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My dog has red rings on belly. Is it a skin infection or tick bite?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Japanese Spitz | Female | unspayed | 1 year and 8 months old | 30 lbs

What are these red rings on my dog’s belly? There was one ring the previous night but now it has spread to become three (one is forming a ring and is very faint). I’ve previously removed one small tick from my dog that appears to not have sucked blood yet but not from this location.

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 9th, 2022

It looks like she has a pyoderma which is a skin infection. She should be examined and treated by your vet as she may need an antibiotic to treat the condition. In the meantime, you could bathe her with a medicated shampoo, like Douxo Chlorhexidine shampoo.

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    Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

    Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

    Published on April 7th, 2019

    Red rings like this on the skin are usually due to a bacterial or fungal skin infection. I would recommend having her seen by a veterinarian so she can get started on appropriate meds to treat the infection, but as long as she's acting normal otherwise, I would not consider this to be an emergency - it should be fine to wait until tomorrow to see your regular vet :)

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