My Yorkie has hard pimple-like bumps with white heads. What are they?

Without a [physical exam](https://www.petcoach.co/article/what-does-your-veterinarian-look-for-during-a-physical-exam), I can't say for certain what they are, however, I can tell you that small bumps on the skin which are filled with pus are called pustules. These can be caused by a bacteria infection of the hair follicles (bacterial folliculitis), autoimmune diseases, a bacterial skin infection ([pyoderma](https://www.petcoach.co/article/staphylococcal-pyoderma-a-common-skin-infection-in-dogs-pup/)), a fungal skin infection among others. I would recommend taking Sadie to the vet to determine the cause of the pustules, and to prescribe the proper treatment. In the meantime, do not squeeze them or try to pop them, as you could potentially spread infection. An [e-collar](https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/well-and-good-e-collar) (cone) can be used to prevent lickign or chewing until she sees the doctor.

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to hear about Lexie Rose. Small pimples with pus that develop are called pustules. These are caused by a normal bacteria that lives on her skin (Staphylococcus pseudointermedius). This bacteria is NOT contagious to other dogs or to people. It's hard to say exactly what caused this and you may never know why. The important thing is to monitor them and make sure they resolve. You can warm compress them and try to encourage them to rupture/drain. If more of these lesions develop or you notice other signs (itching, scratching, discomfort, etc), I would advise that you have your veterinarian evaluate her. Your vet can then discuss how to proceed. In the meantime, warm compress and buy some medicated shampoo at your local pet store. Good antibacterial shampoos contain benzoyl peroxide and will be under various brand names. These shampoos are great with breakouts like this or worse. Good luck with Lexie Rose.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! These could be benign or malignant growths. 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 day!

Small bumps that come and go could indicate an allergic reaction. The reaction could be related to bug bites, food allergies but it could also be related to a skin cancer called a Mast Cell Tumor. I recommend to have Gypsy examined to be safe. I hope this helps.

It sounds like he could have a bacterial skin infection. You could bathe him with a medicated dog shampoo but he may also need an antibiotic. Have your vet take a look at him to determine the exact cause and prescribe medications to treat. He may need an antibiotic, anti-histamine, or corticosteroid to help.

This appears to be a pustule (pus-filled bump), which indicates that Sebastian has a pyoderma (bacterial skin infection). You can help remove these and keep them from coming back by cleaning the area with a medicated shampoo (can find this at the pet store) daily. Clean the area for at-least ten minutes at a time using warm water and a cloth. Wipe the skin gently, but do not scrub. Don't be surprised if some of these lesions pop - this is perfectly fine. Continue the daily cleaning until you don't see these bumps anymore. If it's not getting better within two weeks, then it's best to take Sebastian to the vet. He may need stronger medication to clear this problem and they can also ensure that his overall health is OK. I hope that helps and Sebastian gets better soon.

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! The area in the picture looks like an area of what I would call excoriation or skin irritation usually seen when a dog scratches an area extensively due to itching. The yellowish area can be a pimple or what we call a pustule (a pimple containing pus). Pimples and pustules are usually raised lesions, extending up from the skin. It's a little difficult making out much detail in the picture. Sometimes damaged areas of skin turn yellowish like that and are usually flat in appearance, not raised up like a pimple/pustule. I hope this helps.