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Why do my dog's skin pimples keep coming back after antibiotics?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | neutered | 4 years and 8 months old | 30 lbs

My chug is getting pimples on his back, mostly his lower back sides. He was on cefpodoxime proxetil for 21 days and on hydroxyzine. I bathe him with episoothe shampoo and use diluted Lubriderm on his back. He eats only boiled skinless chickn and grn beans w/Iams dry. Occasionally gets unseasoned roast, turkey, boiled hamb. Daily Vitamin, 100 IU Vit E. Occasional beggin strip, chewy milkbone or chicken strip by Carry Outs. Bumps cleared up but, after two weeks off the antibiotic are back.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Christie Long, DVM

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on January 28th, 2017

In most cases these skin infections, called bacterial pyoderma, are allergy-related. The antibiotics will help, but as you've experienced the skin problems will come back if the primary allergic disease isn't controlled. The hydroxyzine Becher took was an antihistamine, and that may have helped control the itchiness, however it sounds to me that he needs something a bit stronger to control the allergies and thus the skin infections. Talk to your vet about using Apoquel or Atopica on him; these are great drugs with minimal side effects that really help allergic dogs.

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    Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 11th, 2017

    if he has chronic skin infections then he may have allergies causing the problem. He may need to be on an anti-histamine and/or other allergy medications ( Apoquel, etc.) to control the allergies and decrease the amount of secondary bacterial infections. Have him examined by your vet or a veterinary dermatologist to determine the cause and treat. Some dogs need to stay on allergy medications long term.

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