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Why is my dog scratching, has bloody scabs, and inflamed bumps?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Male | unneutered | 1 year old | 100 lbs

Why does my dog have big bloody scabs on him? He also has red inflamed bumps on his chin where his whiskers are. He is licking chewing and scratching Non-Stop but I can't find any bugs on him, he does however appear to have bites on his stomach and inner legs. He is still active and playing, eating, drinking and using the bathroom like usual but I can tell he is uncomfortable.

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Tomasz Wnuk

Veterinarian

Published on April 21st, 2020

Excessive scratching like this is probably due to skin allergy. It is often very hard to say what the dog is allergic to. It could be pollen, plants, chemicals used at home and outside, cosmetics, carpets, fleas, food the dog eats etc. In Sluggo case the skin changes and the symptoms he has got strongly suggest an allergy. You need to take him to your local vets to confirm the diagnosis (your vet may want to examine skin scrapes under a microscope) and to start treatment for him. Treatment for allergies is usually a form of anti-histamine or/and anti-inflammatory medications that give a quick relief to dogs regardless of the cause of the allergy.

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    Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Hello. Sluggo has a significant dermatitis going on. This skin inflammation is most often the result of some underlying allergies, but his has gotten to the point that there is actually infection involved, too. I would have him on antibiotics, & start bathing him in an antimicrobial shampoo ( you can find one online with either chlorhexidine or benzoyl peroxide ). He may need to be started on some antiallergy medications like Apoquel or Cytopoint. Try to have Sluggo evaluated by your veterinarian as soon as possible so he can start to heal. Thanks for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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