My dog has small bumps with white heads on his underbelly. What to do?

Hello, thank you for your question about Sequoia. Based on what you are describing it sounds like she may be dealing with puppy pyoderma/impetigo, secondary to a bacterial skin infection. This is not an uncommon infection in puppies. Depending on the severity this condition is treating with topical skin cleansers or if severe can require antibiotics. It sounds like Sequoia's condition may be more mild and respond to gentle cleansing, however I would recommend consulting with your veterinarian so that they can decide if Sequoia needs a course of antibiotics to help these lesions resolve. Hope this helps, good luck!

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.

This presentation is due to a diffuse and quite severe pyoderma. A medicated shampoo, systemic antibiotics and a check up are absolutely needed to solve the problem. Pyoderma could be secondary to other diseases which cause immunosuppression. 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.

These appear to be little pus-filled bumps that occur due to a bacterial infection (pyoderma). Puppies commonly get this on their bellies and they usually go away with good cleaning. In an adult dog this can happen when they are in contact with something that irritates the skin and sets up an environment for infection. I recommend cleaning the belly with a medicated wipe or shampoo (can get this at the pet store) once a day until the bump(s) are gone. If it seems to get worse, then you'll want to take Calamity Jane into the vet for an exam. Below is a link to an article with more information about pyoderma. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/pyoderma-in-dogs I hope that helps and all is well with Calamity Jane.

This appears to be a possible pustule (infected small pocket underneath the skin). If just one of these is present and it isn't causing any discomfort, then I would suggest monitoring the area to see if it resolves on its own. You can gently clean the area with a mild soap (ie Dove) and warm water and placing a very thin layer of Neosporin to the bump to see if it goes away. However if it starts to spread or does not resolve within a week or two then a vet visit is needed to get Louie on a short course of antibiotics to get this to heal well. Best wishes and take care and I hope this resolved soon.

It looks like you've done a lot to help this little guy. I'm sure the vet would have told you this, but make sure you are stimulating him to poop after each feeding by wiping his bum with a warm, moist, tissue or soft cloth. Below is a link to an article with great information about caring for newborns. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/puppy-orphaned These little pus-filled bumps are due to a bacterial infection (pyoderma). Puppies commonly get this on their bellies and they usually go away with good cleaning. I recommend cleaning the belly with a medicated wipe or shampoo (can get this at the pet store) once a day until the bump(s) are gone. If it seems to get worse, then you'll want to take him into the vet for an exam. Below is a link to an article with more information about pyoderma. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/pyoderma-in-dogs I hope that helps and your pup gets better soon.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Sebastian. I recommend that he sees a veterinarian as he appears to have a mass on his leg. His veterinarian will likely perform a procedure known as a fine needle aspirate to diagnose the mass. He could have a benign growth such as a histiocytoma that is common in young dogs. Unfortunately, an aggressive form of skin cancer known as a mast cell tumor is also possible. The two have the same outward appearance. An infection deep under the skin is also possible. Based on the diagnosis, the treatment will be different. In the meantime, place an E-collar on him to prevent him from licking the area. I hope this information helps!