Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

My dog has a bump. How do I know if it's a sore or a pimple?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | BullBoxer | Female | spayed | 11 months and 4 days old | 36 lbs

How do you tell the difference between a sore and a pimple on a dog?

This question includes photos that may contain sensitive content. Click to view.

View more to consider that the photos may include sensitive content.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By David Darvishian

Veterinarian

Published on August 31st, 2017

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! The area in the picture looks like an area of what I would call excoriation or skin irritation usually seen when a dog scratches an area extensively due to itching. The yellowish area can be a pimple or what we call a pustule (a pimple containing pus). Pimples and pustules are usually raised lesions, extending up from the skin. It's a little difficult making out much detail in the picture. Sometimes damaged areas of skin turn yellowish like that and are usually flat in appearance, not raised up like a pimple/pustule. I hope this helps.

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Sponsored