What could the strange redness around my dogs neck be?

Question

I adopted my Boxer/Pitbull mix (now 2 yrs old) from an adoption center a year ago. Upon adopting him, they said he was found tied with a rope to a fence. When I looked at his neck, it appeared healthy, but the hair had been rubbed away from the rope. They mentioned the hair will not grow back. He's got a lot of hair on his neck that already covers it up, but I can see where it's been rubbed away when I lift his hair. Anyway, it's been maybe 2 months, and I've noticed irritation along that area, more so in what would be considered the chest area. It's red and scablike and occasionally I catch him scratching at it, causing it to bleed. It seems like a rash, but I don't know where he could have gotten it from. He only wears a collar (never a choker chain or a rope) when we go out to the park, or petsmart, or into the backyard. I'm worried, and want it to go away. Any suggestions as to what it might be? And how I might be able to treat it?

"Maybe because he's a redneck dog" --- what kind of comment is that...is that to say that only rednecks own pitbulls? *lol* wow --- what is the world coming to?

Answer 1

He could have allergies. My dog will itch until she bleeds if I let her. When we leave home we have to put a cone thing around her. We get this hot spot stuff and put on it to help it heal. But it could be something other also. I would have him checked out by his vet. I hope hes ok...

Answer 2

That is called a "hot spot" and it's very common in breeds with short hair. My English Bulldog, Manny, has one right behind his ear. Basically what happens is the skin on that area gets irritated by something (in your dog's case, the rope), and the dog scratches at it in an attempt to make it feel better, which of course only makes it worse. It's like when we get a mosquito bite and we can't stop scratching it, even though we know we're making it worse. There is medication that you can put on it, that you can buy at PetSmart. There are many different brands, and they all are about $12 a bottle. Also, I find that gently washing my dog's affected spot with an aloe vera baby wipe every day seems to help soothe it, so at least he doesn't scratch it and make it worse. Don't worry, if you can get him to quit touching it, it will go away in time.

Answer 3

There is a very common disorder in babies called intertrigo. It causes redness and sometimes maceration (moisture and skin breakdown) in the skin folds, including the creases of the neck, the armpits, and the groin. The condition begins with inflammation related to warmth in these areas, and often becomes secondarily infected with a yeast called Candida. Treatment consists of wet compresses (to gently clean the areas) and the application of both a low-strength anti-inflammatory (steroid) cream and an antifungal cream. If, however, you notice oozing, discharge, or a bad odor, it is likely the area has become secondarily infected with bacteria. If this happens, you'll want to see the pediatrician as antibiotics are usually necessary.

Answer 4

It might just be a hot spot or it could be something else. "Pit bulls" tend to have alot of skin problems. Our oldest had a skin infection when he was younger and our youngest has had problems with hot spots. Im not a vet so I really couldnt tell you for sure what your pup has. I would suggest that you take your pup into the vet or atleast call a vet and see what they think you should do. I hope your pup gets better soon! Good luck! : )

** KIZZ ME... "maybe b/c he`s a redneck dog"... " What the hell is that? Are you saying that "pit bulls" are "redneck" dogs? Are you saying boxers are "redneck" dogs? I am not sure if that was a joke or not, but it got me really mad! If that was a joke, I apologize for getting mad, but even if that is a joke its still very rude. If you arent joking you obviously have NO idea what you are talking about! I cant really say too much about boxers because I have never owned one, but I do know that they are wonderful dogs and make great family compainions!! As for "pit bulls" not one of the three breeds that people call "pit bull" are in anyway "redneck" breeds! Your comment was very unnecessary and made you sound very ignorant! I am sure that comment offended more people than just Jinnifer and myself! Again, I cant say much about boxers because I dont know much about them, I have also never owned an American Staffordshire Terrier or a Staffordshire Bull Terrier (2 of the three breeds that are called "pit bulls"), but I do own 2 American Pit Bull Terriers! Sinse you dont seem to know ANYTHING about the breed, here is some info! They are one of the most stable people-friendly breeds in existence. For hundreds of years "pit bulls" have been bred to have a human friendly disposition and an overwhelming sense of need to please their owners. The National Canine Temperament Testing Association tested 122 breeds, and APBTs placed the 4th highest with a 95% passing rate! They are wonderful with children! They are way more tolerant than most other popular family breeds (such as Golden Retrievers and Beagles.) and are the PERFECT breed to deal with the rough and tumble play a child can dish out. They are even known as nanny dogs for their love and dependability with children! They are very people-friendly dogs, but they make very good watch/ gaurd dogs.They have an uncanny ability to know when someone or something is a threat or not! "Pit Bulls" are currently used and suitable for all types of service work including drug detection, emergency rescue, service and therapy work, military service, and much more.The American Pit Bull Terrier is additionally one of the most intelligent and easy to train breed of dogs. The trainer of the show dog Lassie has even remarked on how the APBT is his choice of breed for training... The American Pit Bull Terrier was the #1 family dog in the US in the 20's, 40's and 50's and during first part of the 20th century. They are unique, smart, easy to train, sweet, loyal, loving, gentle, obedient, devoted, tolerant and funny! They are almost human like in their emotions and expresions! These days alot of people choose to believe all of the crazy myths they have heard about "pit bulls" over the facts! Like any breed of dog, a healthy "pit bull" that is properly raised will remain loving and friendly. In the past 20 years, we have seen some sad examples of poorly bred and badly treated dogs that are by products of irresponsible "backyard breeders" and cruel and abusive homes. These improperly raised, unsocialized creatures can show temperaments far removed from the traditional authentic "pit bulls." Do not confuse these unfortunate misbreds with the HUGE majority of well-loved "pit bulls" in this country that remain solid in temperament, affectionate, trustworthy and friendly to their dying day.

Ohhh.. and they are American Heros!

Answer 5

my dog had a similar spot that developed due to her scratching at dry skin. The vet gave her a shot for the itching and something for infection...you should probably just take your dog in and get a vet's opinion

Answer 6

I would suggest taking him to the vet if it is bleeding. That could cause for more severity of something else like a infection.

Answer 7

could be a yeast infection? most likely you need to take him to the vet they will scrape a little an look under the microscope to determine what it is for sure so you don't waste alot of money trying to cure it over the counter

Answer 8

Take your dog to the VET. Yahoo answers is no substitute for proper medical care for humans or pets.

Answer 9

Maybe he has a red neck b/c of his collar and maybe b/c he`s a redneck dog get it no effense...