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Why does my dog have diarrhea, a belly rash, and a crusty sore?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | German Shepherd | Female | spayed | 9 years and 10 months old | 50 lbs

My pet has had loose stools for two weeks. She also has a belly rash and antibiotics don’t seem to help. She has a sore on her side that gets crusty.

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on December 29th, 2018

So the4re appear to be several problems going on. 1) diarrhea: Diarrhea can be caused by a food sensitivity, dietary indiscretion, intestinal parasites, an intestinal blockage, bacterial infection, viral infection, the weather, food change, stress, etc. I would fast Uma for 24 hours and then put her on bland food for two days, such as boiled white rice and boiled white boneless chicken meat, fed in small quantities over several feeds and then transition back to regular food slowly over a few days. If this does not clear up the diarrhea or if your dog gets lethargic, she needs to see a veterinarian for an exam as there may be something more serious such as an infection going on. 2) rash and 3)sore: Uma could be suffering from an allergy, mites, fleas, a bacterial or fungal infection. each of these requires a different treatment, so it is important to find out what is causing these. You will need to take your dog to a veterinarian for a skin exam. Your vet will do a thorough exam and maybe do a skin scrape. He will then discuss the options with you and then prescribe the proper medications.

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    Answered By Rebecca, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Hi. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. If Uma has been on antibiotics that may be the cause of her loose stool. If her skin isn’t reaolving I recommend a recheck with her veterinarian. Many times skin conditions require long term treatment and may need antifungal as well as antibacterial medications. Topical treatments with sprays and shampoos may also be be added to oral therapy. Many times allergy testing or food trials may be needed to find the underlying cause. I hope Uma is better soon.

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