What's this skin problem on my dog, not from collar or harness?

Whiskey has a skin infection and it looks to affect a fairly large area. Dogs can get skin infections for many reasons including flea bites, hot spots, yeast infections, allergies, skin mites and ringworm (which humans can get). Whiskey needs to see the veterinarian within the next 24 hours to start treatment and stop continued spread of the infection. Generally these pets will need the hair shaved and the area cleaned, antibiotics, anti-inflammatories and some sort of protection (like an elizabethan collar) to prevent any scratching (this can make it worse). For now, Whiskey should wear a harness with his tags instead of the collar since the collar may be rubbing on the skin. The doctor may be able to determine the underlying cause from the exam or they may recommend a few basic diagnostics. I hope this helps and that he heals quickly.

It looks like Murphy has collarettes that are typical of pyoderma, a fairly common bacteria skin infection. I recommend scheduling an appointment with your veterinarian for an examination. If it is confirmed to be bacterial, your vet will likely prescribe an antibiotic such as Simplicef along with a probiotic to prevent diarrhea from the antibiotic course, +/- a medicated shampoo such as Malaseb every other day for two weeks. Good luck!

Those spots on Tom and Brady could be several things including fleas, allergies, skin mites, bacterial infection, ringworm (which humans can get) or a reaction to the collar (which is rare). There are a couple things you can do at home and they can help but they may not address the underlying cause. You can try adding in an omega 3 fatty acid supplement for dogs, this can help improve the skin health. You may also try changing his diet to something like Royal Canin or Nutro as they are aimed at skin health. You can wash the lesions once a day (not his whole body, just the lesions). Also protect the area from trauma by having your pup wear an elizabethan collar at all times. If the lesions do not start improving within a week or if they are getting worse, have him examined by the veterinarian. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

It's hard to know exactly why she has the brownish discoloration. certainly you should try switching her to a different flea product and remove the collar. It may take up to two months for any discoloration to disappear. You could then try switching the collar to a nylon or fabric collar, again, it may take up to two months. In the mean time, there are a couple things you can do at home and they can help but they may not address the underlying cause. You can try adding in an omega 3 fatty acid supplement for dogs, this can help improve the skin health. You may also try changing Haddie's diet to something like Royal Canin or Nutro as they are aimed at skin health. Also protect the area from trauma by having Haddie wear an elizabethan collar if she is itching. Have her examined by the veterinarian if it appears to be getting worse. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Smith. He appears to have a small wound, irritation or potentially a growth. I recommend keeping his collar off (if it is safe to do so) so you can monitor to the area. Keep it clean and dry and it should heal within a few days. If this does not happen, then he will need to see his veterinarian. In this case, he would be examined to look for other signs of skin disease. Then the veterinarian will prescribed medication to help him heal. In the meantime, it is not necessary to apply an over-the-counter medication. I hope this information helps!

That looks like a pretty nasty hot spot. Hot spots are caused by chronic moisture against the skin (which is common with a collar or something else wrapped around the neck). The best way to treat a hot spot is to clip the hair from the area so that it can fully dry out. You will need to use buzzing clipper, not a razor or scissors. You can try an OTC pet antimicrobial spray, but often prescription sprays or ointments work a little better since they contain a steroid and real antibiotics. You may also have to get creative in finding ways to prevent Peyton from scratching this area, as that will delay healing and can damage the skin. You can try socks, dog booties, or bandaging the feet to cover the nails. Unfortunately, due to the location, he won't be able to use an e-collar. If the hotspot isn't looking better in 48 hours, I would recommend that you have Peyton checked out by a vet.

This presentation could be due to a trauma or localized spot of skin infection (likely to be caused by bacteria). Underlying allergy can predispose to skin infection. A check up, appropriate disinfection and possibly antibiotics (oral, topical or in a shampoo formulation) are needed to solve the problem. Disinfection can eventually 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/scratching. 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.