My dog has a red rash on her belly. What's wrong and what to do?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

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  Answered By Dr. Dayna, DVM, CVA

  Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

  Published on December 12th, 2017

  Ouch! That rash does look uncomfortable! I would definitely encourage you to have her evaluated by your veterinarian soon. In the meantime warm compress with Epsom salts may be of comfort. If you have any cortisone cream that may improve comfort as well. This is not a resolution as I think she likely need antibiotics. However, it may improve her comfort until she can be seen. I would also try to keep her from licking it. A tee shirt tied at the waist may be helpful. Best of luck and I hope she improves soon! Thank you for using Pet Coach.

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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  Answered By Oneal Bogan, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on January 8th, 2018

  Hi there, It looks like Blair could be having an allergic reaction as you suspected and now she has a secondary bacterial infection. I would recommend you taking her into your vet for a skin test. They can find out what is causing the rash and also get her started on medications to clear it and make her comfortable. I hope that helps and thanks for using Pet Coach!

  

  3Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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  Answered By Jessica Desrosiers

  Veterinary Technician

  Published on May 16th, 2022

  Poor Riggley! It's a good idea to schedule a vet visit since redness and rashes can be caused by a number of things including parasites, allergic reactions, yeast or fungal infections, hot spots and more. Treatment varies on the cause and may include topical medications, shampoos, or oral meds to help. Until you can get to your vet, keeping the affected areas clean and dry can help reduce irritation. Over the counter antihistamines such as benadryl may also help. It's also a good idea to not let Riggley lick or chew the spots with an Elizabethan (cone) collar as licking can introduce bacteria and lead to infection.

  

  2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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  Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

  Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

  Published on November 27th, 2017

  Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be due to allergies for example. It really comes down to figuring out what is causing her allergies so that they can be treated or the specific allergen avoided. There are many things that can cause allergies though in most cases they can be broken down into 3 big categories: flea, food and environmental allergies. Allergies are usually worked up in a stepwise fashion starting with flea allergies as this is the easiest and cheapest to take care of. If not on a flea preventative, then it would be a good idea to get started on one. If already on one then it would be a good idea to change to something else (there are many new products out in the market). If not improved in 1-3 months then it is time to move on and check for food allergies by switching to a novel diet (new protein and new carbohydrate). If that does not seem to be the issue then you are left out having to check for environmental allergies which require blood and/or skin tests. Allergies can be very frustrating to deal with at first but so rewarding at the end when we are able to treat them effectively!

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful