Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

    rewards header
    Become a member today!
    Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
    Already a member? Sign in
    Petco Pay LogoBecome a credit card member today!

    Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
    when you use Petco Pay!

    APPLY NOW
    Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My dog has itchy bumps, scabs, ear infection. Should I see a vet?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Bulldog | Female | spayed | 9 years and 6 months old | 64 lbs

My dog Lucy has had red itchy bumps on her tummy for two weeks now. It has spread to her back and head and turned into scabs. I see now she also has an ear infection. Her entire coat seams to smell and be oily to the touch even though I gave her a bath less than a week ago. The only thing I can find on line is that she could have a yeast infection in her ears and on her skin. Could it be something else and do I need to take her to the vet to heal it?

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

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

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Dr. Dayna, DVM, CVA

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on November 14th, 2017

Those little pustules are likely a bacterial infection. However, there is usually an underlying problem such as environmental allergies or fleas or food allergies that tend to trigger these infections. I would definitely recommend that she be evaluated by a veterinarian soon. They will likely recommend medication for the ear and the skin and discuss ways to help treat the underlying problem (most common would be environmental allergies). Best of luck and I hope she improves soon!

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on February 25th, 2017

    It sounds like she could have an allergic dermatitis and a secondary bacterial infection. You could bathe her with a medicated dog shampoo and see if that helps but she probably needs to be examined and treated by a vet. She may need an antibiotic, anti-histamine, corticosteroid, or other medications. Your vet can do an examination and then prescribe medications to help. You could also add Free From Snip Tips to her diet to keep her skin and coat healthy.

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Image profile

    Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 7th, 2018

    Hi there and thank you for using pet coach to address your concern. What you are describing sounds like she could be fighting a bacterial skin infection or skin allergy. I would recommend having a veterinarian examine her so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. If you are unable to get her to a veterinarian right away, I would recommend the below products. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further. 1. Douxo PS chlorhexidine combination and bathe the twice weekly until resolved 2. Malacetic conditioning spray and apply to the area until resolved.

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why is my mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and has pus?
Is your mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and pussy? Dr. Melanie, a certified vet, discusses severe eye issues like infection or abscess, urging an immediate visit.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?
Is your dog's dry skin a concern? A certified vet offers expert advice on finding the best fish-based dog food alternatives to Science Diet for essential oils.
Updated on February 04, 2026
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My pet is breathing hard, not eating, and lethargic. What's wrong?
Is your rat breathing heavily, won't eat, and has no energy? A Licensed Vet Tech explains potential causes like infection and age, urging a vet visit for diagnosis.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My pet has red spots all over. What's causing them and what to do?
See red spots on your pet? A certified Petco vet discusses common causes like allergies, infections, or mites, guiding you on diagnosis and treatment options.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My pet keeps scratching its ear. What's causing this problem?
Is your pet scratching their ear often? A certified Petco veterinarian explains common causes like otitis or infection and how to identify the problem.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My small pet is limping and can't bear weight. Should I see a vet?
Is your pet limping and can't bear weight? A certified vet explains why a suspected fracture needs immediate diagnosis and safe pain relief. Get expert guidance.
Updated on December 04, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

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

Book Now

Sponsored