Dog has spots like bug bites, but not fleas. Could it be blackheads?

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It is hard to see the skin in your pictures but it looks like a rash or comedones. If the reddish black things on her skin flakes off or are loose, wet them on a white tissue. If they melt away to a red streak that is flea poop. Flea dips and shampoos are NOT preventatives for fleas and the fleas that hatch on the carpet will jump right back on the pet. Fleas do not lay eggs on the pet but on the carpet. Bed bugs do not live on animals. I recommend a flea preventative like oral Nexgard, Simparica, Bravecto or topical Advantix ii or the Seresto collar. If there are no live fleas or flea dirt then she likely has a secondary skin infection or rash from an allergic reaction the the fleas. I would have her seen by your Vet so she can be provided relief. Also it looks like she has a paw infection which could be from environmental or food allergies. Good luck!

Those are blackheads (comedones). They usually do not cause a problem, as I said yesterday. Washing her with a medicated shampoo that contains Benzoyl Peroxide (not hydrogen peroxide) is recommended as that will help to unclog the pores. Do not squeeze them out. ( https://www.allivet.com/p-1520-dermabenss-shampoo.aspx?SearchTerm=benzoyl+Auto )

It looks like Izzy has something called comodones - basically tiny black heads or pimples. A shampoo with benzoyl peroxide will help flush out the hair follicles and can remove these black specs. If Izzy is otherwise totally normal (eating well, good energy, not hair loss or weight changes), you can buy an over the counter shampoo with benzoyl peroxide and bathe her twice a week for 2 weeks. During her bathes lather her up and then let her sit for 10 minutes (or as close as you can get, not all dogs tolerate this!) and then rinse. If Izzy starts getting itchy or having any other problems, I would recommend a trip to the veterinarian clinic for further evaluation. Good luck! Let me know if this was helpful information or request a consultation if you'd like to know more.

Hello. These look like comedones, similar to black heads in people. Do not squeeze as this could cause an infection. Try & locate a benzoyl peroxide based shampoo ( pet or human ) & gently wash the area. Try to leave the shapoo on for 5-10 minutes & do not let Simba lick the soap. Rinse & dry him. To can repeat this 2-3 time a week until the skin clears. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

These are comedones (black heads) and usually due to an underlying metabolic disease or a skin infection possibly caused by mites. Your veterinarian will be able to perform blood work as well as a skin scrape and cytology to check for any of these diseases.

Those blackish areas are likely related to irritation and a secondary infection. This irritation could be any bites but fleas or environmental allergy are more common. If you are noticing multiple areas affected or if Kasper is getting worse, a trip to the veterinarian is indicated for medications. Small areas or areas that are very minor may respond to feeding a high quality food aimed at skin health such as Royal Canin or Nutro. Omega 3 fatty acids for dogs can also help improve skin health. You can wash the areas with a medicated dog shampoo and treat for fleas. I recommend Simparica or Nexgard for flea treatment. I hope this is helpful and please feel free to post any additional questions.

It sounds like your dog has a skin infection. Usually infections are characterized by small red pustules full of pus. But sometimes they can look like whiteheads or blackheads, also known as comedones. Your dog will likely need a medicated shampoo to help flush out his hair follicles that have become clogged and often times need antibiotics to help the infection cleared up. There is a chance as well that this may not be an infection but maybe small cysts that are present. If this is the case usually no treatment is needed. A picture for reference would help us determine if an infection is present or if it is just a cyst. I hope this helps. Thanks For using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.