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My dog has pustules on her skin. What's causing them and what to do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Maltese | Female | unspayed | 5 years and 1 month old | 4 lbs

So we're soon going on a road trip to Montenegro and I actually planned on purchasing Frontline Tri act and get her completely checked out besides other necessities. Other than that I've noticed something like a pustule in the middle of her chest, she has them on her legs and tummy and I'm really worried & not sure what it could be and what to do. Could you please guide me through and share some advice? Thanks.

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1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 27th, 2018

The images posted are very distorted so I am unable to see the actual skin lesions. I believe it is how you uploaded the images perhaps. However, if you are seeing pustules on her skin, this indicates a bacterial infection and just needs to be treated with antibiotics. Dogs get skin infections for several reasons including: skin allergies, contact dermatitis (touching something that reacts with the skin), and flea allergies. I would recommend continuing with flea prevention every month, although Frontline is not my first choice because of efficacy issues. I would recommend a higher quality flea preventattive such as Bravecto, Nexgard, Simparica or Comfortis. Then get Bella seen by your vet soon to have this secondary skin infection treated and any underlying allergy she may have. I hope that Bella's skin issue resolves soon. Best of luck to you both and take care!

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