What is this mysterious spot on my dog's skin? Is it serious?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I’m sorry to hear Luna is having skin issues. A focal area like you are seeing can be due to a variety of causes, including an infection, a wound, a ruptured cyst or wart, a parasite or another underlying issue. If there is no heat, swelling or discharge I would monitor it this evening to ensure that she isn’t licking/chewing the area and then touch base with her regular veterinarian in the morning. It may require stitches, antibiotics or an anti-inflammatory to heal, all of which can most likely be addressed before the holiday. If she starts chewing at the area, I would either put an Elizabethan collar on her to prevent her from reaching it or having it addressed this evening. Good luck!

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! From the picture, I can see a small, flat, brown area that is slightly irregular. Though I cannot diagnose Mindy without seeing her in person, I would be happy to share some possible causes and advice on next steps. This could be a benign growth, similar to a mole or freckle on a person or a malignant growth (cancer). Several types of cancer can affect the skin, particularly lighter areas that have less hair. The area does not seem to be infected, as there is no discharge, redness, or swelling, but a bacterial or fungal infection is a possibility. You can have Mindy evaluated by a veterinarian who can take a small piece, or biopsy of the area to definitively diagnose the growth. This may require light sedation or general anesthesia to completely remove it. You can continue to monitor the area for an increase in size, margins, change in color, or additional discharge. If you notice any change in Mindy, you should definitely have her examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible. I hope this helps!

Thanks for visiting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. This area can be either a localized demodex infection, a bacterial infection or a fungal infection (ringworm has to be considered). Thyroid disease can also be considered. If the area of hairloss and scabbing does not improve or completely resolve within 1-2 weeks, then I would recommend taking Indy to your local vet to have the skin tested. If it does not improve, then the appropriate medication (depeding on her skin test results) can be prescribed for Indy to help this resolve. Bset of luck with Indy and her skin. Take care.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This looks like a severe focal infection. I recommend you have her evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment as this will likely require local therapy with cleaning of the site, pain control medications and antibiotics. Also, your veterinarian could check for a possible underlying cause like allergies, mites or a foreign body reaction. Good luck!

The picture makes it difficult to see. It's possible it may be a scab trying to heal, a minorly infected area of skin, or a wart/growth forming. It would be best to keep the area clean and dry and keep Belle from licking or chewing at the spot. If the area continues to change in appearance, is bothersome to Belle is hot to the touch, painful, or oozing debris, or doesn't seem to be healing, it is best to seek veterinary care in person. Your vet can take a look at and sample of the spot as needed and provide more tailored treatments depending on the cause.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It could be a wound from trauma, tick/insect bite, or a histiocytoma. Histiocytoma’s are benign growths on young dogs that are pink raised button like masses that can ulcerate. They tend to form more often on the limbs. They also tend to go away on their own in a few months. You can clean it and apply an antibiotic cream and prevent licking up see if it resolves. It it persists or grows I’d have your vet look at it. I wish Luna the best!

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. Based on the photo, I would recommend having a veterinarian take a look at this to rule out the various possible causes. This could be a bacterial infection, fungal infection such as ringworm, etc. The veterinarian will be able to perform some additional testing and have a better look at it so that the most appropriate treatment can be recommended. I hope this helps!