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My dog has red skin. Could it be low platelets? What are the signs?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | German Shepherd | Male | unneutered | 2 years and 8 months old

Can you please show me the photo or what signs or symptoms if dog is having low platelets count ?? Also he has no fever but his skin around abdomen near testicle and surroundings getting little reddish or like Inflammation so is this a sign of low platelets? How skin looks like if platelets count is low? He is eating well

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on August 3rd, 2018

Hello. Platelets are needed for blood to clot, so if platelets are low you will see actual bruising ( black & blue spots ) or discrete blood spots in the skin or on the mucous membranes. A simple CBC ( complete blood count ) will report the number of platelets *& tell you if there is a problem or not. What you are describing with the redness & inflammation sounds more like an allergic reaction, something that can affect the skin in this area very commonly. If you are worried about platelets, consider having the blood work done. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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    Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 9th, 2018

    Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! When the platelets go below 60,000 you can start to see evidence of bleeding: gums have blood and you can see pin point or larger punk to purple discolorations on the skin. You can see dark tarry stool or frank blood in the stool or blood tinged urine. Also the animals feel worse when the platelets drop. If Bruno is feeling fine then go back when you can to have them checked. Call your Vet and see if they will treat him again. I wish you the best!

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