My dog has a red spot on her skin that looks like blood. What is it?

It's hard to tell from the pictures, but my two top guesses would be that this is superficial pyoderma (a common condition for dogs in which normal bacteria or yeast get out of control and cause sores/pimples/red moist spots) or it could be true bruising, which would indicate a clotting issue with her blood. It's easy to tell the difference in person (or it could certainly be something else as well - pictures don't always tell the full story) and the treatment/testing required is entirely different, so I would recommend taking her to the vet ASAP. As long as she's not lethargic and has normal appetite then waiting until tomorrow should be fine. The exception to that advice would be if you're sure or highly suspicious that it's really bruising (ie you look at her in 10 minutes and see a bruise popping up everywhere you held her lightly for these pictures) - if it's definitely bruising, go to an emergency clinic if possible. I hope that helps with decision making for tonight. Wishing you and Chasee the best of luck and 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. From the picture, this appears to be a petecchiation or ecchymotic hemorrhage. This is typically a sign of a bleeding disorder. It could be from trauma to a superficial blood vessel. I would have a veterinarian take a look at Sassy to be on the safe side and to have her blood tested to make sure her blood is normal. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! From the picture, I can see a small, flat, brown area that is slightly irregular. Though I cannot diagnose Mindy without seeing her in person, I would be happy to share some possible causes and advice on next steps. This could be a benign growth, similar to a mole or freckle on a person or a malignant growth (cancer). Several types of cancer can affect the skin, particularly lighter areas that have less hair. The area does not seem to be infected, as there is no discharge, redness, or swelling, but a bacterial or fungal infection is a possibility. You can have Mindy evaluated by a veterinarian who can take a small piece, or biopsy of the area to definitively diagnose the growth. This may require light sedation or general anesthesia to completely remove it. You can continue to monitor the area for an increase in size, margins, change in color, or additional discharge. If you notice any change in Mindy, you should definitely have her examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible. I hope this helps!

Hello. Platelets are needed for blood to clot, so if platelets are low you will see actual bruising ( black & blue spots ) or discrete blood spots in the skin or on the mucous membranes. A simple CBC ( complete blood count ) will report the number of platelets *& tell you if there is a problem or not. What you are describing with the redness & inflammation sounds more like an allergic reaction, something that can affect the skin in this area very commonly. If you are worried about platelets, consider having the blood work done. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Hello, my name is Dr. Elizabeth and I am worried about Bingo. From the photo, that looks more like bruising. Bruising on a dog is always an emergency as it can indicate internal bleeding, a clotting disorder or low platelets. I recommend to have Bingo examined immediately. If your normal veterinarian cannot see her, I recommend to go to an emergency clinic. I hope everything gets figured out quickly and that Bingo does well.

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I can see the circular, dark red, flat areas on Denim's skin. These definitely look like bruises, and can be caused by abnormal blood clotting. This can be caused by certain toxins such as rat poison, cancers, and inherent inability of the blood to clot. Your vet can run some quick blood tests to determine what is going on. I hope this helps and that all is well with Denim!

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.