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Why does my Yorkie have black scabby spots on his belly and legs?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Yorkshire Terrier | Male | neutered | 2 years and 6 months old | 16 lbs

My Yorkie has these black scabby spots all over his belly and by his private and the inside of his legs. I don't know how long they have been there, I don't know how he got them. I don't know what they are. I've caught him picking at them a lot. Some of them don't look like bite marks just scabs. And some look like flaky skin. I don't know how to help heal them.

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Macartney, BVet Med, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on August 10th, 2017

I am so sorry to hear that Jacob is having trouble with his skin. Though it is difficult to know the initial cause it now looks from the pictures you have provided that Jacob has a case of moist dermatitis or "hot spot". Hot spots can be very difficult to heal, and take a long time. These spots are often started by something else, for a console fleas, skin allergies, mites, and as Jacob bites and scratches at the sea he causes tissue damage and introduces infection. The keys to a successful healing process are; Treating the underlying cause- for example fleas clipped area around the sore Cleaning the sore with a vet prescribed antiseptic Leaving the sore open to dry out (as the moisture promotes bacterial growth) Antibacterial/ hydrocortisone spray prescribed from the vet for healing An e-collar to prevent Jacob from scratching or biting at the hot spot and making it worse Measure the hot spot with a ruler, and compare in a few days time to make sure that it is reducing in size. If you feel like Jacob is not healing well, I would suggest a trip to the vet, for the above prescription medications. Oral antibiotics and/ or a steroid injection may help to jumpstart the healing process. I know hot spots can be very frustrating for you as a pet parent and for Jacob. I sincerely hope it starts to heal soon. Warmest regards to you both.

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    Answered By Vanessa Yeager DVM MPH

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Greetings and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! From the pictures you have attached, the areas you have photographed look like comedones or better known as blackheads. Sometimes these can be idiopathic (meaning they have no cause), other times, these can be due to hormonal abnormalities or acute/chronic inflammation. I would seek additional council from your primary care veterinarian who will be able to accurately diagnosis the issue and determine an underlying cause if there is one. A scraping of the skin may be done as well as blood testing. Your vet may then prescribe the appropriate medication (may be topical, oral, or both). I hope this helps!

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