What's causing my dog's red bumps? Will a vet visit be expensive?

Poor Nakita! It does sound like he probably has a staph infection causing the sores and bumps. This is definitely something that will need a vet visit, but fortunately I wouldn't expect it to be an expensive visit at all. After the exam, your vet will likely prescribe an antibiotic and an oral steroid like prednisone to treat the infection along with the redness and inflammation. He/she may also recommend starting Nakita on a good quality flea control medication like Nexgard or Bravecto if he isn't already on one, since fleas are the most common cause of skin irritation and infections in this particular area of the body. Veterinary costs vary quite a bit depending on where you live - but to give you a general idea, in my area the total cost for the exam and medications would be $70-90 at most clinics. You can also ask for written prescriptions for your medications if you wish, to have them filled inexpensively at a human pharmacy - in that case, your only cost at the vet clinic would be the exam fee. And yes, I think your pup is quite safe - this is a common skin problem in dogs, and usually very easy to treat with prescription medication. He shouldn't be in any danger at all :)

It sounds like Achilles may be suffering an allergic reaction if he's come home in bumps, and I would recommend seeing a vet for that. Allergic reactions can potentially progress to breathing difficulties, and it's important to have them treated to prevent that from happening. He may benefit from an antihistamine or steroids to treat the reaction. If paying for a vet is an issue, you can see if your vet accepts payment plans, if there is a low cost clinic in your area, or you can apply for Care Credit online. There is also an organization called Red Rover that give grants for treatment of sick animals, and you can see if you qualify for one of their grants. http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_pet.html?credit=web_id91754962 https://www.redrover.org https://www.carecredit.com

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Hannah! I'm glad you are planning to set up an appointment. It looks like in the last 2 pictures that she may have a bacterial skin infection. The vet will be able to tell more in person. We treat skin infections with oral antibiotics, medicated shampoo and something to stop the scratching. Skin infections can be from allergies to the environment or from her food. I do not think the skin issue is related to the tick you removed but be sure to have her on a good flea and tick preventative. I wish Hannah the best!

I am so sorry Pretty Girl is going through this. On her belly it looks like a little skin infection but on her side it looks like hives. If this just started today I would take her to an emergency veterinarian for a possible allergic reaction. If this has been going on for a few days call your regular veterinarian tomorrow. If you wait then during the night if the bumps that look like hives get worse, her face swells or she has difficulty breathing then take her to an emergency veterinarian asap. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Hi, from your pictures it appears that Mackenzie Ray is having an allergic reaction to something. You may see hives, small bumps, all over her skin. If she is vomiting or having trouble breathing, she needs to see a vet immediately. You can try giving her some Benadryl to see if that resolves. I cannot give you a dose but you can look one up online. Also, a shampoo with steroid can give her some relief. If this does not resolve, she may need to see a vet for some injections to make the bumps go down. Good luck, I hope this helps!

Poor Odyssi! The red pimple-like lesions that you are seeing could be related to a skin infection or contact reaction to insect bites (mosquitoes, fleas, etc.). A trip to the vet is in order to further assess these lesions, as antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medications are likely needed. At this point, make sure that she is receiving a high quality flea and tick preventative (such as Nexgard, Bravecto or Advantix) regularly. You can also bathe her in a gentle oatmeal-based shampoo (unless you are using topical flea control). If Odyssi seems overly itchy, put an e-collar (cone) on her until her vet appointment. If you do not have an e-collar at home, this link provides tips on making one: http://dogsaholic.com/care/homemade-dog-cone.html. I hope that all goes well!

Hello. Yes, I think you should take Honey to see your vet for this issue. It is hard for me to tell from the photo if this is a raised bump or a flat bruise but either way I think it should be checked out. It could be nothing but it might be of significance. If it is a flat bruise it could be an ecchymosis that could indicate a low platelet count (clotting disorder). If it is a raised bump it could be a mass/tumor or an abscess/infection. It is too hard to tell from the photo. I don't think it is an emergency but I would try to get her an exam in the next few days. I hope this helps. Best wishes. Dr. Amber