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Why is my dog's skin dark, private area swollen, and belly bloated?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Bichon Frise | Female | unspayed | 2 years and 10 months old | 9 lbs

My dogs skin has dark spots/patches around her body. I just noticed by her private area to her anal there were more patches dark/reddish. I just checked her private part now and it seems to have swelled up and is whiteish, I don’t know what it is or it what to do...she also seems bloated? Is it worms? Or skin problems?

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1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

Veterinarian

Published on April 11th, 2020

Nene does look irritated. This could be related to fleas, allergies or a skin infection. There are a couple things you can do at home and they can help but they may not address the underlying cause. Treat for fleas. You can try adding in an omega 3 fatty acid supplement for dogs, this can help improve the skin health. You may also try changing her diet to something like Royal Canin or Nutro as they are aimed at skin health. You can wash the lesions once a day (not her whole body, just the lesions). Also protect the area from trauma by having your pup wear an elizabethan collar at all times. If the lesions do not start improving within a week or if they are getting worse, have her examined by the veterinarian. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

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