My dog has a bump. How do I know if it's a sore or a pimple?

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to see that Khloe is having a problem. It looks like it's a pus filled pimple which is called a pustule. It is a localized bacterial infection (staph infection) which is not contagious to other pets or people. You can warm compress the area 2-3 times per day to get it to rupture and then hopefully it will heal up. If this problem persists, spreads, worsens or becomes itchy, I would advise letting your vet take a look to make sure that is what I'm suspecting. Otherwise, if this resolves and clears up, you have no worries. This lesion should dry up and may become a circular spot with a ring of dried skin around it. That is the typical progression of a pustule. Good luck with Khloe and I hope this resolves without incident.

Hello, Thanks for the good picture. I agree that it does look like a solitary pimple, very well could be from an insect sting initially. I would just monitor this for now. If it spreads into many pimples, a larger sore, or an itchy rash, those would be reasons to have him seen by his veterinarian to ensure he doesn't have a skin infection that requires treatment. You can use a warm compress with saline or epsom salt water on the area for a few minutes twice per day. Otherwise, don't apply any ointments and just let it stay dry and open to air. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I can definitely see the small red bumps your are referring to, and agree that they appear scabbed over. This can be caused by a localized skin infection, an infestation with mites or fleas, or even an allergic reaction. It is likely that these conditions may be causing Hump to be itchy, and she may be having these scabs from scratching. A vet can perform some tests including blood work, and taking some samples from Hump's skin to figure out what is going on and prescribe an appropriate treatment plan. I hope this helps!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be a benign or malignant growth. This could even be the site of an infection. There is no way of knowing what it is just based on its appearance. This is often differentiated by a test called a fine needle aspirate (FNA) which is a pain free, inexpensive and easy procedure which in most cases will help reach a diagnosis. Sometimes a biopsy is needed for a definitive diagnosis. I recommend that you have him evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. I am really hoping for something benign. Good luck and have a good night!

I can understand your concern for Kobe! Not to worry - this lesion looks most like a pustule (similar to a pimple). If Kobe has been itchy or has other similar lesions, although I don't see any others in the picture, this could be a skin infection (pyoderma). Otherwise, it may simply be a response to an injury either from biting or scratching at himself. I'm glad to hear that he's going to his vet tomorrow for further evaluation. I hope this helps to ease your concern for today and that all goes well for Kobe!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! You may be referring to a focal infection. However, it is not possible to know this just based on a description. This would require an actual examination of the area to see what may be wrong so that therapy can be recommended. If this continues, I recommend that you have him evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Best of luck!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It is very hard to say without seeing Safire. It sounds like it could be a cyst (a large pimple). It is common for them to fill and burst. I recommend showing it to your vet at your next visit. They will stick a needle in it and look at the cells under the microscope to determine. Good luck and kisses to Safire!