Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My dog has black, red, flaky skin spots. Could it be a skin infection?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Yorkipoo | Male | neutered | 6 years and 7 months old | 5 lbs

My 5 year old yorkie poodle has big black spots with a bit of red and dry flakyness all around the spots. Please help? The vet thought it was ticks

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on October 2nd, 2018

That looks like a bacterial skin infection. It is best if you have him examined by a vet - maybe not the one that said these were ticks? In the meantime you can try using this to see if it helps:

( https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/vetericyn-plus-wound-and-skin-care-for-dogs )

Best wishes.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Elizabeth
Veterinarian
Published on June 19th, 2019
Those red dots could be a few things including flea bites, an allergic reaction, skin irritation or the beginning of a bacterial infection. You can check him for fleas by using a flea comb around his lower back and tail area. You may try washing him in an oatmeal type shampoo as that can relieve irritation. Monitor the spots very closely. If they get worse or do not go away after two weeks, have him examined by the veterinarian. An omega-3 fatty acid supplement for pets can also help. Best of luck.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Laura Johnson VMD
Veterinarian
Published on October 9th, 2018
Hi, thanks for using PetCoach!

The areas are unrelated to the ticks. It could be from licking or comedones, which are clogged hair follicles. Comedones can form due to allergies, demodex, bacterial skin infection or endocrine disorders. You can try a follicular flushing shampoo that contains benzoyl peroxide, example in link. Bathe twice weekly and allow the lather to sit for 10 minutes before rinsing. If she is licking and bathing doesn’t help have her seen by your vet.

Good luck!

https://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=21564
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Training & Behavior

My dog has skin bumps. Are they black fly bites or an infection?

It is possible, though it looks more like it could be a bacterial infection. Ideally, take her in to the vet for an exam so that the proper treatment can be determined. If you want to try something at home, you can try this product: https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/vetericyn-plus-wound-and-skin-care-for-dogs However, if it is not improving within a few days, please get her in to see your vet. Thanks for asking PetCoach!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog's skin is black and flaking. Could it be a skin infection?

Hi there and thank you for using pet coach to address your concern. From the pictures you have provided, I suspect that she is dealing with a skin infection. Below are the products I recommend to treat this. If the skin condition does not improve or it worsens, I would recommend having a veterinarian examine her so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. These products can all be found online quite easily. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction. 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 the infection is resolved. 2. Malacetic conditioning spray and apply to the area until resolved 3. Welactin omega 3 fish oil capsules 4. Essential 6 spot on by dermoscent

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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

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.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog keeps licking a spot on his skin. Is it a skin infection?

Based on your photos, it appears that Marley has a skin infection. I would recommend having a veterinarian take a look at this so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. I hope this helps! If you are unable to get to a veterinarian right away, I would recommend the below following products which can be found online quite easily. 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 and bathe twice weekly until resolved 2. Douxo PS Calm mousse and apply once daily until resolved 3. Welactin omega 3 fish oil capsules and give as directed on bottle 4. Malacetic conditioning spray and apply to affected area twice daily until resolved 5. Essential 6 spot on by Dermoscent

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why does my dog have black skin spots? Allergies, fleas, or infection?

She could have a skin infection, mites, fleas, ringworm, allergic dermatitis, etc. Your vet can do a skin scrape, cytology, or culture to help diagnose and then prescribe medications to treat the problem. She may need an antibiotic, anti-histamine, corticosteroid, or other medications depending on the cause. Make sure to treat her with a monthly flea medication like NexGard, Frontline, Advantage, or Revolution to prevent fleas.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Yorkie has scaly black spot & pink pimple on thigh. Should I worry?

This looks like a staph skin infection. I suggest you use these medicated wipes on the affected area twice a day. If no improvement (or only minimal improvement) after 7-10 days of treatment then you should have Abby to your vet for an exam. ( https://www.allivet.com/p-5393-douxo-chlorhexidine-3-ps-pads-for-dogs-and-cats-30.aspx )

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog has red circles on his belly. Could it be a skin infection?

This looks like a mild Staph bacterial infection of the skin. I suggest you use these medicated pads on those areas daily for about a week. If no improvement then have your vet check him out. ( https://www.allivet.com/p-5393-douxo-chlorhexidine-3-ps-pads-for-dogs-and-cats-30.aspx?SearchTerm=duoxo%20+Auto )

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share