Dark Dry Scab on an Older Poodle's Leg

A dark, dry scab can have several causes, so it's worth a vet visit to find out which one. Crusts often form over a skin infection, a yeast or ringworm infection, or a small injury. In an older dog, a dark crust can also sit on top of a small skin growth. Many dark lumps in older dogs are harmless, but telling a harmless growth from a cancerous one needs a test, such as a quick needle sample or a small biopsy.

Until she is seen:

• Don't pick at it, and keep her from licking or scratching it.
• Don't put human creams on it. A tiny dog who licks off cream swallows a lot for her size.
• Take a photo so you can tell whether it grows or changes.

See your vet sooner if the scab grows, bleeds, keeps coming back, or new ones appear.

See dog skin lesions, scabs and sores and skin tumors in dogs.

This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.