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My dog has red rings on belly. Is it a skin infection or tick bite?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Japanese Spitz | Female | unspayed | 1 year and 8 months old | 30 lbs

What are these red rings on my dog’s belly? There was one ring the previous night but now it has spread to become three (one is forming a ring and is very faint). I’ve previously removed one small tick from my dog that appears to not have sucked blood yet but not from this location.

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 9th, 2022

It looks like she has a pyoderma which is a skin infection. She should be examined and treated by your vet as she may need an antibiotic to treat the condition. In the meantime, you could bathe her with a medicated shampoo, like Douxo Chlorhexidine shampoo.

2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA
Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer
Published on April 7th, 2019
Red rings like this on the skin are usually due to a bacterial or fungal skin infection. I would recommend having her seen by a veterinarian so she can get started on appropriate meds to treat the infection, but as long as she's acting normal otherwise, I would not consider this to be an emergency - it should be fine to wait until tomorrow to see your regular vet :)
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on October 18th, 2018
Hello. This looks like an area of moist dermatitis most often caused by some type of chronic irritation. You can try cleaning the area with an OTC antibacterial solution called Hibiclens gently dabbing the area several times a day. If it does not heal or start to clear up within a few days, please consult with your veterinarian for additional treatments. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Karly Macon, DVM, MS, CVA Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist
Veterinarian
Published on April 17th, 2017
Izzy could have allergic skin disease, or a bacterial or fungal infection, or a wound, or any number of things. If this area spreads, becomes worse, or doesn't go away on its own, she needs an exam by a veterinarian. She may need to have a skin scraping done or other diagnostics to figure this out.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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My dog has red circles on his belly. Could it be a skin infection?

This looks like a mild Staph bacterial infection of the skin. I suggest you use these medicated pads on those areas daily for about a week. If no improvement then have your vet check him out. ( https://www.allivet.com/p-5393-douxo-chlorhexidine-3-ps-pads-for-dogs-and-cats-30.aspx?SearchTerm=duoxo%20+Auto )

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My dog has red spots on his tummy near private area. What should I do?

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