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My dog has a bald spot and pain after rabies shot. What should I do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Chihuahua | Male | unneutered | 8 years and 7 months old | 7 lbs

My dog got his rabies shot around 2 weeks ago and the doctor went in with the needle 3-4 times because she didn’t have an assistant to help because he was i don’t know where. After that he was in a lot of pain and now he has a bald spot. This first picture is without ointment and the second picture I put A+D ointment on, it didn’t burn him or anything. I also put a cone over his neck so he can stop picking it. I just want to know what is going on and what can I do?

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1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on April 22nd, 2019

Oh no. Poor guy. It looks like he is having a superficial pyoderma ("hot spot") reaction to his skin following the injection, and maybe even a bit of cellulitis. You will need to unfortunately take Lucky back to the vet to get this treated with oral antibiotics, and also oral pet friendly anti-inflammatory medication. The topicals aren't going to be enough to help this resolve. You can clean the area with Betadine diluted 50:50 with warm water to keep it clean. You should definitely also keep the e-collar on him until this has resolved or at least until it is no longer bothering him. I am sorry your fur baby had such a bad reaction and hope that this can be avoided in the future. Best wishes and take care!

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