My dog has puss-filled, crusty skin spots. Should I see a vet?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Boston Terrier | Male | neutered | 30 lbs
My dog (10 yo, male, Boston Terrier) has circular puss filled lesions on his belly and chest that drain and get flaky/crusty around the edges. Some lose the hair after draining/crusting. I am wondering if I can wait it out and see if they go away or if it may be something more urgent that needs attention immediately.
5 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on July 26th, 2017
The circular spots look like epidermal collarettes which are secondary to a bacterial infection on the skin. Sometimes this can affect the hair follicle and make the hair fall out. The pustules with pus are also infected. It is unlikely to go away since it involves several spots already The sooner the treatment starts the better so it stops spreading. Typically they will prescribe antibiotics and possibly a medicated shampoo and something to stop her from scratching if that becomes a problem.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on
It looks like Buster may have a skin infection, likely either with bacteria or fungus (ringworm). It's not an emergency, but he may need to see your vet in order for them to resolve. They will likely want to sample the lesions to figure out what's causing it and put him on an appropriate oral or topical medication.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on July 16th, 2021
Hi and thanks for your request Even though a picture would help to understand better the underlying cause, this presentation could be due to a trauma or localized spot of skin infection (likely to be caused by bacteria). A check up, appropriate disinfection and possibly antibiotics (oral, topical or in a shampoo formulation) are needed to solve the problem. Disinfection may be started at home with very diluted hibiscrub (1:10 water solution twice daily) or salted water baths (1 table spoon of salt in 1 pint of water). Buster collar may be useful as well to avoid any licking (if any).
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on September 20th, 2017
There is usually something about the area that is inviting for infection. Often, it's either due to an allergy, or the skin being excessively moist. Finding the specific cause is important, but often difficult. Watch for any particular habits he has where this area has contact with plants or other materials. Also check that he is not having excessive moisture under the chin throughout the day. For now, I recommend washing the area with a medicated shampoo containing chlorhexidine or benzoyl peroxide (these can be found at the pet store or veterinary clinic). Wash for at-least 10 minutes once a day and rinse with cool water. This should help to clear-up the infection and prevent future infections. However, you'll have to do this until the underlying cause is found and eliminated. If you are not able to find the cause relatively soon, then you should have him reexamined by the vet. We have various tests that we can run to help identify the cause. Also, the infection may need to be specifically identified and treated with antibiotics for longer in order to completely eliminate it. I hope that helps and Copper gets better soon.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on May 18th, 2017
This presentation could be due to a localized spot of skin infection (likely to be caused by bacteria very similar to an hotspot). A check up, appropriate disinfection and antibiotics (oral, topical or in a shampoo formulation) are needed to solve the problem. Disinfection can eventually be started at home with very diluted hibiscrub or betadine or salted water baths. Buster collar may be useful as well to avoid scratching. Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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