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Why does my dog have sudden red spots with black dots like bites?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My two dogs have little red round spots on them. Looks like it could have a small black dot in the middle like they were bit. They almost look like blood spots. They look like they could be getting worse on one of the dogs, bigger around. These just occurred in the last few hours

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Emily Luisana DVM

Answered By Emily Luisana DVM

Veterinarian

Published on September 13th, 2017

It is hard to tell for sure it if both dogs have it I would be most suspicious of black fly bites, which are often just a local irritant. However, the other big concern would be petechia hemorrhages- which could come secondary to things like rat poison exposure! If they are feeling fine and were exposed to flies recently this is more likely but if they seem to feel off or had any other signs of concern it would be safer to take them in!
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Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

    Published on June 11th, 2019

    It does look like fly bites. If he isn't scratching or licking, then I think it is safe to just monitor. If they spread, seem to bother Duke, or if new areas show up, then I would have him checked out by a vet. The sudden onset is unlikely to be caused by something else, but these lesions can also appear with several different clotting disorders and it is always better to have it checked out by a vet.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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My dog has red circular spots but acts normal. Should I be concerned?
The most common cause of these red circular spots would be biting flies. If your dog seems irritated by them you can apply a cool compress to help decrease inflammation. If the spots aren't resolving in a few days, or your dog develops red spots/bruises elsewhere on the body, lethargy, or pale gums, then a veterinary exam is recommended.
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What are these new worsening target and dark red spots on my dog?
These could be black fly bites, or it could be another type of insect bite or a rash. Since they have gotten worse, I would take Zelda into the vet today. The vet can diagnose what is causing them, and can treat them. Best of luck.
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My dog has dark red spots, a rash, and bleeding. What's happening?
Dark red blotches over the body are usually petechiae which are caused by bleeding under he skin. This is normally caused by a lack of clotting factors sometimes because of an underlying condition or more commonly, ingestion of a toxin such as rat poison. It could also be due to a rash. I would take Mcfly to the vet to get this checked out because it could be a sign of something serious. Even though he is bright it could be an issue in the early stages. Hopefully it is nothing but best to be safe.
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My puppy has red spots on his belly. Are they insect bites? What now?
From the appearance in those photos, I suspect those are black fly bites. They can cause pretty dramatic round red lesions that are flat (not raised). While they look impressive, Gnocchi shouldn't be bothered by them. They will gradually go away (it can take a week or two) and are not dangerous. I hope this helps!
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My dog has red, raised bites from playing outside. Are they dangerous?
Hi there, These look very similar in appearance to black fly bites, which look very dramatic but are truly benign. These are often worst in Spring and Fall seasons. If Pesci is allergic, you would see: facial swelling, full body hives, and severe vomit or diarrhea. This would be a sign he needs emergency medical care. Google both dog black fly bites and dog hives to see the difference in appearance. :) I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
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My dog has red marks and is scratching. Are they bug bites or serious?
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What is this smooth red spot with a white center on my dog's skin?
Thank you for the picture of Chipper's lesion. It appears to be a black fly bite. These lesions from the bite look bad, but typically they do not bother the pet. You don't need to do anything to treat it, these usually go away on their own over time. That being said, if this doesn't improve over the next week, it looks worse, or he's constantly itching it, then he will need to see a vet. I hope this helps!
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