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My dog's belly has black specs after a rash. What should I do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | spayed | 40 lbs

My female pit mix has developed these black specs all across her belly. It first looked like a rash (red bumps, puss filled bumps, etc.) then we were given Chlorhexidine to clean the area with daily, which got rid of the majority of the bumps but that's when the black specs appeared. When I clean the area a little bit of the black stuff comes off but most of it remains. These photos were taken immediately after cleaning her belly. I'm not sure what this is or how to treat it, thanks in advance!

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on August 5th, 2017

I'm not quite sure what it is, either! It could be small amounts of dried blood in the pores, dirt, or debris from the bumps healing. I can see a few more pustules in the second picture, so it looks like Panda hasn't completely resolved the original issue. You can try a follicle flushing shampoo, like Dechra DermaBenSs Shampoo which contains benzoyl peroxide, but Panda may need oral antibiotics to clear up any infection present. Also, make sure she is on a good flea preventative as sometimes flea bites can present this way. If it isn't looking better in a couple days, Panda should definitely go to the vet for diagnosis.

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    Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 27th, 2017

    Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! From your pictures it looks like Ladybug (GREAT name by the way) has a skin infection. The bumps are likely pustules. The black specks are comedones in the hair follicles. Kind of like black heads. I recommend calling your Vet tomorrow and have her seen. They likely will put her on an antibiotics and prescribe a shampoo that helps flush out the hair follicles. I hope this helps and good luck!

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