My dog has a rash and weeping sores. Is it hives? Should I see a vet?

Hello, and thank you for your question. This looks like it could be a lump on the skin, or a focal area of infection on the skin. It may be bleeding now because Spud has been scratching at it. I would have it assessed by a vet within the next few days to pinpoint what it is. If a lump is found, they may recommend a fine needle aspirate to find out the nature of the lump. If it is a skin infection, medication can be prescribed to treat it. In the meantime, I would suggest putting an e-collar on Spud to prevent him from further chewing or licking at the lesion. If it is on the body (not the legs) you can try putting a t-shirt over him to again protect the area from further trauma. I hope this helps, and that Spud gets better soon!

Oh no, poor Winston! His face looks so sad. It sounds like he may be having an allergic reaction, and the lumps are hives. You need to take him into a vet immediately for treatment, as allergic reactions can progress to swelling of the face and muzzle, and subsequent respiratory distress. Please take him into an ER vet clinic; if there isn't one in your area, there will be a vet on call for emergencies. The information to reach that vet is found on a clinic's answering machine or website.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Loki. I am glad that he is seeing his veterinarian. He may have a bacterial skin infection. This can happen for a variety of reasons, but allergies are a common cause. Has he been licking the area? This can make it worse. I recommend bathing him with a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner such as an oatmeal or fatty acid based formula to help soothe his skin. Place an E-collar on him if he is licking. I hope this information helps!

Yes, it looks like an allergic reaction. I suggest you get him to your vet for an exam. In the meantime you can give him some antihistamines to see if that will reduce his symptoms. I have no idea what antihistamines you have available to you in Australia so I will refer you to this link of common ones used. ( https://www.albertnorthvetclinic.ca/antihistamine-chart.pml )

Hello, and thank you for your question and photos. This looks like a severe skin infection that will require treatment with antibiotics and/or antifungals. There may be also an underlying abnormality such as a mass, allergies, or parasites as you suggested. I would definitely recommend getting him seen at the vet as soon as possible, especially since he is lethargic and not eating. In the meantime, it is important that he does not scratch. You can also try applying a weak solution of betadine + water (1:10) or chlorhexidine solution as an antiseptic until you can get to the vet. I hope this helps, and that Tank is feeling better soon!

Hi, thanks for using PetCoach! Poor Chuggers! It’s hard to say if the red bumps are pustules (white center) which indicates a bacterial infection. The rash could be a contact allergy or hives. I would start Benadryl and if the bumps are still there Monday take him to your vet for an exam. Steroids, antibiotics or a topical medication may be needed. I wish Chuggers the best! https://www.petcoach.co/canigive/dog/benadryl/

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.