Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Rottweiler | Female | spayed | 75 lbs
This rash gets worse & is spreading. The rash is down by the vulva.
1 Answer
Published on November 14th, 2017
Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to hear about Maya. This looks like bacterial dermatitis, also known as a staph infection. This condition is 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. This is NOT Contagious between dogs or people. this area is small enough that you could probably monitor it unless Maya is licking it and it's bothering her. If you do decide to take her (or it worsens, or other signs develop) your vet can take a detailed history and do a complete exam with diagnostics to follow if indicated. 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 such as a benzoyl peroxide medicated shampoo. Good luck
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