My dog has sudden red spots on her belly and armpit. What's wrong?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

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  Answered By C. Rathjens, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on September 26th, 2018

  That looks most like either a superficial skin infection, or (less likely) some superficial bleeding under the skin - it's hard to tell from the pictures. If it's infection, Misu could need some oral or topical medications, however if it's a bleeding issue that is much more serious. I would recommend taking her to a vet for evaluation as soon as possible to make sure it's not the bleeding issue and to start her on treatment if she has an infection. Good luck and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

  

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  Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

  Veterinarian

  Published on November 21st, 2016

  This is probably caused by an allergic reaction. first of all make sure you flea your dog regularly every month with a high quality flea product (ex. Advantage Multi) as fleas are by far the most common reason for these reactions. If the fleas are not the problem, it could be an allergic reaction to food or an environmental factor. this is more complicated to treat and will sometimes require medications such as Steroids, anti histamines or Apoquel in order to stop the allergy. In some cases a course of antibiotics is also needed in order to treat the secondary infection that has appeared.

  

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  Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

  Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

  Published on November 3rd, 2017

  Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be due to allergies, especially if he is itchy. It really comes down to figuring out what is causing his 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