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My dog has reddish-black spots. Is it flea dirt, a rash, or something else?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Female | unspayed | 4 years and 7 months old | 6 lbs

I have been getting bit by something and just a few minutes ago Lilly rolled on her back so I pet her stomach. Then I saw these reddish blackish spots everywhere. I have never seen this on her before and I gave her a bath a few weeks ago and pulled off all the fleas. But I am not sure if these are flea eggs or bed bugs or what it is but I know it ain't dirt because it won't come off with a warm wash cloth and also I think she might have a thorn stuck in one of her pads.

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1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

Veterinarian

Published on October 3rd, 2018

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It is hard to see the skin in your pictures but it looks like a rash or comedones. If the reddish black things on her skin flakes off or are loose, wet them on a white tissue. If they melt away to a red streak that is flea poop. Flea dips and shampoos are NOT preventatives for fleas and the fleas that hatch on the carpet will jump right back on the pet. Fleas do not lay eggs on the pet but on the carpet. Bed bugs do not live on animals. I recommend a flea preventative like oral Nexgard, Simparica, Bravecto or topical Advantix ii or the Seresto collar. If there are no live fleas or flea dirt then she likely has a secondary skin infection or rash from an allergic reaction the the fleas. I would have her seen by your Vet so she can be provided relief. Also it looks like she has a paw infection which could be from environmental or food allergies. Good luck!

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