My Shih Tzu's chin is red, swollen, and bleeding from wet food. Why?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is possibly due to allergies. It really comes down to figuring out what is causing her allergies so that they can be treated or the specific allergen avoided. A secondary infection is likely and also needs to be addressed. I think this is likely a hot spot which is basically an infection from scratching so much. You may use an e-collar in the meantime to prevent further self-trauma from scratching. There are many things that can cause allergies though in most cases they can be broken down into 3 big categories: flea, food and environmental allergies. Allergies are usually worked up in a stepwise fashion starting with flea allergies as this is the easiest and cheapest to take care of. If not on a flea preventative, then it would be a good idea to get started on one. If already on one then it would be a good idea to change to something else (there are many new products out in the market). If not improved in 1-3 months then it is time to move on and check for food allergies by switching to a novel diet (new protein and new carbohydrate). If that does not seem to be the issue then you are left out having to check for environmental allergies which require blood and/or skin tests. Allergies can be very frustrating to deal with at first but so rewarding at the end when we are able to treat them effectively!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Kovu! Possible causes are a deep bacterial skin infection (deep pyoderma), demodex (non-contagious mite) and Juvenile Cellulitus (puppy strangles). I recommend you take the to the Vet. Consider having a skin scrape done to check for mites or prophylactically put them on Nexgard or Bravecto (get demodex mites as well as fleas and ticks) and start them on an antibiotic. They usually need to be on antibiotics for several weeks. I would also change their food bowls to metal if they are plastic. Puppy strangles is an immune condition that requires high doses of steroids. I hope this helps and I wish you the best of luck!

Lesions like this could be due to an injury, skin infection or the beginning of allergies. Protect the area from any rubbing by having Basil wear an elizabethan collar at all times. You can use a pet wipe and gently cleanse the area once a day. The problem with this area is that topical treatments are generally ineffective since pets just lick off whatever you put on it. This lesion may heal on it's own. If it does not start improving after a few days or if it starts getting worse at any point, have Basil examined by the veterinarian. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Hi and thanks for your request. This is likely to be due to a superficial skin infection likely to be caused by bacterial infection. It is not urgent. A check up, appropriate disinfection and possibly antibiotics (oral, topical or in a shampoo formulation) are needed to solve the problem. Disinfection may be started at home with very diluted hibiscrub or betadine or salted water baths twice daily. Buster collar may be useful as well to avoid any scratching (if any).

This could be a skin infection or it could be a reaction to Roxie's bowls if they are plastic. Try switching her bowls to stainless steel to see if that helps. If this doesn't help, then she should see a vet for it, especial since her chin has looked like this for a while. If paying for a vet is an issue, you can see if your vet accepts payment plans, if there is a low cost clinic in your area, or you can apply for Care Credit online. There is also an organization called Red Rover that give grants for treatment of sick animals, and you can see if you qualify for one of their grants. Best Friends also has a list of resources that offer financial assistance on their website. http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_pet.html?credit=web_id91754962 https://www.redrover.org https://www.carecredit.com http://bestfriends.org/resources/financial-aid-pets http://lessonsfromaparalyzeddog.com/when-pet-owners-cant-afford-veterinary-bills/ http://www.dogheirs.com/resources-affordable-veterinary-care/ Check out these resources to see if one can help you. Best of luck.

This presentation could be due to a trauma or localized spot of skin infection (likely to be caused by bacteria and commonly called hot spot). A check up, appropriate disinfection and possibly antibiotics (oral, topical or in a shampoo formulation) are needed to solve the problem. Disinfection can eventually be started at home with very diluted hibiscrub or betadine or salted water baths. Buster collar may be useful as well to avoid any licking/scratching. Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

It is very difficult to diagnose skin problems over the internet. There are so many things that could cause this, including allergies. Some other possibilities: mange mites, skin infection (bacteria or yeast) and autoimmune disorders. If you are talking about the lesion on the elbow, that is a callous and there is not much you can do for those. That happens when they lay down too much on hard surfaces. That will never go away completely but you can apply a salve to keep it soft and uninfected. I would use this medicated shampoo every 3 days until his skin starts to look better. Lather, let it sit on him for 10 minutes and then rinse thoroughly. https://www.ubuy.co.id/en/search/index/view/product/B07N1KMBWW/s/dechra-miconahex-triz-shampoo-for-cats-and-dogs-16-oz/store/store On the skin lesions/wounds/callouses on the body. You can apply this salve: https://www.ubuy.co.id/en/search/index/view/product/B07JC2T1Z1/s/forticept-blue-butter-antimicrobial-gel-antiseptic-hydrogel-dogs-wound-care-dogs-cats-for-skin-infections-rashes-sores-wounds-burns-4-oz/store/store I would also put him on a supplement for his coat/skin: https://www.ubuy.co.id/en/search/index/view/product/B001FB6ECQ/s/welactin-omega-3-skin-and-coat-support-liquid-16-oz/store/store