What are these pimples on my puppy's belly? Vet or special shampoo?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This looks like a focal infection. You can try to use a medicated shampoo containing chlorhexidine twice weekly for 2 weeks. If there is no improvement or in the meantime this appears to be getting worse, have her evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Good luck and have a good day!

I suspect that these are little 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 Mia 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 Please note that I cannot be sure this is the problem without actually examining Mia, so your best option is to have a vet evaluate her, so they can definitively diagnose it and prescribe the most appropriate treatment. I hope that helps and all is well with Mia.

It looks as if your dog has a skin infection, most commonly caused by an allergy, a skin mite (Demodex) or fleas. 

The allergy could be a due to a protein in your dog’s food or an environmental allergy like to dust, pollens, grasses, etc. 

The allergy causes your dog to itch and chew at the skin which breaks down the skin barrier. This then leads to infection. Skin infections are typically characterized by large areas of hair loss, redness, crusting, flaking, and pustules. A thorough skin examination by your veterinarian should be able to determine the cause of the infection and itch so it can be treated appropriately. Because your puppy is so young I would be very concerned about Demodex as the primary problem. Your dog will most likely need antibiotics to help clear up the infection and possibly an allergy/anti-itch medication like Apoquel, Atopica, or Cytopoint to give some relief while the infection clears up. A medicated shampoo may be beneficial as well (based on the type of infection your veterinarian can recommend the most appropriate one). I would also recommend that he be on a good flea control routinely too. The thyroid gland is located in the throat area but it is probably not what you were feeling. I suspect you may be feeling a large lymph node or just severely inflamed skin tissue judging by the severity of his infection. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.



Hello there. Penny may have a skin infection. I recommend bathing her in an antibiotic and antifungal shampoo. I also recommend taking her to the veterinarian to help determine the cause of the pimples, which could be from allergies, scratches, bug bites, etc.

This is called puppy pyoderma. It’s a mild skin infection that puppies often get. You can bathe the area with anti bacterial shampoo every few days and that should clear it up. If it is getting worse or the puppies seem sick then bring them in for a exam and treatment. They may need oral antibiotics. Also make sure the bedding is soft and dry. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for your puppies.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Sasha. I suspect she has a mild superficial skin infection starting on her belly. I would start by bathing her twice per week with a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner such as an oatmeal or fatty acid based formula. This may take care of it as it appears mild. If the lesions spread or do not resolve, she will need to see her veterinarian. Skin infections can be due to an allergy, irritation or parasites. I hope this information helps!

Your puppy may have puppy impetigo which is a bacterial skin infection. Have your vet take a look at her to diagnose and treat. She may need an antibacterial shampoo and/or an oral antibiotic to treat.