My dog rubs his muzzle on me. Is it an infection or just attention?

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I am not sure I can fully see the area you are concerned about. If it is the area near the nose that has less hair or the 2 white/pink spots. I do not think anything about the picture is life threatening unless I am missing your concerns. Hair loss on the muzzle can be from trauma or repeated digging/rubbing with his nose, ring worm (fungal) or demodex (non-contagious mite). If the area doesn't improve or it spreads then I would have your Vet check him out. If he is rubbing his nose to bury things then prevent him from doing so. I wouldn't recommend putting anything topical on the nose because he will likely just lick it off. I hope this helps and please repost with clarification if needed.

This looks like a mild skin infection or irritation from an insect bite or injury. You can wash it with antibacterial soap, rinse it well and then apply a thin film of antibacterial ointment on it. As long as there are no other spots this should heal fine. The overlying skin may come off and then the pinker skin may be showing until the fur grows back in which could take a month or so. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Mr. Brown.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be a benign or malignant growth. This could also be just a severe infection. There is no way of knowing for sure without an examination though this represents a reason to seek veterinary care. This is usually determined with an examination and a fine needle aspirate (FNA) or a biopsy. Treatment depends on the findings up to that point. I recommend you have Ace evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Good luck and have a good night!

He could have a skin infection or an allergic dermatitis. You could bathe him with a medicated dog shampoo and see if that helps. If not, have your vet take a look at him. He may need an antibiotic, anti-histamine, or a corticosteroid to help treat the problem.

Sometimes these lesions can occur from rubbing the muzzle on cages doors, carpets...etc. Sometimes they can also be from infection and less commonly from an autoimmune disease. I would recommend to have him examined by his veterinarian who will likely prescribe medication orally. Treating this area topically can be difficult as most dogs will lick off any medication you apply to the area so oral medications are generally best. You should also protect the area from further rubbing with an elizabethan collar which should be worn at all times. You can try gently washing the ears with an antibacterial hand soap (rinse well) once daily if he tolerate it. I hope he starts feeling better quickly and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Hello. Bruno probably has a skin infection, possible from the Staph bacteria on his skin. This is all because he has allergies, either from fleas, atopy ( inhalant allergens ), or food allergies. He may also have sarcoptic or demodex mites present or even a yeast infection. I would recommend seeing your vet who can test for various triggers to his itching, licking & biting & recommend what products will work best for you & Bruno. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

I would be suspicious this may be s fungal infection, especially when it appears to be spreading. I recommend you get his checked and an appropriate treatment prescribed as soon as possible; be aware that some infections such as ringworm can be picked up by people also so handle with care until this can be ruled out