work. Is there anything we can do wit
Trying to figure out the cause of the sores on her back? She is always scratching and rubbing up against things until she is raw and bleeding! I groom her weekly but not even that helps.
Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.
