My lab puppy has bumps on his chin and legs. What should I do?

Hello, and thank you for your question. The photos look like raised bumps, making me think about insect bites. Other possibilities include bacterial infection or fungal infection. I would try gently bathing the area with a gentle aloe and oatmeal based shampoo. Alternatively you could try applying a bit of pure aloe vera gel to the spots to help relieve discomfort. If they are insect bites, they may improve with time. If the skin does not improve within the next 24 hours, I would suggest taking Simba to the vet. They can perform tests such as a skin scraping, skin cytology or fungal culture to help determine the cause of the lesions. At minimum, they can provide medications to reduce itching, and antibiotics if an infection is suspected. If Simba is licking or scratching the area, I would also put an e-collar (cone) on his head, and a t-shirt in his body, to prevent him from licking and scratching and causing further trauma to his skin. I hope this helps, and that Simba feels better soon!

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Ruger. I recommend that he sees his veterinarian. His skin appears to be infected. If so, he will likely medication such as antibiotics to help it heal. A topical cleansing solution may be prescribed as well. In the meantime, place an E-collar on him if he is scratching his chin. I hope this information helps!

Poor Odyssi! The red pimple-like lesions that you are seeing could be related to a skin infection or contact reaction to insect bites (mosquitoes, fleas, etc.). A trip to the vet is in order to further assess these lesions, as antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medications are likely needed. At this point, make sure that she is receiving a high quality flea and tick preventative (such as Nexgard, Bravecto or Advantix) regularly. You can also bathe her in a gentle oatmeal-based shampoo (unless you are using topical flea control). If Odyssi seems overly itchy, put an e-collar (cone) on her until her vet appointment. If you do not have an e-collar at home, this link provides tips on making one: http://dogsaholic.com/care/homemade-dog-cone.html. I hope that all goes well!

Hello, and thank you for your question and photo! It looks like Trooper may have folliculitis (inflammation of the hair follicles), caused by bacterial infection, demodex mites, fungal infection, or allergy. He will require a vet visit, but in the meantime, I would suggest wiping the muzzle area with a mild soap or chlorhexidine solution which you may be able to find at the pharmacy. This will hopefully keep the muzzle area clean until definitive treatment can be started at the vet. If Trooper is scratching at his muzzle, you may need to put an e-collar (cone) on his head to prevent further trauma to the area. Once at the vet, they may recommend some tests such as a skin scraping, cytology, or fungal culture to rule out the above causes. From there, the appropriate medication can be prescribed. I hope this helps, and that Trooper gets better soon!

Tucker likely has a localized infection or perhaps a skin tumor. The good news is that its most likely benign. Rarely, young dogs can get a malignant tumor called a mast cell tumor so I would recommend to have the area examined by a veterinarian to be sure. The doctor may recommend to take a small sample of cells to make sure its nothing to be concerned about.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Kovu! Possible causes are a deep bacterial skin infection (deep pyoderma), demodex (non-contagious mite) and Juvenile Cellulitus (puppy strangles). I recommend you take the to the Vet. Consider having a skin scrape done to check for mites or prophylactically put them on Nexgard or Bravecto (get demodex mites as well as fleas and ticks) and start them on an antibiotic. They usually need to be on antibiotics for several weeks. I would also change their food bowls to metal if they are plastic. Puppy strangles is an immune condition that requires high doses of steroids. I hope this helps and I wish you the best of luck!

Boomer's coat changes could be related to underlying endocrine/metabolic disorders (hypothyroidism or Cushing's disease), allergies, seborrhea, among others. Watch closely to determine if you have noticed any changes in Boomer's water consumption, urine frequency and volume, appetite and energy level. Any of these changes can help your vet determine if he has an underlying condition. Boomer should see his vet for an exam and possible blood and skin testing to determine the cause of his changes so that appropriate treatment can be started.