Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My dog has red bumps on his face that are spreading. What is it?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Male | 70 lbs

Why does my dog have red bumps all over his face? It started out with only a couple and is spreading.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Davis

Veterinarian

Published on April 7th, 2018

This looks like areas of infection. Dogs often get this from rooting in the dirt. Since these are close to the eyes and nose I'd be careful about cleaning them or putting any medication on them. Personally I'd take him in for an exam to make sure this is a skin infection and get oral antibiotics to treat this. You can use a warm damp cloth to clean them. If he's rubbing them you can give him Benadryl. There is a section on this website with information and dosages of common over the counter medications. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Jack.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

My dog has a pus-filled bump on his snout. Is it infection? Benadryl?

Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Those bumps do not look like a bug bite reaction as but bite reactions are usually haired swellings in the skin. I would be worried that these are an infection or masses of a different type (benign (non-cancerous) masses or more concerningly a cancerous mass). If they popped up quickly then they are more likely infection. I would recommend not giving Benedryl, putting an e-collar on Kelso so that he can't scratch them open, and get him to a vet as soon as possible for testing and medications. Best of luck with Kelso.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

What are these irritated red and skin-colored bumps on my dog?

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It's hard to say without seeing Murphy but it looks like a skin infection. If the medications you used don't help within 24 hours, I recommend seeing a vet for oral antibiotics. Also, if that's his neck make sure to clean his collar too. Good luck and kisses to Murphy!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog has red bumps on his skin. What are these and should I be concerned?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is likely a reaction to something in the environment causing mild dermatitis. I would continue to monitor it for the next 48 hours. If it does not improve or it worsens, have Jules evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. If it is just mild local irritation, it is expected to resolve relatively quickly. Good luck and have a great day!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog has a small, skin-colored bump on his nose. Is it an infection?

This looks like a mild skin infection or irritation from an insect bite or injury. You can wash it with antibacterial soap, rinse it well and then apply a thin film of antibacterial ointment on it. As long as there are no other spots this should heal fine. The overlying skin may come off and then the pinker skin may be showing until the fur grows back in which could take a month or so. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Mr. Brown.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog has red bumps on his lips and mouth. How can I help him?

Poor guy! Your can try this: It won’t hurt him if he licks it off. However, if it’s not improving in 5 days or so, I would recommend that you schedule a recheck with your vet. I’m worried he may need antibiotics, as he may have a deep skin infection. If it continues to be a problem , a skin biopsy may be recommended. Thanks for asking PetCoach!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog has red bumps on his legs not going away. Is it serious?

Benji may have a mild skin infection. I recommend bathing him weekly with a medicated shampoo. Usually this will resolve in a few weeks without any other treatment. If they get worse then I would bring him in for an exam. They may prescribe antibiotics or do a skin scraping to get a diagnosis. Skin infections are more common during the hot summer months. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Benji.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why does my dog have a rash with red bumps and dry skin on his belly?

Hi. It looks like Jack has a bit of pyoderma or skin infection on his belly. It may be a hypersensitivity reaction to insect bites or contact allergy or he may have a mild bacterial infection. Dogs that swim a lot in ponds or creeks may get this. If this is his only sign and he is not painful or itchy then bathing with a mild antibacterial shampoo may clear it up. If it's bothering him or seems to spread or get worse I recommend taking him into the vet.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share