Why does my Westie have dark spots and bumps on his back and neck?

I don't typically see skin cancer causing itchiness, however Westie's frequently have allergies, so I would be inclined to consider that first before something like cancer. I'd also want to rule out fleas and mites (mange). Allergies are quite common, and if you take Mollie to her vet he should be able to rule out parasites, and treat her for the itchiness and the secondary bacterial skin infection that is likely also present.

I looks like a hot spot. I suggest you use apply hydrocortisone spray or hydrocortisone cream to the affected area 2 times per day. If after a week or so it is not looking better then he should see your vet. ( https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/hot-spots/ )

Hello, and thank you for your question! Darkening of the skin should not be a problem, in the absence of any scratching or irritation. However, terriers such as westies can be prone to skin allergies, so I would keep a close eye on Britta for any licking, biting or scratching of her skin. If so, this irritation could cause darkening ("hyperpigmentation"), and if so, I would recommend taking her to the vet for an exam of her skin. On the topic of westies with sensitive skin, I would stick with bathing her no more than once a month, using a gentle aloe and oatmeal based shampoo. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. This will help to prevent overdrying and itching of the skin. I hope this helps, and that Britta is doing well!

This presentation could be due to a trauma or localized spot of skin infection (likely to be caused by bacteria). Underlying allergy can predispose to skin infection. A check up, appropriate disinfection and possibly 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 any licking/scratching. Hope this answer was helpful, but 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.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is possibly due to an underlying allergy predisposing him to fungal infections. It really comes down to figuring out what is causing his allergies so that they can be treated or the specific allergen avoided. A secondary infection is likely and also needs to be addressed. There are many things that can cause allergies though in most cases they can be broken down into 3 big categories: flea, food and environmental allergies. Allergies are usually worked up in a stepwise fashion starting with flea allergies as this is the easiest and cheapest to take care of. If not on a flea preventative, then it would be a good idea to get started on one. If already on one then it would be a good idea to change to something else (there are many new products out in the market). If not improved in 1-3 months then it is time to move on and check for food allergies by switching to a novel diet (new protein and new carbohydrate). If that does not seem to be the issue then you are left out having to check for environmental allergies which require blood and/or skin tests. Allergies can be very frustrating to deal with at first but so rewarding at the end when we are able to treat them effectively!

Whiskey has a skin infection and it looks to affect a fairly large area. Dogs can get skin infections for many reasons including flea bites, hot spots, yeast infections, allergies, skin mites and ringworm (which humans can get). Whiskey needs to see the veterinarian within the next 24 hours to start treatment and stop continued spread of the infection. Generally these pets will need the hair shaved and the area cleaned, antibiotics, anti-inflammatories and some sort of protection (like an elizabethan collar) to prevent any scratching (this can make it worse). For now, Whiskey should wear a harness with his tags instead of the collar since the collar may be rubbing on the skin. The doctor may be able to determine the underlying cause from the exam or they may recommend a few basic diagnostics. I hope this helps and that he heals quickly.

The skin does look a bit irritated. If the scabs aren't healing, more appear, the area is very itchy or bothersome to Teddy, or it changes more in appearance, a vet visit is best to rule out issues such as infections, growths, allergies, etc. Keeping it clean and dry and keeping Teddy from pawing/licking at it can also help reduce irritation as it heals.