My dog woke up with a strange spot. Does he need a vet visit?

That redness could indicate a bacterial infection. Sometimes the infection is a primary problem but sometimes it can indicate an allergy or allergic reaction. Less commonly, skin mites can look like this. On the right side, there is a very dark red discoloration. This could be present if he is licking or scratching at it. The concern I have is if that red discoloration is bruising. Bruising is not normal in dogs and is considered indicative of a possible emergency. Reasons for bruising include an autoimmune disorder, eating rat poison, a bleeding disorder or liver disease. If you suspect that is a bruise, I recommend to have Jax seen by the veterinarian quickly. A skin rash is not an emergency. You need to keep him from licking the area by making him wear an elizabethan collar at all times. You can wash the area daily with hand soap and rinse well. You can apply a dab of coconut oil and rub it in well a couple times a day. If it is not much better with in a week, take him to his veterinarian. If the area gets worse or if he seems uncomfortable, also get him in sooner to be seen. Lastly, you can always just have him seen by the veterinarian. They will be able to provide stronger medication that will clear that up much faster. I hope this is helpful and please feel free to post any additional questions.

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.

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

The picture makes it difficult to see. It's possible it may be a scab trying to heal, a minorly infected area of skin, or a wart/growth forming. It would be best to keep the area clean and dry and keep Belle from licking or chewing at the spot. If the area continues to change in appearance, is bothersome to Belle is hot to the touch, painful, or oozing debris, or doesn't seem to be healing, it is best to seek veterinary care in person. Your vet can take a look at and sample of the spot as needed and provide more tailored treatments depending on the cause.

It’s hard for me to tell from your picture if this is raised. If so, it could be a skin mass like a histiocytoma or cyst. If it is flat it could be a small hot spot or area of skin infection. I’d recommend having your vet examine it in person for a definitive diagnosis.

Those spots on Happy’s back could be many things. If they are raised, more like a tumor, then I would recommend to have him seen by the veterinarian who may collect a small sample of cells to know if it is concerning or not. If they are flat, then you may monitor them at this time to see if they go away on their own. Dogs can get superficial bacterial infections, small wounds, ringworm (which humans can get as well) and other minor ailments that will often heal by themselves. If the spots do not go away within two weeks or if they get worse, then plan on having him seen by the veterinarian. I hope you find this helpful and please feel free to post any additional questions.

It is really hard to tell from a photo alone what is going on in the skin, however it is evident that something is causing inflammation of the skin. Dermatitis can be caused by many things including infection, irtitants, parasites, allergies or metabolic conditions. With you being away stress may have had a role in this. Ask your friend if they have given any new foods or used new shampoo? I would advise you to get to a vet for a skin exam in the next day or 2 as it is best to nip this sort of thing in the bud before it spreads.