My dog has a bald spot on his head with black spots. What to do?

Question

My dog has been outside for about a week. I checked him today and he had a bald spot on his head with black spots on it. Pet's info: Dog | German Shepherd | Male | unneutered | 5 months and 20 days old | 50 lbs

Jessica Keay, DVM · Accepted Answer

It looks like Tank could have what we call a "hot spot" or a superficial pyoderma (bacterial infection of the skin). You can read more about this issue at https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4952981 . I would recommend bringing him in to see the vet. We often need to shave these areas and clean them with an antiseptic cleaner. Then sometimes an oral antibiotic/steroid is needed, others times a topical spray such as Gentocin spray is prescribed. I would be careful having him outside with this wound as it can attract flies/maggots which you don't want to deal with! I would recommend keeping him primarily indoors until the lesion is healed.

My dog has a bald spot on his head with black spots. What to do?

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