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Why is my dog's butt itchy and scabbed from chewing? What to do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

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

My dog has a rash around his butt below his tail. His chewing has resulted in a large red scabbed area. What do I do?

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on September 16th, 2016

Poor Buddy! It sounds like this area is itchy for him. This itching can be caused by [fleas](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/flea-infestation-1/), [mites](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/mange/), [ringworm](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/ringworm-1/), or [allergies](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/canine-allergies/). If he isn't up to date on his [flea treatment](https://www.petcoach.co/article/how-do-i-pick-the-right-flea-and-tick-product-for-my-pet/), he will need a spot on treatment, such as Advantix, or a prescription oral flea preventive, such as Bravecto, Nexgard, Simparica, or Credelio. You will need to disinfect the environment as well. If he is up to date on his flea treatment, I recommend taking him into your vet for an exam. Your vet can do blood tests, skin scrapings, and use a Wood's lamp to diagnose allergies, mites, and ringworm. Once the cause of the itching is found, your vet can prescribe the appropriate treatment. I recommend taking him into the vet today or tomorrow. He will also likely need an [E-collar](https://www.petcoach.co/article/e-collars-for-cats-dogs-types-of-collars-and-diy-options/) (cone) to prevent him from biting at that area until he sees the vet.

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    Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 6th, 2016

    These scabs and the chewing can be caused by various reasons such as fleas, mites ,fungal infection, bacterial infection and allergies. the first four needs to be ruled out before we start treating for allergies. in order to do that first de-flea buddy with a high quality flea treatment such as advantage spot on, if it doesn't help - take him to the vet in order to check for/treat the other possibilities. If everything is ruled out, then an allergy treatment can be started. Usually an hypoallergenic food is a good way to start together with antihistamines. if it doesn't help - the best solution is a medication called Apoquel which treats allergies with great success and without side effects.

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