Why does my dog have red blotches if he's on flea prevention?

Hello there! Yes, for sure these could be flea bites. You can look for fleas if you like? It could be any number of other skin conditions, too! If he is itchy, might be good to have him examined at your vet clinic?

This sounds quite uncomfortable for Bruno! One of the most common causes of redness and itchiness of the back legs and hind end is irritation from flea bites. I understand that he is on a flea preventative, but make sure it is one of high quality (such as Nexgard, Bravecto or Advantix) because many other OTC preventatives are fairly ineffective. Many dogs are also allergic to flea bites, in that the saliva injected from one bite can cause significant irritation, even if a flea infestation is not present. In some cases, excessive itching can cause a skin infection to develop, which causes more itching, and creates a vicious cycle. You can try bathing him in a gentle oatmeal based dog shampoo to ease some discomfort, but also assure that he is on a good flea preventative (wait 2 days after bathing to apply a topical product like Advantix). If the redness and itchiness persist, Bruno should see a vet to determine if a skin infection is present, as this would require antibiotics for treatment. I hope that he's on the mend soon!

If Cornflake had a lot of fleas, that could be causing the red spots. He may have a rash from them. But the bruises really worry me, bruising is not normal in dogs. Please have him seen by a vet now.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It is hard to see the skin in your pictures but it looks like a rash or comedones. If the reddish black things on her skin flakes off or are loose, wet them on a white tissue. If they melt away to a red streak that is flea poop. Flea dips and shampoos are NOT preventatives for fleas and the fleas that hatch on the carpet will jump right back on the pet. Fleas do not lay eggs on the pet but on the carpet. Bed bugs do not live on animals. I recommend a flea preventative like oral Nexgard, Simparica, Bravecto or topical Advantix ii or the Seresto collar. If there are no live fleas or flea dirt then she likely has a secondary skin infection or rash from an allergic reaction the the fleas. I would have her seen by your Vet so she can be provided relief. Also it looks like she has a paw infection which could be from environmental or food allergies. Good luck!

Why take the chance? just treat your dog with a high quality flea preventive treatment and then you can rule out fleas, that is the only way to rule it out completely as fleas and eggs can be missed by the naked eye.

Depending on the type of flea preventative you used then yes they can have a local reaction. If the spots that are irritated are not in the area that you put the flea medication then it is likely not due to the medicine. If it isn't in that area then I would be concerned about a reaction to the flea bites, an allergy to something else, or even a skin infection. I would have your vet look at her to see what is the cause of the skin issues. They will be able to prescribe some itching medicine and possible antibiotics if needed. I hope this helps!

It is hard to tell for sure it if both dogs have it I would be most suspicious of black fly bites, which are often just a local irritant. However, the other big concern would be petechia hemorrhages- which could come secondary to things like rat poison exposure! If they are feeling fine and were exposed to flies recently this is more likely but if they seem to feel off or had any other signs of concern it would be safer to take them in!