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Why does my puppy have recurring pimples on her private parts?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My puppy (5mon) has had little pimples on her vagina on and off since she was 8 weeks. Should I be concerned?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jennifer Ladd, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on February 17th, 2016

It is likely a condition called puppy pyoderma. 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 (cone) can be used to prevent licking until she sees the doctor. Stubborn cases may require a course of antibiotics.

23Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on June 6th, 2023
Thank you for providing a picture of Floki's bumps, it's really helpful for my answer to your question. This is likely a condition called puppy pyoderma. Pyoderma is usually caused by Staphylococcus bacteria (or Staph for short). Typically, this condition will resolve on its own . If there is no improvement in the rash in the next 3-5 days, or if she is itchy or painful or having any other symptoms such as excessive licking, then I would recommend having her examined by a vet as she may need oral antibiotics or other prescription medication to treat the problem. A small e-collar (cone) can be used to prevent licking until she sees the doctor. I hope this helps!
3Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Debi Matlack
Veterinary Technician
Published on August 13th, 2017
From what I can tell from the photo, this looks like a skin infection common to puppies called pyoderma. It is similar to acne in humans and some cases are more severe than others. I recommend getting it checked by your vet to make sure it isn't something more serious and she will probably need antibiotics to help her heal fast. Most dogs outgrow it as they get older.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Dayna, DVM, CVA
Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist
Published on January 25th, 2018
It doesn’t appear that your picture was attached. You may want to post the question again with the picture attached. However, very commonly dogs will get an infection in their inguinal area called pyoderma. This causes pimple like spots. Often antibiotics are needed in this situation. However other possible causes exist too such as wounds and possible tumors. I would encourage you to have her evaluated by your veterinarian soon. Best of luck and thank you for using Pet Coach.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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Why does my puppy have red and white pimples but isn't itchy?

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!

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My puppy has pimple-like bumps on private area and ear. What are they?

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!

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My puppy has white pimple-like bumps on her genital area. What is it?

If it looks like pimples it's probably it, You can use a Benzoyl peroxide topical cream or an antiseptic cream in order to help it resolve quicker, but otherwise it should resolve itself without treatment.

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Puppy has pimple-like bumps on stomach/genitals. Should I worry?

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Neela and for providing pictures, they are very helpful. It looks like she may have puppy pyoderma, which is a skin infection. The skin of the puppy is quite sensitive, and it can be common for them to get this skin infection around the genital area and stomach. This does need to be treated by a vet, she needs antibiotics, so I recommend you make an appointment for her to see her vet this week to get it treated. I hope this helps!

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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.

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My 4-month-old puppy has pimple bumps on her belly. How to treat?

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.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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My puppy has strange pimple-like bumps on her tummy. Is it serious?

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!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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