Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

Is a small scab on my new puppy's bottom something to worry about?

Updated on September 23, 2025

My puppy has a small scab on the perineal area? I jut got him from the shelter and still need 2 more worm shots in the next 6 week. Is it something I should worry about?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on January 31, 2017

No, I wouldn't worry about it as long as it isn't infected. It could be that he had a sore there, and it's healing over now. Keep an eye on it for redness, swelling, warmth to the touch and puss. If you see those signs, it is infected, and I would have him seen by a vet.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM
Veterinarian
If it is a scab, then chances are it is trying to heal itself. Puppy may have just scratched or injured the top layer of skin during rough play. If it doesn't seem infected or to be bothering puppy, then it is perfectly reasonable to just keep an eye on it daily for the next week to see if it resolves on its own.

If it doesn't resolve then have either your vet look at it in person, or you can request a consult here to share a picture of the suspicious area for further recommendations on what needs to be done to resolve this.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Are red bumps and scabs on newborn puppies a skin infection?

Depending on the age of the pups there could be several things going on. Commonly puppies can get skin infections or an infection from a skin mite called demodex. The scabs could also be caused from the puppies playing and nipping at each other. I would recommend taking the pups in to be evaluated by a vet so an infection can be ruled out. If they do have an infection they will likely need some antibiotics to help clear it up since their immune system has not fully developed.

Updated on September 23, 2025

Training & Behavior

My old dog's wart scab won't heal. Should I be worried?

Hello. If things are pretty static it is best just to leave the scab alone. Chances are at some point it will fall off. Most likely another scab will form & the process will repeat itself. The scab is somewhat protective, so I agree with your vet & leave the scab alone. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Updated on September 23, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog has scabs with hair on its neck and body. What are they?

This looks like a scab. He could have gotten this after a little bug bite, a local skin infection, a minor injury from being in the yard, or something else. Since it is so small, I would not be too concerned right now. If it isn't healing, you see discharge, you find more spots, or this spot gets larger, I would have your vet take a look at it to see if he needs any oral meds or other treatment to help it heal. I hope this helps !

Updated on September 23, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog has a worsening scab. When should I take him to the vet?

I'd leave it be for now, and have your family monitor it for signs of infection (redness, swelling, warmth to the touch, pus). If there are any signs of infection, have them take Kiko into the vet. Best of luck.

Updated on September 23, 2025

My 10-day-old puppy has scabs on its head. Is it puppy cradle cap?

Scabs can be from a number of things including some minor skin irritation or injury that is healing. Puppy nails are very sharp, so it is possible a litter mate may have accidentally scratched your pup's head. As long as puppy is eating and acting normally, it is a good idea to just keep an eye on the spot and see if it heals. If the puppy appears sick, the area worsens, or it doesn't heal up, having a vet take a look at it is best as it could indicate a possible skin infection, or parasites that may be causing irritation.

Updated on September 23, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog's leg scab peeled off, now it's pink. Should I see a vet?

It looks like it was healing under the scab, however I am a little concerned about the area on the leg where this lesion is. THis is very close to the knee joint, which may mean that your dog had pain in this area and therefore was gnawing on it. I recommend you have this examined by your veterinarian a there may be a problem with his knee joint.

Updated on September 23, 2025

Health & Wellness

My puppy has a scabbed bump. Is it a benign cyst or serious?

This looks to be a benign skin mass or cyst. Repeated trauma from scratching is probably causing it to open up and bleed. These usually do not need to be removed unless they become infected or are irritating to the dog. If the mass changes then I would be concerned. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.

Updated on September 23, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share