Red, flakey, irritated skin on neck. Does not bother him when touching it, does occasionally itch it with back leg. Usually wears a bark collar all day (off at night) and then a prong collar for walks, both of which hit this exact spot. He tends to have skin irritation on his underbelly and was told he just has skin allergies. I am unsure if this is related to skin allergies, collar irritation, or neither.
Given that the affected area is exactly where the collars sit, it's quite possible that the collars are contributing to the irritation. Here are a few steps you can take to help alleviate the issue:
First, try removing the bark and prong collars for a few days to see if the irritation improves. In the meantime, you can use a harness for walks to avoid putting pressure on the neck.
Next, gently clean the affected area with a mild, hypoallergenic pet shampoo or a solution of water and a small amount of apple cider vinegar. This can help soothe the skin and reduce any potential infection.
Since your dog has a history of skin allergies, consider if there have been any changes in the environment, diet, or exposure to potential allergens. It might be helpful to consult with your vet about allergy testing or a hypoallergenic diet.
Additionally, ensure that your dog's flea and tick prevention is up to date, as parasites can also cause skin irritation.
If the irritation does not improve after removing the collars and trying these steps, or if it worsens, it would be best to consult your veterinarian.
If you have any further questions, please feel free to ask. Thank you.
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