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Why does my dog have smelly yellow skin sores after park visits?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Boston Terrier | Female | spayed | 6 years and 4 months old | 48 lbs

My boston terrier has developed pustules on her chest, front legs and tummy after visiting the park/river. The pus is yellow and smells very strong metallic when ruptured. Looks like impetigo, but she is already 6 years old. What can it be?

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By David Darvishian

Veterinarian

Published on September 14th, 2017

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to hear that Emma is having some skin problems. You are completely right about the pustules and the impetigo. In fact in puppies, some vets still tend to call it puppy impetigo. This condition in adult dogs is known as staph pyoderma caused by a bacteria known as Staphylococcus pseudointermedius. It is a normal bacterial resident on the skin of dogs and very commonly causes problems like this in dogs. Sometimes the cause is unknown and other times it's caused by external parasites (fleas, ticks, mites, etc), allergies to inhaled allergens/flea bite allergies/or food allergies, contact irritants or allergens, internal organ problems, intestinal parasite problems, nutritional problems, a primary bacterial skin problem, and the list goes on. Most of the time it is hard to narrow down the causative problem. Your vet can take a detailed history and do a complete exam with diagnostics to follow if indicated. Most of the time this problem is treated topically with medicated shampoos effective against the staph bacteria (such as a benzoyl peroxide shampoo). Leave the lather on for at least 10-15 minutes and let the product cleanse the skin and the hair follicles. Rinse very well and you can even use a good coat conditioner to follow. Sometimes these infections are stubborn and require oral antibiotics and medicines for itching because this condition can become rather itchy and irritating for the pet. Antihistamines or even steroids are used to calm the itch depending upon the level of itching and the suspected cause. Fish oil is also good for the skin and all organs of the body as they are anti inflammatory. Many other strategies can be employed depending on the suspected cause. We are in a high allergy season (late summer/fall) here in the United States. A lot of weed pollens are out right now causing lots of problems for humans and pets alike. This could certainly be what is going on. One more thing- dermatologists advise treating these cases (when bad enough) with a 21 day or 3 week course of good skin antibiotics to make it go away completely. If the condition recurs, then an inciting factor is at play and should be pursued. Good luck with Emma.

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    Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

    Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

    Published on

    Hi there! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is most likely pyoderma or a bacterial infection. This is possibly secondary to either allergies or just a primary infection after contact with something in the dog park for example. I recommend that you have Emma evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They would be able to start her on an antibiotic. Alternatively, if you are unable to visit your veterinarian, you may proceed with bathing her with a medicated shampoo twice weekly to see if it improves. This shampoo should contain ketoconazole and chlorhexidine. Good luck and have a nice day!

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