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My dog has red, patchy bumps with pus. Is it staph? What to do?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Male | neutered | 1 year and 11 months old | 5 lbs

My dog has pimple like bumps that have green or yellow pus in them. It’s red but it’s patchy.. what is it and what ca I do?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 24th, 2018

Hello. This sounds like Chip has a bit of a staph infection going on. If he is not bothered by the lesions by licking, biting or chewing his skin, then I would try bathing him to try & clear this up. Using a dog shampoo containing 2-4% chlorhexidine has been very effective in controlling skin infections without the use of oral or injectable antibiotics. Many are available online or in the bigger pet stores. The key is to bathe Chip at least twice weekly for 4-6 weeks, & leave the shampoo on for at least 10 minutes before rinsing. This is usually curative. If any of the lesions seem to e enlarging or non-healing, please see your veterinarian. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

3Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on February 19th, 2019
Hello. It looks like Leviathan has a very small staph infection in the skin, not uncommon in an area that is as delicate as this is. I would pick up a skin antiseptic like Hibiclens at any pharmacy & gently clean the area twice a day. It should clear up in about a week, but if it does seem to be getting worse, please see your veterinarian. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM
Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident
Published on April 20th, 2019
Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is likely due to an allergic reaction. This is typically treated with anti-histamine medications and steroids. I recommend you have him evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Best of luck!
4Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Laura Johnson VMD
Veterinarian
Published on November 8th, 2017
Hi, thanks for using PetCoach!

Thanks for the pictures! It looks like pustules which most commonly indicate a bacterial skin infection. It is quite possible that the skin infection started because he is allergic to the new food. Bacterial skin infections tend to be treated with oral antibiotics. You can try a medicated shampoo first. I recommend bathing 2-3 times per week and leave the lather on for 10 mins of contact time before rinsing. http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=27307

I would also consider changing his diet back to the original food if it wasn't causing problems. If the lesions spread or do not improve with the medicated bath I recommend taking him to your Vet.

I hope this helps and I wish Lolo a speedy recovery!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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