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My dog has a skin bump. Is it a bug bite? Does he need a vet or meds?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Male | neutered | 5 years and 9 months old | 14 lbs

What kind of bug bite does the attached picture look like on my dog? And will he need additional meds or a vet visit if he is already taking Trifexis monthly?

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By David Darvishian

Veterinarian

Published on September 4th, 2017

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to see that Ranger is having a skin problem. External parasite and bug bites can definitely create lesions like this on dogs. Ticks, fleas, spiders, ants, bees, etc could all cause something like this. But having said that, this could just be a pus filled pimple that we call a pustule. This is caused by a staph bacteria that lives on the surface of the skin. It is non contagious to other pets and people. I don't think any additional medicines will be required but monitor the area closely for resolution. Some insect bites can cause a lot of local damage around the bite wound if that's what this is. If this worsens, spreads, or persists, have your veterinarian look at it and advise you. Good luck with Ranger. Hopefully this will just resolve on it's own despite the cause.

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    Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on January 14th, 2018

    Poor puppy. This may be the beginning of a condition called puppy strangles, which is an immune mediated condition causing pustules on the face and body. Have your vet do some testing (ie biopsy of the lesions) to confirm. If this is puppy strangles, then treatment consists of steroids and antibiotics to treat for the secondary infection. Another possibility is that this is just a skin infection which can be secondary to bug bites. Antibiotics are still the recommended treatment to help resolve these lesions. Best wishes with your puppy Champ. Take care.

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