What are those red, infected spots that appeared overnight on my dog's tail?

These look like little crusts associated with a skin infection. Your dog was probably chewing his tail excessively and caused the skin infection. If it is localized to only the tail he probably will not need antibiotics. You can try to use a topical antibiotic ointment on the area to help clear it up. If you cannot get it to clear up or if it begins to spread I would recommend taking Louie in to the vet to be checked out.

Hi. This appears to be a hot spot on him. This is basically an area of a moist dermatitis , or skin infection. They are usually secondary to allergies of some type. They are treated at the veterinarian by clipping the area, cleaning it with medicated cleaner, and then antibiotics and antiinflammtories. I'd call your veterinarian in the morning for an appointment

Teddy looks like he may have an infection in the skin. Pets can get infections for many reasons including fleas, allergies, ringworm (which humans can get) or endocrine disease. I recommend to have Teddy examined by the veterinarian. Teddy will like get medications and possible a medicated shampoo. You also need to protect the area from licking or chewing by having him wear an elizabethan collar at all times. I hope this helps.

Hello, that looks like a local skin infection. This could be secondary to fleas or or some prior local irritation which causes itchiness and a subsequent infection, This could respond to antibiotics if the infection is bacterial. Other kind of infections include parasites and fungal infections which are less likely. I would recommend having the area looked at by your veterinarian as it may need either topical or oral antibiotics to treat. Additionally, ensure your dog is on adequate monthly flea prevention and in the interim, you can put an e-collar on your dog to keep the area protected from the licking which could make it worse. Hope this helps and best of luck.

Hi, I am sorry to hear about Marley. Based on your description and the pictures you took, it appears that Marley may have a "hot spot". This is a moist dermatitis that causes discomfort, inflammation, and a secondary infection. When you say that he "received an allergy shot", I presume this is a steroid injection. If that is the case, the steroid injection should help to reduce his discomfort within less than 24hrs after the shot. Generally, I always treat a hot spots with a prescription of oral antibiotics, rather then topical. I allow the affected area to "dry out", as this is considered a "moist dermatitis" and we want it to no longer be "moist". Steroids are key to helping him feel more comfortable. Make sure to keep the ecollar on at all times to prevent him from chewing or licking at that sore area. I would recommend to contact your vet and ask if a prescription of oral antibiotics is warranted in Marley's case. They are the ones who can get this medication for you if it will help him and is indicated in his case. Best of luck to you and Marley.

This presentation could be due to a trauma or localized spot of skin infection (likely to be caused by bacteria and commonly called hot spot). A check up, appropriate disinfection and possibly antibiotics (oral, topical or in a shampoo formulation) are needed to solve the problem. Disinfection can eventually 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/scratching. 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.

Hello. From the photo that you provided, this looks like a growth that may be benign or malignant. It may also be a cyst. Your veterinarian can try to do a fine needle aspirate on the lump in order to determine if it is urgent to surgically remove it. As to whether the hot spot caused it…. that is not likely. Your pet may be licking or chewing at it and it may have had some part in causing the hotspot, but I cannot say for sure. Your next step should be trying to determine if surgery is needed to remove it. Your veterinarian can help you with that. Thank you.