Red blotches on dog's back: Are they flea bites or something else?

Hello there! These could be flea bites for sure, although less likely if he is on a preventative, especially if it is the type of preventative that kills adult fleas, as well as stopping fleas from reproducing. This could be many other types of rash, as well, though, such as a bacterial rash, or even a form a bruising which occurs when the blood platelets are low. It is always a good idea to get a check up done with your vet, to be sure that there is nothing to worry about! Best of luck!

I would recommend having Misty checked out by the vet. It could be fly bites, but some of the pictures almost look like bruising, which could be caused by bleeding or autoimmune disorders. Your local vet will be most familiar with biting insects and pests to determine if this is a cause.

Poor Dewey! I'm so sorry to hear of his skin troubles. Dewey could be dealing with a number of potential problems. It is difficult to tell from your photo, but it is possible that Dewey is having a reaction to some sort of biting fly or similar. You could try an over the counter topical parasite preventative that targets biting flying insects and see if this helps. The lesions may have become infected, contributing to the scabbed appearance. Patchy hairloss and lesions like this can also indicate a problem called demodex-caused by tiny mites that live in the skin. These tiny bugs can only be treated with certain medications, and can cause ongoing skin problems if not addressed. I would recommend having Dewey checked over by your regular veterinarian-they will perform a thorough physical examination, and may recommend some skin tests such as a skin scrape, which can give better insight into the cause of Deweys problem. Your vet will then prescribe medications as appropriate-he may be prescribed antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, medicated shampoo. I hope you are able to determine the nature of Dewey's problem and get him looking and feeling better soon!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It is hard to see the skin in your pictures but it looks like a rash or comedones. If the reddish black things on her skin flakes off or are loose, wet them on a white tissue. If they melt away to a red streak that is flea poop. Flea dips and shampoos are NOT preventatives for fleas and the fleas that hatch on the carpet will jump right back on the pet. Fleas do not lay eggs on the pet but on the carpet. Bed bugs do not live on animals. I recommend a flea preventative like oral Nexgard, Simparica, Bravecto or topical Advantix ii or the Seresto collar. If there are no live fleas or flea dirt then she likely has a secondary skin infection or rash from an allergic reaction the the fleas. I would have her seen by your Vet so she can be provided relief. Also it looks like she has a paw infection which could be from environmental or food allergies. Good luck!

It is hard to tell for sure it if both dogs have it I would be most suspicious of black fly bites, which are often just a local irritant. However, the other big concern would be petechia hemorrhages- which could come secondary to things like rat poison exposure! If they are feeling fine and were exposed to flies recently this is more likely but if they seem to feel off or had any other signs of concern it would be safer to take them in!

I can't tell from to photo, but are those 'seed ticks'? Other possible causes of itching/scratching/bites include mites or ant bites. If you cannot identify the cause, I recommend to have Bull examined by the veterinarian who may recommend a medication to treats the possible parasites and medications to help with any itching. Best of luck.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Bingo. It sounds like he is itching if he is biting his side. He could be experiencing seasonal allergies as those are a big source of itching in a dog this time of year. Be sure to check him over for fleas as well. Other causes of itching are a mild skin infection, an insect bite or sting or a small skin mass. I would start by bathing him with a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner such as an oatmeal or fatty acid based formula. If this does not relieve his symptoms, then he will need to see his veterinarian. I hope this information helps!