Scabs on dog’s belly and joint of back leg

Hi Angela,
In dogs with very thick and dense coats, it may be difficult to examine the skin closely. If you are noticing MORE scabs in these areas, I would return to your veterinarian to have the hair clipped short in order to see the skin more clearly.

I am suspicious that your dog has a superficial pyoderma. This is a bacterial infection in the hair follicles, causing a pimple to form and then pop, leaving a ‘ring’ or collarette. Clipping the hair shorter will allow you to better cleanse the area with a mild shampoo, such as a baby shampoo, rinse and dry well.

Since you have NOT noticed your dog itching or scratching, I doubt that this is due to an allergic reaction (see Dog Skin Allergies or Sarcoptic Mange for more information).

The cause of superficial pyoderma is usually due to a decrease in the immune system, allowing the bacteria normally found on the skin to cause a problem. Several factors can cause this, including improper diet (usually dogs on all dry food diets are more susceptible), recent vaccinations or ‘stress’, such as a change in the normal household routine (house guests, new baby, new dog, boarding, new work schedule for owner, etc.).

Improving your dog’s diet, avoiding unnecessary vaccinations or opting for an exemption for a vaccination (which a holistic veterinarian will offer) and decreasing stress will all help to improve your dog’s health and prevent a recurrence of this problem.

A conventional veterinarian will just give a prescription for antibiotics to treat this condition. This does not address the cause, nor prevent it from happening again.

Please keep us posted by coming back to this page and clicking the ‘click here to add your own comments’ link below.

Take care,
Dr. Carol Jean Tillman

DISCLAIMER: The above should never replace the advice of your local veterinarian, as they have the ability to evaluate your dog in person.

Related Pages:
– Dog Skin Conditions,
– Dog Skin Rash,
– Ask a Vet Online Library – Dog Skin Rashes, Marks, Spots, Lesions & Patches (including itchy skin and mange) Section

Did you ever find out what this was? We have a part malamute part chao chao that is having the same issue. We have taken him to the vet numerous times and they haven’t a clue.

Thank you!