My dog has a spot near his anus, red then white. When to see vet?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is unlikely to be something of concern and most likely represents a region of pigmentation. However, I recommend you keep a close eye on it and if at some point it appears to become a mass, have him evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment. Good luck and have a good night!

Many things can cause redness around the rear end. Common problems I see are irrigation due to seasonal allergies, infection of the anal sac, and sometimes skin infections or tumors. If it seems painful or is not improving I would recommend he be seen by a veterinarian. Thanks for using Pet Coach

This looks like a small pustule - like a pimple from an infected hair follicle. I suggest you use these medicated pads on that lesion 1-2 times per day. If after a few days it does not start to look better OR it looks worse, then he needs to see a vet. ( https://www.allivet.com/p-5393-douxo-chlorhexidine-3-ps-pads-for-dogs-and-cats-30.aspx?SearchTerm=duoxo%20pad+Auto )

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This may be due to a focal infection. You can try to use a medicated shampoo containing chlorhexidine based shampoo and bathe him twice weekly for about 1 week. If he does not get better, have him evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Alternatively, this could be secondary to allergies. Hopefully it is just an uncomplicated superficial infection. Good luck!

It looks like there may be a small skin infection (called pyoderma). You can use a medicated shampoo like Dechra Malacetic Ultra Otic, but if it doesn't look better in 72 hours, your pup may need oral antibiotics to clear the infection.

This presentation could be due to a trauma or localized spot of skin infection (likely to be caused by bacteria). A check up, appropriate disinfection and possibly antibiotics (oral, topical or in a shampoo formulation) might be needed to solve the problem, but disinfection can possibly be started at home with very diluted hibiscrub or betadine or salted water baths (twice daily for 3-4 days should be enough). Buster collar may be useful as well to avoid any licking. Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! The signs you are describing can be related to your dog's anal glands - these are structures that create lubrication for the feces and can become impacted or infected. You may be seeing redness around the anus because your dog has been scooting or licking/chewing the area. Another cause can be a bacterial or fungal infection. I recommend having your dog seen by a vet as soon as possible, they can perform a rectal exam to determine if there are any anal gland issues. I hope this helps and am happy to answer any other questions you may have!