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Puppy has belly bumps and bites after fleas. Is it a skin infection?
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Dachshund miniature | Male | unneutered | 2 months and 16 days old | 4 lbs
My dog has brown bumps on his belly and the tip of his penis is turning black. He bites his penis but has no problem urinating. He had fleas when I got him 2 weeks ago but I have treated them with a flea shampoo. He doesn't like getting in my grass to potty.
3 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Answered By Dr. Heidi DVM, CVA, CCRT, CVTP, CVSMT, CVCH
Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist, Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner
Published on September 3rd, 2017
From the pictures, it looks like the areas on Rowdy's belly are crusts that could be a sign of a bacterial skin infection which is also called pyoderma. Here is an article on pyoderma. It is very common in puppies and in response to fleas.
https://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=1571
There are a number of treatment options for pyoderma. Sometimes we can resolve them with topical treatment (antibacterial shampoos, sprays or wipes), but sometimes they require oral or injectable antibiotics.
However, we still needs to look for the cause of the pyoderma. Since we know that Rowdy had fleas that may be the reason for the pyoderma. You may also be dealing with a flea allergy even if you have treated for fleas. Once a flea bites a flea allergy dog, that dog can stay itchy for a week. Here is additional information on fleas causing itching in dogs.
https://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=2455
I would recommend having your veterinarian evaluate Rowdy to discuss your treatment options for Rowdy's belly. I would also get Rowdy on a regular flea prevention regimen since flea shampoo only works for a couple of days and only works on adult fleas.
Please let me know if that was helpful. Thanks for using PetCoach.
9Pet Parents found this answer helpfulRelated Answers from Veterinarians
Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM
Veterinarian
Puppies often get this problem known as impetigo, which is essentially a minor skin infection.
It is not likely to cause any major problems and will go away with time (about 2 weeks).
You can help speed the process along by cleaning the belly daily with a medicated shampoo or pet wipes (can find these in the pet store). Make sure to dry the area well after cleaning.
I hope that helps and Rowdy clears this soon.6Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By David Darvishian
Veterinarian
Published on July 18th, 2021
Hello and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!! Great picture by the way. Nelson is suffering from what we call puppy pyoderma or a staph bacterial infection. This is a very common condition in puppies due to their immature immune system. This is a normal bacteria that lives on their skin but can cause problems. The lesions are called papules or pustules. They can be red bumps or bumps filled with pus. This condition can be itchy and very irritating but in other cases, no clinical signs are seen other than the lesions. This condition can be caused by other things like external parasites (fleas, ticks), allergies, and other things. I would advise getting Nelson seen by your veterinarian and see if treatment is indicated. Various forms of treatment exist including topical treatments or oral antibiotics if severe enough. Your vet may want to perform some skin tests if it looks like something else is causing the bacterial infection. So I would advise a check-up by your vet. Hope this helps. This is not contagious to people or other dogs if it is just a staph infection. Good luck with Nelson.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful