What is this black dirt-like spot on my dog's inner thigh?

The rust color to Max’s hair in this area is saliva staining from licking. This could still be happening from the grooming, or could be some other source of itching such as fleas, allergies, skin infection, etc. Make sure Max is on a good monthly flea preventative! The dark spots could be clogged hair follicles or flea “dirt” (aka flea poop). You can try a cleansing shampoo that will help to clear the follicles (like this one https://m.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=21564 ). If Max is still licking or additional skin things pop up in the next few days, he should be examined by a vet for a diagnosis so he can get appropriate treatment.

Hello. Definitely not from fleas. These are probably comedomes, or essentially black heads from some chronic irritation. It is nothing to really worry about, but you can clean the area a couple of times daily with an antibacterial skin cleanser like Hibicles ( available at all pharmacies ). Clean gently & do not scrub & the area should lighten over the next couple of weeks. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It is hard to see the skin in your pictures but it looks like a rash or comedones. If the reddish black things on her skin flakes off or are loose, wet them on a white tissue. If they melt away to a red streak that is flea poop. Flea dips and shampoos are NOT preventatives for fleas and the fleas that hatch on the carpet will jump right back on the pet. Fleas do not lay eggs on the pet but on the carpet. Bed bugs do not live on animals. I recommend a flea preventative like oral Nexgard, Simparica, Bravecto or topical Advantix ii or the Seresto collar. If there are no live fleas or flea dirt then she likely has a secondary skin infection or rash from an allergic reaction the the fleas. I would have her seen by your Vet so she can be provided relief. Also it looks like she has a paw infection which could be from environmental or food allergies. Good luck!

That area could be an area of healing bacterial infection. However it could also be related to ringworm or mites. It's likely that the area is in the healing process so I suspect it will be completely resolved in a few days. However, if it doesn't resolve or the area starts to grow larger or becomes itchy Max should he examined by a veterinarian. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Titian! The dark thickening of the skin indicates chronic skin disease. It can be from a bacterial or yeast skin infection, demodex (non-contagious skin mite), scabies (infectious skin mite) or even ring worm. I would highly recommend having Titan seen by your Vet next week for an exam. They can do a quick cytology of the surface of the skin to check for bacteria and or yeast and also do a skin scraping to look for mites. Regardless of the cause Titan is obviously uncomfortable. I wish Titan the best!

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. Based on your description, it sounds as though Cherry Pie may have a skin infection. This infection may be from bacteria, fungus or both. I would recommend having her examined by a veterinarian so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. If you are unable to get her to the vet I would recommend using the below recommended products which can be found online quite easily. 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. Douxo PS Chlorhexidine combination shampoo and bathe twice weekly until resolved 2. Malacetic conditioning spray and apply to the affected areas twice daily until resolved 3. Essential 6 spot on by Dermoscent 4. Welactin omega 3 fish oil capsules for dogs.

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! From the picture, I can see a small, flat, brown area that is slightly irregular. Though I cannot diagnose Mindy without seeing her in person, I would be happy to share some possible causes and advice on next steps. This could be a benign growth, similar to a mole or freckle on a person or a malignant growth (cancer). Several types of cancer can affect the skin, particularly lighter areas that have less hair. The area does not seem to be infected, as there is no discharge, redness, or swelling, but a bacterial or fungal infection is a possibility. You can have Mindy evaluated by a veterinarian who can take a small piece, or biopsy of the area to definitively diagnose the growth. This may require light sedation or general anesthesia to completely remove it. You can continue to monitor the area for an increase in size, margins, change in color, or additional discharge. If you notice any change in Mindy, you should definitely have her examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible. I hope this helps!