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My dog has a recurring skin rash. What causes it and how to treat?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Male | neutered | 5 years and 1 month old | 13 lbs

Hi. I'm just trying to identify a rash my dog has got. It's actually the 2nd or 3rd time he's had it. Would I be able to send you a photo?

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3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on October 29th, 2019

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. Based on the photos, it appears that Po may have a skin infection. We call this superficial pyoderma. For these, I recommend topical therapy and skin supplementation. If after 10-14 days there is no improvement with this approach, I recommend visiting the veterinarian and having the vet take a look at Po so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further! 1. Douox PS Chlorhexidine Combination shampoo and bathe twice weekly until resolved 2. Miconahex + Triz and spray to the affected areas twice daily until resolved 3. Essential 6 spot on by Dermoscent 4. Krillex Krill oil chews All of these can be purchased online quite easily.

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    Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 14th, 2017

    It does sound like your dog may have a pyoderma. You could bathe him with an anti-bacterial medicated dog shampoo and see if that helps. He should also be examined by a vet as he probably needs an oral antibiotic to treat the infection. He might also need an anti-histamine and/or a corticosteroid to help control any allergies. Make sure to use a flea and tick medication, like NexGard, Frontline, Bravecto, etc. to prevent fleas and ticks.

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    Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 12th, 2019

    Yes, it looks likely to be a widespread and severe pyoderma. Antibiotic treatment needs to be attempted in this case best following a culture and sensitivity testing of the skin to determine the specifically the type of bacteria involved.

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