My dog has a red, bleeding, balding sore that's growing. What to do?

This presentation could be due to a trauma or localized spot of skin infection (likely to be caused by bacteria). A check up, appropriate disinfection and possibly antibiotics (oral, topical or in a shampoo formulation) are needed to solve the problem. Disinfection may 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 (if any). 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. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

This could be a skin infection caused by a fungus or bacteria or and old injury or bite and in worst case scenario it could be a tumor. Please have this examined by your veterinarian. If he suspects a tumor, he will likely want to remove it and send it in to determine whether it is malignant and your dog needs further treatment. If it is an infection your dog may need an antifungal or antibiotic ointment. It may just be a scab from an old wound and might need no treatment. Your vet will be able to determine that with a hands-on exam.

Based on the location (it appears to be just to the side and just below the anus), an anal gland abscess may have ruptured. I doubt it’s an insect bite, but I can’t rule that out completely. It could also be another type of mass such as a tumor or a foreign body (such as a grass seed) that’s burrowed into the skin and caused an abscess. Regardless, your instincts are correct; this likely needs to be treated with antibiotics. Put an E -collar (cone of shame) on him and make an appointment with your vet ASAP. Hope that’s helpful! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

This sounds like he may have gotten into an ant nest or have a secondary skin infection from an allergic reaction. I recommend a veterinary exam and probably antibiotics to heal this skin infection. In the mean time you can bathe Browny in a medicated shampoo and apply a thin film of antibacterial ointment on the sores he can't reach to lick. Your veterinarian can also give medication to reduce the itch and inflammation. This sounds painful also so please take him in soon for treatment. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Browny.

Place an e-collar (cone) on him to prevent further licking or chewing. This may be enough to allow for healing. Keep the area clean and dry. If it doesn't heal or if it grows or spreads, have Barnaby physically examined by your veterinarian. He may need antibiotics or further diagnostics, such as a fine needle aspirate or biopsy, if it is a lump or mass.

It could be an infection, cyst, or possibly a hystiocytoma. The best thing would be to have a vet take a look at the lesion. Your vet can do a needle aspirate to help diagnose and then determine the best way to treat. He may need an antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, or it may need to be removed. Hope he feels better soon!

It looks like there is an infection under the skin, it could be due to a bruise or some other type of injury. i would indeed recommend taking Oscar to the vet in order to get it treated, he will probably need a course of antibiotics.