My dog has an itchy, smelly, spreading rash. What should I do?

Question

My dog has a pink rash on her neck and leg that itches. It has been scabbing and smells. It looks like it's spreading. Nothing in her routine has changed so I don't know what's wrong. What can this be? Is there an ointment I can put on her? Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 10 years and 2 months old

Amy Poole, DVM · Accepted Answer

I'm sorry to hear Twinkie is so itchy. It sounds like Twinkie may have a bacterial and/or fungal infection on his skin, especially since you are smelling an odor. He may have underlying allergies that trigger it or could have gotten inflamed skin from some other cause, like flea or other insect bites. I would make sure he is on good, effective flea and tick control as well. Any ointment you put on is likely just going to gunk up his hair, so I don't usually recommend that. I would take him in to your vet to have his skin examined. He may need to have the area clipped and cleaned and put on oral antibiotics to resolve the issue. Sometimes I will also use medicated shampoos in conjunction with oral medication to get these itchy dogs as comfortable as possible. I hope he is feeling less itchy soon!

My dog has an itchy, smelly, spreading rash. What should I do?

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