What causes small pimples on a puppy's body after a bath?

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! From what I can tell via your photo, this looks a lot like puppy pyoderma-a very common condition among young dogs. Essentially, these are "pimples" for puppies and usually caused by staph bacteria. I will usually try to rule out any underlying flea problem resulting in pustules, etc when I see these patients. If I see nothing else of concern I will usually prescribe antibiotics for 10-14 days at which point the breakout has usually cleared up. I would recommend seeing your vet to do these things as well-Lala will be much more comfortable without pustules. I hope this helps!

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!

It is likely a condition called [puppy pyoderma](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/staphylococcal-pyoderma-1). It is similar to acne in babies. Pyoderma is usually caused by *Staphylococcus* bacteria (or *Staph* for short). There is nothing to do about it in most cases. Typically, this condition will resolve on its own . If she licks it or if the condition worsens or spreads, have her physically examined by your veterinarian. A small [e-collar](https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/all-four-paws-tan-comfy-cone-5000727--1) (cone) can be used to prevent licking until she sees the doctor. Stubborn cases may require a course of antibiotics.

I accidentally posted that answer before I was done. Puppy strangles is a rare condition where the body seems to attack its own skin. Your veterinarian will likely do skin tests to rule out more common causes of skin disease first (mites and ringworm for example). The sooner he is diagnosed, he can begin treatment if necessary. I hope this information helps!

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Bella. This looks like puppy pyoderma, which is a skin infection that can be common in puppies. This is because their skin is extra sensitive. I would take her the vet. The vet can confirm she does have puppy pyoderma, and can prescribe medication to treat it. I hope this helps!

Congratulations on your sweet new puppy! Immature oil glands can cause little pimple-like lesions. These “pimples” can also be due to a small skin infection (pyoderma). If more of them crop up or Aspen seems itchy in those areas, see your veterinarian. Hope this helps and best of luck to you and Aspen!

The bald spots and pimples may indicate minor infection or may be a symptom of a broader underlying condition. Skin problems can have a variety of causes, sometimes more than one. It is important to have the condition addressed by your veterinarian to determine if there is a medical cause for your pet’s skin issues and treat accordingly. Young dogs can get skin infections, commonly referred to as 'puppy pyoderma'. This usually occurs on the belly and inside the hind legs. This type of infection usually resolves without treatment as the puppy gets older. [*Staph* infections](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/staphylococcal-pyoderma-1/) are common in dogs of all ages and may requires antibiotic therapy to treat. In pets of all ages, [fleas](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/flea-allergy/), [food allergies](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/food-allergies/) and [environmental allergies](https://www.petcoach.co/article/food-allergies-vs-environmental-allergies-whats-the-difference) (contact or inhaled) can be a cause. Any one of these may not be enough to trigger the breakouts, depending on how sensitive your pet is, but a combination can be enough to start the itch-scratch cycle. Finding out the cause and eliminating it is the best course of action. With flea allergies, if your pet is sensitive enough, a single bite can cause them to break out scratch enough to tear their skin or cause a [hot spot](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/hot-spots/). Diagnosing the cause of allergies may require [allergy testing](https://www.petcoach.co/article/allergy-testing-immunotherapy-in-dogs) and [food elimination trials](https://www.petcoach.co/article/food-trials-for-allergies-in-pets-what-to-expect). [Check for fleas](https://www.petcoach.co/article/how-to-check-your-pet-for-fleas-and-ticks) with a flea comb. Look for fleas and/or tiny black granules, like coarse black pepper. This is flea feces, consisting of digested, dried blood. You may find tiny white particles, like salt, which are the flea eggs. Applying a good topical monthly flea treatment and aggressively treating your house and yard will help break the flea life cycle. If you use plastic bowls, this is a possible cause for hair loss, though this tends to be on the chin, where their skin touches the bowl while they eat. If you suspect this to be the culprit, try changing the bowls to glass, metal or ceramic. Food allergies are often caused by sensitivity to a [protein in the food](https://www.petcoach.co/article/all-about-protein-in-pet-food). Hill's Science Diet offers some non-prescription options for sensitive skin as well as [prescription hypoallergenic foods](https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/category/dog/dog-food/prescription-dog-food-and-treats) for more severe cases. Royal Canin carries limited protein and [novel protein](https://www.petcoach.co/article/what-is-a-novel-protein-pet-food) diets that may also offer some relief. Your vet can recommend a specific diet that will help.