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First of all, to prevent crusty scabs you need to attack the root cause of the irritation. We’ve already honed in on the fact that the best way to do this is to visit your veterinarian. You and your vet may need to use a process of elimination to see what treatments your dog responds to and use that information to decipher what may be causing their crusty scabs.
But, you can try to prevent crusty scabs with some at-home remedies too.
Healthy diet. Often, diet deficiencies can create problems for dog’s skin and coats, causing dry scratchy skin which they lick and itch. Ensuring that your pup has a high-quality, balanced diet by feeding them dog food full of vitamins and minerals can be the first step in protecting your pet from crusty scabs. Ask your vet if your pup could also benefit from a multivitamin in their diet — our favorite is Natural Dog Company’s Multivitamin because it’s made with premium ingredients like organic turmeric and coenzyme Q10.
Fish oil/skin and coat supplements. Sometimes a good diet just isn’t enough. If your pet isn’t responding to dietary changes you may want to try supplements that will boost their nutrition. Small amounts of Omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids are good for your pooch’s skin and coats.
Explore our favorite doggie supplements and vitamins
Frequent brushing. Brushing will help to cleanse your dog’s coat and remove dead skin and flaky patches which can cause irritation. Crusty scabs that are caused as a result of a build-up of dirt can be treated easily with regular brushing. Make sure you have a durable grooming kit on hand with various brushes and gloves.
Frequent bathing. Similarly, if your dog is suffering from crusty scabs due to allergies, bacteria, or build-up of sebum then frequent bathing can be great for their coat. Be sure not to use any harsh chemicals on their skin as this can cause irritation. It is also important to not bathe your dog too much so you don’t dry out their skin and natural oils. Most groomers recommend a maximum of once per week.
If a vet has determined your dog is suffering from crusty scabs due to a less serious underlying condition, simple at-home treatments can help:
Benadryl. Benadryl is a great way to reduce allergy symptoms such as itchiness, runny nose, and rashes caused by allergies. The great news is that dogs can have Benadryl at one to two mg per pound of your dog’s body weight. Just make sure to only give regular Benadryl, and NOT Benadryl-D. The ‘D’ means it contains a decongestant, and this is toxic to dogs.
Anti-fungal shampoos. Anti-fungal shampoos are great for relieving your pet from fungal infections which can cause them to lick and scratch their skin.
Flea prevention. If you’re looking to stop flea infestation and ensure that your pet is protected against fleas and mites, the simple solution is a flea collar. Other options are oral flea remedies and topical flea preventatives. Here’s a list of our favorite flea medications in every category — none of them have the active ingredient fipronil, and that’s a good thing.
The perfect plan for your perfect pup
Skin allergies are becoming increasingly common in dogs and can come from many different places.
Some allergic reactions in a dog’s skin can come from something internal. Often, the first culprit your veterinarian will look at is your dog’s food to see if any ingredients are known to cause skin irritation.
Medicines or treats are other examples of things that may be causing a reaction inside your dog’s body that causes crusty scabs on their back.
Other allergies are external, meaning they come from your dog’s environment. There is a huge list of things that might cause a reaction, from pollen to pesticides to shampoo. Secondhand smoke and cosmetic products you use on yourself, then transfer to your dog, may also cause reactions.
Allergies cause a histamine reaction that might make your dog itch uncontrollably. It is incredibly important to be mindful of your dog’s internal and external environment to quickly identify any factors that may be causing a skin reaction.
Infections are a worrisome cause of crusty scabs
One of the leading causes of crusty scabs can also be skin infections or skin diseases. If you think your pet is suffering from an infection, it is crucial that you take them to the vet immediately. Many infections can be treated easily with antibiotics, however if they go on they can cause bigger issues for your pet.
The three main kinds of infections to look out for are:
Found Crusty Scabs on Dog’s Back? Here’s Why and What to Do
It’s common for dogs to get a scab now and then, but if you keep finding black scabs on your dog with no obvious explanation, it may be a sign that something is wrong.
You may find scabs clustered in certain places, such as the ears, the belly, or the back. Sometimes dark scabs come with other symptoms, such as balding hair loss, bad smells, or pus.
So what causes black scabs on dogs? Are they harmless, or could they signal a much greater problem?