My dog has a worsening bumpy rash on her head. Is it infected?

Hello, thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. This looks like an infection of the skin and Stella will likely need antibiotics to get this to clear up. I would recommend you take her to your vet for an exam. In the meantime, you can apply Neosporin (or something similar) to the affected areas twice a day.

Hi and thanks for using PetCoach! Sorry to hear about Ruby. This looks like bacterial dermatitis, also known as a staph infection. This condition is caused by a bacteria known as Staphylococcus pseudointermedius. It is a normal bacterial resident on the skin of dogs and very commonly causes problems like this in dogs. It can present as a red rash or with red bumps (papules) and if they contain pus they are called pustules. Sometimes the cause is unknown and other times it's caused by external parasites (fleas, ticks, mites, etc), allergies to inhaled allergens/flea bite allergies/or food allergies, contact irritants or allergens, internal organ problems, intestinal parasite problems, nutritional problems, a primary bacterial skin problem, and the list goes on. Most of the time it is hard to narrow down the causative problem. If it presents as a seasonal problem (spring-fall) when it first starts, this is indicative of inhaled allergies called atopy. Typically, each spring it starts and can persist into the fall depending on what the dog is allergic to. It can worsen if the dog gets allergic to more allergens and can become a year-round problem. This is NOT Contagious between dogs or people. this area is small enough that you could probably monitor it unless Ruby is licking it and it's bothering her. If you do decide to take her (or it worsens, or other signs develop) your vet can take a detailed history and do a complete exam with diagnostics to follow if indicated. Sometimes these infections are stubborn and require oral antibiotics and medicines for itching because this condition can become rather itchy and irritating for the pet. Antihistamines or even steroids are used to calm the itch depending upon the level of itching and the suspected cause. Fish oil is also good for the skin and all organs of the body as they are anti-inflammatory. Many other strategies can be employed such as antibacterial shampoos. If you are interested in trying some great supplements for her skin and hair coat please visit this link- http://www.vrshealth.com/canine-products/?petcoach=1977951 Canine Omega Benefits and Cutaneo TruBenefits Use promo code “petcoach20” to receive a discount at checkout.

Hello. It is possible that this is a stress-induced, mild pyoderma (skin infection) - essentially a staph infection. I would pick up some Hibiclens antibacterial skin wash at any pharmacy & gently cleanse the affected areas 2-3 times a day. Be sure to avoid his eyes and rinse well afterwards. If the lesions appear to be healing after 3-4 days & do not seem to be spreading or worsening, then that is probably all that needs to be done. If after a week the lesions are still prominent, spreading or turning into oozing pustules, please see your veterinarian for additional treatment. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

The most common reason that we will see partial hair loss with a ring of crusting on the skin is a bacterial infection. Crusts can be a sign of a bacterial skin infection which is also called pyoderma. Here is an article on pyoderma. https://www.vin.com/veterinarypartner/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951996 There are a number of treatment options for pyoderma. Sometimes we can resolve them with topical treatment (antibacterial shampoos, sprays or wipes), but sometimes they require oral or injectable antibiotics. However, we still needs to look for the cause of the pyoderma. There are a number of reasons for skin problems in dogs. This article does an excellent job of describing them. You could be dealing with allergies (of various types) or external parasites (such as fleas or mites). https://www.petcoach.co/article/why-is-my-dog-so-itchy/ This is also an excellent article on itching in dogs and the possible causes and treatments. https://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=2604 I would recommend having your veterinarian evaluate Stella to discuss your treatment options to resolve this skin problem. Good luck! I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using PetCoach.

This presentation could be due to a trauma or localized spot of skin infection (likely to be caused by bacteria -hot spot-). A check up, appropriate disinfection and eventually antibiotics (oral, topical or in a shampoo formulation) are needed to solve the problem. Disinfection can eventually be started at home with very diluted hibiscrub or betadine or salted water baths. Buster collar may be useful as well to avoid scratching. 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.

If this just appears to be a crusted area and is not raised, it is possible this was an insect bite that got irritated or a small scratch/wound. If the lesion is raised (I can't really tell from the appearance) then we sometimes get warty skin growths that can get traumatized and bleed/crust over. I would wash the area with a mild soap or Hibiclens (available at most drug stores) and apply a topical antibiotic like Polysporin or Neosporin a few times day. If she is scratching/rubbing at the area she may need an e-collar for a few days to stop self-trauma. If the lesions isn't improving after several days of this or it starts to get larger/other spots appear then these would be reasons to seek veterinary care.

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to hear about Maya. This looks like bacterial dermatitis, also known as a staph infection. This condition is caused by a bacteria known as Staphylococcus pseudointermedius. It is a normal bacterial resident on the skin of dogs and very commonly causes problems like this in dogs. Sometimes the cause is unknown and other times it's caused by external parasites (fleas, ticks, mites, etc), allergies to inhaled allergens/flea bite allergies/or food allergies, contact irritants or allergens, internal organ problems, intestinal parasite problems, nutritional problems, a primary bacterial skin problem, and the list goes on. Most of the time it is hard to narrow down the causative problem. This is NOT Contagious between dogs or people. this area is small enough that you could probably monitor it unless Maya is licking it and it's bothering her. If you do decide to take her (or it worsens, or other signs develop) your vet can take a detailed history and do a complete exam with diagnostics to follow if indicated. Sometimes these infections are stubborn and require oral antibiotics and medicines for itching because this condition can become rather itchy and irritating for the pet. Antihistamines or even steroids are used to calm the itch depending upon the level of itching and the suspected cause. Fish oil is also good for the skin and all organs of the body as they are anti-inflammatory. Many other strategies can be employed such as a benzoyl peroxide medicated shampoo. Good luck