My puppy has neck scabs, bloody stool. Is it diet or allergies?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I agree that this is likely due to allergies. It really comes down to figuring out what is causing his allergies so that they can be treated or the specific allergen avoided. A secondary infection is likely and also needs to be addressed. There are many things that can cause allergies though in most cases they can be broken down into 3 big categories: flea, food and environmental allergies. Allergies are usually worked up in a stepwise fashion starting with flea allergies as this is the easiest and cheapest to take care of. If not on a flea preventative, then it would be a good idea to get started on one. If already on one then it would be a good idea to change to something else (there are many new products out in the market). If not improved in 1-3 months then it is time to move on and check for food allergies by switching to a novel diet (new protein and new carbohydrate). If that does not seem to be the issue then you are left out having to check for environmental allergies which require blood and/or skin tests. Allergies can be very frustrating to deal with at first but so rewarding at the end when we are able to treat them effectively!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is possibly due to allergies. It really comes down to figuring out what is causing his allergies so that they can be treated or the specific allergen avoided. A secondary infection is likely and also needs to be addressed. There are many things that can cause allergies though in most cases they can be broken down into 3 big categories: flea, food and environmental allergies. Allergies are usually worked up in a stepwise fashion starting with flea allergies as this is the easiest and cheapest to take care of. If not on a flea preventative, then it would be a good idea to get started on one. If already on one then it would be a good idea to change to something else (there are many new products out in the market). If not improved in 1-3 months then it is time to move on and check for food allergies by switching to a novel diet (new protein and new carbohydrate). If that does not seem to be the issue then you are left out having to check for environmental allergies which require blood and/or skin tests. Allergies can be very frustrating to deal with at first but so rewarding at the end when we are able to treat them effectively!

Hi there. Poor Ruby! It definitely sounds like she's teething-puppies go through this stage of putting everything in their mouths the same as humans. Since Ruby is not 4 months or more yet, she is still not considered fully vaccinated. If her vaccines were home vaccines and are from a store over the counter-sometimes they are improperly stored and provide poor immunity. Any time there is blood in the stool it warrants a trip to your veterinarian right away, as your puppy can be very sick when showing this symptom. They will probably also perform a fecal test to rule out any parasites. My best to you and Ruby and I hope his helps!

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). The other signs are quite concerning and could be caused by a possible gastrointestinal infection. A check up would be absolutely needed. 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!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is possibly due to allergies. It really comes down to figuring out what is causing his allergies so that they can be treated or the specific allergen avoided. There are many things that can cause allergies though in most cases they can be broken down into 3 big categories: flea, food and environmental allergies. Allergies are usually worked up in a stepwise fashion starting with flea allergies as this is the easiest and cheapest to take care of. If not on a flea preventative, then it would be a good idea to get started on one. If already on one then it would be a good idea to change to something else (there are many new products out in the market). If not improved in 1-3 months then it is time to move on and check for food allergies by switching to a novel diet (new protein and new carbohydrate). If that does not seem to be the issue then you are left out having to check for environmental allergies which require blood and/or skin tests. Allergies can be very frustrating to deal with at first but so rewarding at the end when we are able to treat them effectively!

It's hard to know exactly why she has the brownish discoloration. certainly you should try switching her to a different flea product and remove the collar. It may take up to two months for any discoloration to disappear. You could then try switching the collar to a nylon or fabric collar, again, it may take up to two months. In the mean time, there are a couple things you can do at home and they can help but they may not address the underlying cause. You can try adding in an omega 3 fatty acid supplement for dogs, this can help improve the skin health. You may also try changing Haddie's diet to something like Royal Canin or Nutro as they are aimed at skin health. Also protect the area from trauma by having Haddie wear an elizabethan collar if she is itching. Have her examined by the veterinarian if it appears to be getting worse. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

It is possible that the allergies and the collar are acting in combination to cause the hair loss. Other reasons are also possible. You may try switching her diet to the brand Royal Canin or Nutro as both of these are aimed at skin health. Starting her on an additional omega-3 fatty acid supplement may also be beneficial. If this does not help within a few weeks or if it gets worse, I have her examined by the veterinarian. Best of luck.