My dog has red spots on her belly. What are they? Is it an emergency?

Hi there, These appear similar to black fly bites, which appear as dramatic dark red welts, but are otherwise harmless. The skin remains smooth but may be slightly raised or swollen. Google images is helpful on this one! If the skin is itchy, crusting, flaking, and not smooth- that could be a sign of a bacterial or fungal infection that needs diagnostics and treatment. It's not an emergency, but it would be good to have Finn seen this week by his veterinarian to have them evaluated. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

I would recommend going to the vet. Sometimes this can occur with insect bites, but it could also happen with autoimmune disease or bleeding disorders. The vet will do a thorough examination, and based on their findings and the medical history, may recommend blood work or other testing.

You will need to take your dog to a veterinarian for a skin exam. Your dog could be suffering from an allergy, mites, fleas, a bacterial or fungal infection. each of these requires a different treatment, so it is important to find out what is causing the itch. Your vet will do a thorough exam and maybe a a skin scrape. He will then discuss the options with you and then prescribe medications, possibly give an injection to stop the itching.

This would appear to be localized skin infection. You would need to have Betty examined by your veterinarian for confirmation. Infection can be treated systemically with oral antibiotics and/or topically with shampoos. Place an e-collar (cone) on her to prevent further licking until she sees the doctor.

These are likely fly or insect bites. They should fade in the next day or two. If he begins to itch, contact your veterinarian for a dose of Benadryl (diphenhydramine). Place an e-collar (cone) on him to prevent licking. These bites are common in the Spring.

Oh no. Poor Sawyer. Yes this is considered to potentially be an emergency situation. These red blotchy areas are called petechiae and this could indicate a spontaneous bleeding disorder or platelet malfunction. I would recommend taking Sawyer in to an ER vet to have blood testing done and appropriate treatment depending on blood analysis findings. Hopefully this is just a platelet abnormality and can be treated with steroids and antibiotics. Here is more information for you regarding this condition. http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=1412 Best of luck with Sawyer.

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.