My dog has scabs on her face. Could it be a food allergy or infection?

Question

Hi there, I have a 1 and a half year old St Bernard. Recently we noticed she had a few scabs show up on her nose. They have been healing fine, but now she has two scans one above each eye and one on the corner of her mouth on her lips. She hasn't been itchy or anything I'm not sure what could be causing this? I recently switched her food about two months or so ago to a better grain free food not sure of that could be it. Pet's info: Dog | Saint Bernard | Female | spayed | 115 lbs

Laura Johnson VMD · Accepted Answer

Hi, I'm Dr. Johnson. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Skin issues can be so frustrating and sadly a lot of different skin conditions look the same! Which is equally frustrating for us! Possible causes for the scabs: skin infection (bacterial or even yeast), demodex (a non-contagious mite), or ring worm. Another possibility, because of the location around her eyes, mouth and nose is an immune condition. Any of the above can be itchy or non itchy! As for the recent diet change-grain free is great but just because it is grain free doesn't mean it is hypoallergenic. Animals, if they have a food allergy, are actually more allergic to the protein (the meat) with chicken being the most common allergen. It is possible that the food change could have triggered a skin infection. Allergies tend to develop around Gracie's age, either to food proteins or environmental allergens. If the scabs do not resolve or spread I recommend seeing your Veterinarian. They may do a skin scrape to look for demodex, a cytology to look for yeast or bacteria, or a fungal culture for ringworm. Sometimes if it looks like a skin infection they just prescribe a course of antibiotics. I hope Gracie's skin issues resolve!

My dog has scabs on her face. Could it be a food allergy or infection?

Most Helpful Answer

Related Questions

Why is my mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and has pus?

Can I use human contact lens solution as eye drops for my mouse?

What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?

Can chickens eat bell peppers daily and what about veggie salads?

Is Purina Layer Pellets good for chickens? What other feeds exist?

My mice eat all their food together from one bowl. Is this normal?

Share