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My dog has a strange rash. Is it an insect bite or something else?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Boxer | Male | neutered | 1 year and 2 months old | 51 lbs

What is this strange rash!? Just noticed today!

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 7th, 2017

Most often when we see a lesion like this on the skin it is the result of an insect bite, in particular a biting fly such as a black fly. If your dog is acting normally then I would just monitor the area. If the lesion grows in size, becomes raised or oozes a discharge, or your dog develops many more lesions, becomes lethargic or very itchy a vet exam is recommended.

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    Answered By Emily, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 27th, 2017

    This could be a local irritation or local allergic reaction to something like a plastic dish. It could also be an indication of trauma, such as scraping her face or muzzle against the fence or something like that. I recommend you keep the area clean and dry and watch it closely for any increase in size, redness, any discharge or any pain. If it does not improve within a couple days I recommend having your veterinarian do an exam.

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Related Questions

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Hi I don't know if my dog has a rash, or got bit by something please help.
This could be a local irritation or local allergic reaction to something like a plastic dish. It could also be an indication of trauma, such as scraping her face or muzzle against the fence or something like that. I recommend you keep the area clean and dry and watch it closely for any increase in size, redness, any discharge or any pain. If it does not improve within a couple days I recommend having your veterinarian do an exam.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
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I wanted to know if it's a rash or a mosquito bite
This looks like a rash from laying in the grass or something in the ground. I recommend cleaning the area with a warm wet cloth and applying a thin film of antibacterial ointment on it. If it is getting worse then take Jules in for an exam since it could be an infection and he may need antibiotics to clear it up. Thanks for using Boop by Petco to help you care for Jules.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
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do i need to see a Dr or is it just a rash?
That lesion may require a visit to the veterinarian. It does not look like a rash, it looks more like an infection. Make sure to protect the area from any licking or scratching with an Elizabethan collar. Keep it clean and dry. You can wash the area one time and rinse it well. If it does not start to improve within a few days, or if you want it taken care of quickly, have Junior examined by the veterinarian. I hope this helps.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
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My dog had a round circle red with whit middle but it is smooth
Thank you for the picture of Chipper's lesion. It appears to be a black fly bite. These lesions from the bite look bad, but typically they do not bother the pet. You don't need to do anything to treat it, these usually go away on their own over time. That being said, if this doesn't improve over the next week, it looks worse, or he's constantly itching it, then he will need to see a vet. I hope this helps!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
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Do you this this is black fly bites?
It is possible, though it looks more like it could be a bacterial infection. Ideally, take her in to the vet for an exam so that the proper treatment can be determined. If you want to try something at home, you can try this product: https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/vetericyn-plus-wound-and-skin-care-for-dogs However, if it is not improving within a few days, please get her in to see your vet. Thanks for asking Boop by Petco!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
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Does this look like a typical bug bite? (She is up to date on her flea/tick and heartworm etc meds)
It is possible this is an insect bite. Fly bites in particular can look like a red ring with a central pallor (pale area in the middle). It is tough to tell from the photo what the central area looks like. If it is raised and looks like it is filled with yellow/pus, then this could be a pustule which is a sign of skin infection. If the center is flat with the skin and just pale in color, then a bug bite is more likely.
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My six year old westie ha a mystery bump that magically appeared, well, we just noticed it today. It is a small pea sized lump just under the skin with what looks like a small sore on the surface of the skin. No discharge at all, perfectly dry. The f
This looks like it could be an insect bite or sting, or a tick bite if they are in your area. Skin infections can also occasionally start this way. If you start to see more lesions similar to the one above, or if this bump begins to increase in size or have any discharge I would recommend having it examined by your veterinarian. If it is an insect bite it should be gone in the next 7-10 days or so. Monster is a handsome guy!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
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My dog has this rash on her belly. I didn’t see any ticks on her at all recently. She has tick preventatives every month also. I believe it could be a black fly bite(I saw images online)
You are right, it could be black fly bites, it is the season for it and they can cause lesions like this. Unfortunately without seeing Sophie in person, I cannot make a definitive diagnosis. I would take her into the vet in the morning to have this diagnosed and treated. Best of luck.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
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A few weeks ago my dog got a bright red spot on the crease of her leg (picture below) I didn’t think anything of it but since has formed into a hard bump and is still there. Yesterday she got another red spot on the opposit Tyler that looks the sam
I am sorry to hear about your concern for Dani! Based on your photo the most likely culprit is a fly bite. We often see these red circular lesions with fly bites, particularly black flies. You can try putting some hydrocortisone cream onto the area if it seems to be bothering her/itching. If the lesions do not resolve with time or if they are increasing in size/she will not leave them alone/she shows any other symptoms such as lethargy, hair loss, oozing or discharge from the skin, then a vet exam is warranted. Best of luck to you!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
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My dog has a bite , at least I think it is a bite. I just need to know if I need to take her to a vet. Or if there is anything I can do from home. Her behaviours are pretty normal , she does keep licking the affected areas though. Aside from being
It looks like it could be an insect bite, possibly an allergic reaction or a minor infection, i would probably recommend monitoring it for now, no need to rush to the vet as long as it doesn't get worse than this and no need to apply any treatment for now either, it will hopefully resolve on it's own within 1-2 weeks.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
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