Why is my dog scratching, chewing, has scabs, and sensitive tail?

Question

It started around his hind legs and tail and now is up half his body. When I bath him it feels like scabs on his body. His tail is very sensitive. He is constantly scratching and chewing on himself. He eats but doesn't gain weight. Pet's info: Dog | Pit Bull Terrier | Male | neutered | 40 lbs

Maria DVM · Accepted Answer

I am so sorry Deacon is so uncomfortable. Is he on flea prevention? If not I would recommend putting flea prevention on him. Dogs can typically get scabs from scratching because they are so itchy from fleas. I would still put on flea prevention even if you do not see fleas on him. One flea can jump on him and make him so itchy that he creates a skin infection so you don't always have to see them. If Deacon is on flea prevention then it could be mites or even allergies that made him so itchy. The scabs most likely indicate a skin infection. This is most likely from Deacon scratching from being so itchy. There are great options for allergies these days. They can either take daily medication (Apoquel) or monthly injections (Cytopoint). I would discuss these options with your veterinarian. The other option is he can have mites. There are medications that can be given to resolve the mites (if they are present) and then antibiotics can be given to resolve the skin infection. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Why is my dog scratching, chewing, has scabs, and sensitive tail?

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