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My dog has itchy skin, scabs, pus pockets, and smells bad. Why?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Chihuahua | Male | neutered | 7 lbs

My dog has a very itchy back. He scratches at it and rubs his back in the floor. He gets scabs from it. He also has these huge puss filled pockets on his back. Smaller pimple like puss pockets on his stomach. He also smells all the time. Even after a bath. Please help me find out what’s wrong with him. Unsure of age because we took him in from the streets. Our other dog has been around him and she’s fine.

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on December 18th, 2017

Itchiness and scratching can be caused by various reasons such as fleas, mites ,fungal infection, bacterial infection and allergies. the first 4 needs to be ruled out before we start treating for allergies. in order to do that first de-flea Paco 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 anti histamines. 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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    Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

    Published on September 2nd, 2017

    Based on the region of itching, I would suspect Flea Allergy Dermatitis. Some dogs can have a very profound allergic reaction just from one flea bite. They are often itchy over the rump, and can develop a skin infection in any area. I recommend that Taz see your vet as soon as possible so that he can be evaluated and receive appropriate treatment. The vet may prescribe antibiotics, topical creams, anti-itch medications, and/or flea preventatives.

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