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My dog has black crusty scabs on her chest and armpits. What is it?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Boxer | Female | spayed

My boxer dog who we've now had for 9 years is a rescue so she's had lots of operation with us, there's not many things right with her but I've noticed some large black crusty scabs on her chest and her armpits and underneath them they are a pinkish red which look slightly sore, they are not itching her or affecting her but she doesn't show if she's in pain anyway.

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1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on February 20th, 2018

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. From the pictures, it looks as though Dotty could have a skin infection. There are other skin conditions that can also present like this so it is probably best if you have a veterinarian examine her so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. She may need a course of an oral antibiotic or antifungal alongside topical therapy with medicated shampoos and sprays. If you are unable to get to your veterinarian right away, you can start by using the below products that I recommend to most of my skin infection cases. These can be found online quite easily. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further. 1. Douxo PS Chlorhexidine Combination shampoo and bathe twice weekly until resolved 2. Malacetic conditioning spray and apply twice daily to the affected areas until resolved 3. Welactin omega 3 fish oil capsules for canines 4. Essential 6 spot on by Dermoscent

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