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My dog is scratching, has scabs, and is lethargic. What's wrong?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Male | unneutered | 1 year and 11 months old | 100 lbs

My dog Tyson is constantly scratching himself but I don't see fleas. Now he's got an open sore on the tip of his tail and black scabs around his lower back. He's also acting lethargically and just seems different. Any suggestions?

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1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Karly Macon, DVM, MS, CVA Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Veterinarian

Published on May 5th, 2017

Poor Tyson may have some other kind of infection, like bacterial, fungal, or a mange mite infestation. Or, he could have allergic skin disease making him so itchy. To find out, he needs a veterinary exam and perhaps a skin scraping to diagnose what his problem is and how to fix him.

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