Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

Why does my dog have scabs on her neck and back? How can I treat them?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Poodle | Female | spayed | 6 months and 3 days old | 30 lbs

I noticed little bumps on Gemma recently and though they were just light scratches from rough housing. A week later they were still there so after a bath I thought it may be sap or something sticky. I picked and scratched these things and they broke a little skin as if they were scabs. There are a couple in her neck and 1 in on her upper back. Pls help - thank you!

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Amber W

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on September 25th, 2017

There's a chance these scabs are related to allergy (food, environmental, or fleas) or they could be related to demodex mites. Sometimes the above issues will result in small areas of bacterial skin infections that can cause scabbing. You can try giving Gemma a bath in a gentle cleansing shampoo like Douxo Calm. This may help reduce irritation. If Gemma isn't already on a quality flea preventative like Bravecto, Advantix or Vectra then I suggest starting one to eliminate any possibility of a flea allergy. If the scabbing is persistent or Gemma becomes itchy then I'd recommend you take her in for an examination with your veterinarian. Your vet can obtain a skin scrape sample to look for mites or infection and treat as necessary. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach and I hope Gemma's skin gets better quickly!

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Mirissa Duncil, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! What you're describing sounds mostly like scabs-especially if they are breaking skin when peeling away. As for the cause of these, it could be from rough housing, scratching an itch (fleas, allergies, etc). A triple antibiotic cream can be used if there is any sign of infection (could odor, discharge), as long as she isn't allowed to eat or lick any of the cream. If the problem persists, your veterinarian may recommend a medicated shampoo or further work up to rule out any further dermatological conditions like ringworm, etc. I hope this helps!

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Image profile

    Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on October 20th, 2019

    Hi, and thanks for your question. This could be due to an allergy, although it could also be infection or mites. First of all, in order to rule out skin parasites, you will need to treat with a high quality flea treatment, then ask the vet to perform a skin scrape - this might reveal an infection or a mite infestation. There is the possibility as well that this presentation is due to a fungal infection. If all of those came back negative, the next step is to treat the allergy symptomatically and try to discover the cause of the allergy. Three main type of allergies are usually affecting pets: food allergies, flea and parasite related ones and environmental type (allergens coming from trees, pollens, dust etc etc). Some medications can be given by the vet in order to repair any possible skin lesions (like steroids and antibiotics). Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?
Is your dog's dry skin a concern? A certified vet offers expert advice on finding the best fish-based dog food alternatives to Science Diet for essential oils.
Updated on February 04, 2026
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My pet keeps scratching its ear. What's causing this problem?
Is your pet scratching their ear often? A certified Petco veterinarian explains common causes like otitis or infection and how to identify the problem.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My small pet is limping and can't bear weight. Should I see a vet?
Is your pet limping and can't bear weight? A certified vet explains why a suspected fracture needs immediate diagnosis and safe pain relief. Get expert guidance.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My degu has a white bump in its fur. Should I take my pet to the vet?
Worried about your pet degu's white pustule? A certified vet discusses this potential skin infection, explains why not to pop it, and guides your next steps.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My guinea pig has a growing lump on its neck. Can it heal itself?
Guinea pig has a growing, hard neck lump? Worried about vet costs? A certified veterinarian advises on crucial steps for diagnosis and your pet's well-being.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My pet's ear mite treatment isn't working. What else could it be?
Pet still itching after treatment? A Petco vet clarifies it may not be ear mites. Discover effective solutions like Revolution or consulting an exotic vet.
Updated on December 04, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored