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Why is my dog scratching with red dry skin and yellow discharge?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Pit Bull Terrier | Female | unspayed

Hi. My dog scratches herself all the time and I just started 2 notice patches of dry red skin that she has scratched. I just took a picture of the infected part and it has yellowness coming from it what can it be?

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1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on May 3rd, 2017

Poor Nova! This scratching can be caused by fleas, mites, ringworm, or allergies. If she isn't up to date on her flea treatment, she will need a spot on treatment such as Advantage or Revolution. You will need to disinfect the environment as well. Even if she is up to date on her flea treatment, I recommend taking her into the vet for an exam today or tomorrow. If there is yellowness coming from the area, it's infected and Nova will need antibiotics to treat the infection. The vet can do blood tests, skin scrapings, and use a Wood's lamp to diagnose allergies, mites, and ringworm should she be up to date on her flea treatments. Once the cause of the scratching is found, the vet can prescribe the appropriate treatment.

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