My dog has a strange spot on her skin. What could it be?

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to hear that Belle is having this problem. By the pictures, it appears that there is evidence of some skin growths or masses. Since you mention changes and that she is scratching at it, these indicate that you should have your veterinarian evaluate her. Your vet can do a physical exam of the area and then advise a few treatment options. Most likely they will advise excision or removal of the affected area and then send the sample off to a pathologist so they can diagnose what the mass is. By far, most skin growths are benign but some are cancerous or malignant so it is important to determine what the growth is. Again, have your vet evaluate her and I hope all is well and works out for you and her.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It could be a scab that fell off, a fungal infection, a bacterial infection, or a mite. It looks quiet right now. I would leave it alone and continue to monitor it. If it’s starting to get larger or Luna won’t leave it alone, I would have a vet take a closer look. Kisses to Luna!

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! From the picture, I can see a small, flat, brown area that is slightly irregular. Though I cannot diagnose Mindy without seeing her in person, I would be happy to share some possible causes and advice on next steps. This could be a benign growth, similar to a mole or freckle on a person or a malignant growth (cancer). Several types of cancer can affect the skin, particularly lighter areas that have less hair. The area does not seem to be infected, as there is no discharge, redness, or swelling, but a bacterial or fungal infection is a possibility. You can have Mindy evaluated by a veterinarian who can take a small piece, or biopsy of the area to definitively diagnose the growth. This may require light sedation or general anesthesia to completely remove it. You can continue to monitor the area for an increase in size, margins, change in color, or additional discharge. If you notice any change in Mindy, you should definitely have her examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible. I hope this helps!

It could be a hot spot (moist dermatitis) or an injury of some sort. It is difficult to determine where on Caesar it is located from the image provided. You have two options. The first is to have him examined by your veterinarian. The area may need to be shaved to provide a better look at it. Afterwards, your vet can diagnose it and administer the appropriate treatment. This could be antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications if it is a hot spot. The second option is to monitor it at home. Use an e-collar (cone) if he is licking or chewing at it. Keep it as clean and dry as possible. You can use a plain, unscented baby wipe or a pet wipe to gently clean it. If it doesn't resolve or causes discomfort, then Caesar will need to got to the vet. Monitor for rapid change or growth, discharge, bleeding, lethargy or pain associated with the site. These are symptoms that should be addressed by your veterinarian.

That lesion could be many things including an abrasion that is healing, a bacterial infection or something like ringworm (which humans can get). That's good that she is not scratching at it. You may monitor it at home. If it is not getting better after a week, if it starts looking worse or if she starts rubbing at it, have Bella examined by the veterinarian. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

It’s a little difficult to see in your picture but I would guess that this is either from a skin infection/hot spot or a skin growth. I would recommend having a vet examine the area. Bambi may need antibiotics or other medication. The vet might shave the fur around this lesion to get a better look.

It's difficult to tell from your pictures what this is, but it does appear that it may be infected. Even if she can't reach it to lick or chew, if it is itchy or painful she may be scratching it with a foot or even rubbing on the ground or furniture to scratch it. I would recommend a vet visit to assess the spot and determine what it may be. If it is getting larger it could be a mass or growth, or infection/hotspot that requires antibiotics. The vet may clip away the hair from the lesion and possibly do a cytology to find out what type of cells or infection are present. From there appropriate treatment can be determined.