My dog has a red, scabby, spreading rash on her belly. What is it?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is possibly due to allergies. It really comes down to figuring out what is causing his allergies so that they can be treated or the specific allergen avoided. A secondary infection is likely and also needs to be addressed. There are many things that can cause allergies though in most cases they can be broken down into 3 big categories: flea, food and environmental allergies. Allergies are usually worked up in a stepwise fashion starting with flea allergies as this is the easiest and cheapest to take care of. If not on a flea preventative, then it would be a good idea to get started on one. If already on one then it would be a good idea to change to something else (there are many new products out in the market). If not improved in 1-3 months then it is time to move on and check for food allergies by switching to a novel diet (new protein and new carbohydrate). If that does not seem to be the issue then you are left out having to check for environmental allergies which require blood and/or skin tests. Allergies can be very frustrating to deal with at first but so rewarding at the end when we are able to treat them effectively!

Hi there. From your photos, it appears that Pepper has some mild infection of her skin. This can be caused by an allergy to something, or allergy to food. Bacteria likes to invade skin that is inflamed and a small infection will develop. I would recommend taking Pepper to you vet for an exam and skin testing. They can identify what is going on and get Pepper the treatment she needs. I hope that helps! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. What you are describing could be secondary to an allergy or skin infection. Without pictures it is difficult to say for sure what this is. I would recommend having a veterinarian examine Pluto so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further. If you are unable to get to a veterinarian right away, I would recommend using Well and Good Hydrocortisone spray, which can be found at your local Petco.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is possibly due to allergies. It really comes down to figuring out what is causing her allergies so that they can be treated or the specific allergen avoided. A secondary infection is likely and also needs to be addressed. There are many things that can cause allergies though in most cases they can be broken down into 3 big categories: flea, food and environmental allergies. Allergies are usually worked up in a stepwise fashion starting with flea allergies as this is the easiest and cheapest to take care of. If not on a flea preventative, then it would be a good idea to get started on one. If already on one then it would be a good idea to change to something else (there are many new products out in the market). If not improved in 1-3 months then it is time to move on and check for food allergies by switching to a novel diet (new protein and new carbohydrate). If that does not seem to be the issue then you are left out having to check for environmental allergies which require blood and/or skin tests. Allergies can be very frustrating to deal with at first but so rewarding at the end when we are able to treat them effectively!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This looks like a focal infection though an examination is needed to know. You can try to use a medicated shampoo containing chlorhexidine twice weekly for 2 weeks. If there is no improvement or in the meantime this appears to be getting worse, have her evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. It may be the picture but I am concerned that there may be also a lump as well. If that is the case, that should be evaluated to know if it is actually a growth. Good luck and have a good night!

This looks like a skin infection. It is most likely bacterial, but may be fungal or a combination of both types. Unfortunately, we are not able to prescribe medications for you. This requires a direct examination with a veterinarian that can then determine which type of infection, if there are any other underlying problems and then which medication is needed. They will have to prescribe the medication. Please have Togo checked out by your vet as soon as possible. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Hi, thanks for using Petcoach! Poor Maggie! I think the 2 most possible causes are ring worm (though I agree not classic in appearance) or a skin infection. You can start bathing Maggie in a medicated shampoo. Bathe 2-3 times per week and leave the later on for 10 mins before rinsing. You can do that until your appointment next week. If new areas form then try to get her in sooner. I hope this helps and good luck! http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=27307