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My dog has red marks and is scratching. Are they bug bites or serious?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | spayed | 9 months and 2 days old | 38.7 lbs

Hi, my dog has a few red Mark's on her I'm wondering if it's anything to worry about or just bug bites, shes been biting at it and scratching, but I check her daily for bites and ticks but there isnt anything on her.

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on July 6th, 2019

I would recommend having Misty checked out by the vet. It could be fly bites, but some of the pictures almost look like bruising, which could be caused by bleeding or autoimmune disorders. Your local vet will be most familiar with biting insects and pests to determine if this is a cause.

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    Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 10th, 2017

    Hi, this is Dr. Johnson. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Based on the photo provided the red marks on Lucy could be black fly bites. I'd look her over carefully. If you find other purple spots on her ears, in her mouth or any bleeding gums the dots could be petecchia or ecchymosis, which are bruising of the skin. That is serious and could indicate a platlet disorder. if the areas fade in the next 24 hours they are likely black fly bites. Definitely see your Veterinarian if you are concerned

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