My dog has a red spot on his knee. Is it an infection or contagious?

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. From the pictures, it appears as though there is a solitary reddened lesion on the skin. This could be a wound or an infection. I would recommend cleaning this using a solution of diluted betadine and water (mix until a light brown color) and monitor for signs of worsening. If the area does not resolve or it worsens, I would recommend having a veterinarian examine the area so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made.

Bo's lesion looks most suspicious for a bacterial skin infection, but could also be due to ringworm, mange, or bruising. Since it does not seem to be bothering him, you can monitor the lesion for the time being to see if it changes colors, grows, becomes itchy, or spreads elsewhere. You can also try bathing him with an antimicrobial shampoo (here is one example: http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=27982 ). However, if the lesion worsens or seems to be causing discomfort, it is worth taking a trip to the vet for evaluation. I hope that all goes well!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This looks like a small focus of infection. It could be due to allergies or even just secondary to minor trauma. You can try to shave around it and clean it. If it continues to look superficial (as it looks on the picture), you can consider applying a thin film of triple antibiotic on it in case it is just a mild infection. If it does not resolve within 1 week of starting such treatment, have him evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Good luck and have a good night!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This may be a skin infection. 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 him evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Good luck and have a good night!

This presentation could be due to a trauma or localized spot of skin infection (likely to be caused by bacteria). A check up, appropriate disinfection and possibly antibiotics (oral, topical or in a shampoo formulation) are needed to solve the problem. Disinfection may 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 (if any). Hope this answer was helpful, but 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. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

Hello, you might try a small amount of hydrocortisone cream twice daily for 7-10 days. If the area does not improve, or seems to be spreading, please see your veterinarian for further diagnosis. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

That redness could indicate a bacterial infection. Sometimes the infection is a primary problem but sometimes it can indicate an allergy or allergic reaction. Less commonly, skin mites can look like this. On the right side, there is a very dark red discoloration. This could be present if he is licking or scratching at it. The concern I have is if that red discoloration is bruising. Bruising is not normal in dogs and is considered indicative of a possible emergency. Reasons for bruising include an autoimmune disorder, eating rat poison, a bleeding disorder or liver disease. If you suspect that is a bruise, I recommend to have Jax seen by the veterinarian quickly. A skin rash is not an emergency. You need to keep him from licking the area by making him wear an elizabethan collar at all times. You can wash the area daily with hand soap and rinse well. You can apply a dab of coconut oil and rub it in well a couple times a day. If it is not much better with in a week, take him to his veterinarian. If the area gets worse or if he seems uncomfortable, also get him in sooner to be seen. Lastly, you can always just have him seen by the veterinarian. They will be able to provide stronger medication that will clear that up much faster. I hope this is helpful and please feel free to post any additional questions.