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My dog keeps scratching his bleeding neck scab. What should I do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Maltese | Male | unneutered | 6 years and 8 months old

My dog has been scratching his neck a lot lately and got a big scab on it. Today we noticed that he scratched it off and now it's bleeding. What can we do to help him? He keeps wanting to scratch it and it's getting worse.

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4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jennifer Witt, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 1st, 2018

It looks like what we call a hot spot or moist dermatitis. These looks really painful. I would have him seen. He will most likely need some antibiotics and some topical medication to help dry this up. They can also give you something for the itching or pain relief. These usually heal pretty quickly once they stop messing with them.

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    Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 28th, 2021

    It looks like he has a skin infection and probably needs an oral antibiotic. He should be re-examined by your vet for treatment. Dogs with allergies are more prone to developing infections. You can also bathe him with an antibacterial dog shampoo.

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

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 8th, 2019

    This presentation could be due to a trauma or localized spot of skin infection (likely to be caused by bacteria). A check up, appropriate disinfection and possibly antibiotics (oral, topical or in a shampoo formulation) are needed to solve the problem. Disinfection may be started at home with very diluted hibiscrub or betadine or salted water baths. Buster collar may be useful as well to avoid any licking/scratching (if any). 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!

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 23rd, 2018

    The pictures are a little blurry, but it could be that Sandy injured himself causing the scab. I would leave it be for now, and keep an eye on it. If it doesn't heal, spreads, appears infected (red, swollen, warm to the touch, you see pus), or it begins to bother him, then I would have it checked out by a vet. Best of luck, I hope this helps!

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