What are the small white dots in my dog's ears that look like pimples?

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.

This is not a tick but a very localized inflammation which can possibly be due to a small trauma, an infection or allergies (only if she is scratching here and somewhere else in the body otherwise is not likely at all). At this stage, disinfection can be done at home with very diluted hibiscrub or betadine or salted water baths. Buster collar may be useful as well to avoid any scratching (if any). 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. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be a benign or malignant growth. This is often differentiated by a test called a fine needle aspirate (FNA) which is a pain free, inexpensive and easy procedure which in most cases will help reach a diagnosis. Sometimes a biopsy is needed for a definitive diagnosis. I recommend that you have him evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. I am really hoping for something benign. Good luck and have a good night!

I am sorry to hear about your concern for Saki. It is a bit difficult to really see the lesion in these photos. If it looks like a whitehead pimple (has a whitish colored center) you can try cleaning it with an antibacterial soap such as Hibiclens (available at most drug stores) and applying a topical antibiotic ointment twice daily. If it is not resolving within a week or if it is increasing in size a vet visit is recommended. You can also try warm compresses for 15 minutes a few times a day if it looks like it might come to a head and drain. If it is more of a solid mass then it could be a small tumor. We can have benign (non harmful) tumors of the skin, but with any potential tumor it is safest to have your vet examine the area.

I am sorry to hear about your concern for your pup. This looks like papules or a miliary dermatitis. We could see these from a variety of causes ranging from parasites of the skin such as mites, to allergies, to bacterial infection. If the spots aren't going away on their own in a day or two I would recommend an exam at his vet to help determine the cause of the lesions which will guide the treatment.

Without a [physical exam](https://www.petcoach.co/article/what-does-your-veterinarian-look-for-during-a-physical-exam), I can't say for certain what they are, however, I can tell you that small bumps on the skin which are filled with pus are called pustules. These can be caused by a bacteria infection of the hair follicles (bacterial folliculitis), autoimmune diseases, a bacterial skin infection ([pyoderma](https://www.petcoach.co/article/staphylococcal-pyoderma-a-common-skin-infection-in-dogs-pup/)), a fungal skin infection among others. I would recommend taking Sadie to the vet to determine the cause of the pustules, and to prescribe the proper treatment. In the meantime, do not squeeze them or try to pop them, as you could potentially spread infection. An [e-collar](https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/well-and-good-e-collar) (cone) can be used to prevent lickign or chewing until she sees the doctor.

Hi there! Puppies get "puppy pyoderma" often which often presents as you have shown in the pictures. This is very common, and easy to treat. Sometimes antibiotics are not required and they go away on their own. If the rash spreads, etc. you can always make an appointment to see your veterinarian to make sure fleas or allergies are not contributing factors! My best to you an Milli. Hope this helps!