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My dog keeps scratching a scab on her cheek. Is it a hotspot?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | spayed | 42 lbs

she has a scab on her cheek kinda looks like dirt. it was raw skin yesterday. she's keeps scratching at it. I mean I think scabs mean it's healing but do I need to do anything for her? neosporine? cover it so she can't keep scratching it?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on March 8th, 2017

It sounds like she has a hotspot which could be secondary to allergies and/or an infection. The best thing would be to have your vet take a look at it to determine the best way to treat. She may need an antibiotic, anti-histamine, and or a corticosteroid to treat and your vet can prescribe. If you can't take her to a vet than you could clean the area with an antiseptic wound cleaner but if she keeps scratching the area than it will not heal. Covering the area probably will not work but you could get an E-collar to prevent her from scratching.

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    Answered By Jenny, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 15th, 2018

    It looks at the the center is either a scab or compromise to the blood supply to that tissue. This can result if there was an insect or puncture wound of some sort there. All you can do at home is keep the area clean and dry with soap and water. You can alternate neosporin with cortisone cream to help. You will likely need to see a vet the area continues to bother her or starts to open and drain

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    Answered By Susan England-Foster

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 18th, 2017

    The most common type of skin lesions are secondary to allergies. The skin because inflamed and than Bayley will start scratching. Once Bayley scratches it allows secondary bacteria and fungus to go into the sore and cause an infection. If it happens again or starts to get worse I Would recommend taking Bayley to your vet to try and determine the exact cause and try to prevent it from reoccurring. Hope that helps

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