Rash on Lower Belly – Superficial Pyoderma

Hi Allison,
Your puppy has a very common condition known as ‘superficial pyoderma’. It occurs on the lower belly and is caused by a bacteria. The condition is similar to a diaper rash in human babies. It is very often seen in puppies stressed by growing up, when they have had too many vaccinations, then surgery for neutering, and/or they are on a commercial diet of dry food, combined with exposure to commercial flea and tick products.

All of the above will stress the immune system, and allow the normal bacteria found on the skin to ‘flare up’, and appear as a rash.
Following some of the suggestions found on our website will steer you in the right direction.

Flea control:
https://www.organic-pet-digest.com/natural-flea-control-for-pets.html

Holistic veterinarian:
https://www.organic-pet-digest.com/dog-vet-care.html

Improving Diet:
https://www.organic-pet-digest.com/10-best-dog-food.html

In the meantime, using good hygiene, with a mild shampoo, (like baby shampoo), shampoo your pup in the groin/lower belly, twice a week. Rinse and dry well. Continue for 2-3 weeks. Improve his diet, do not feed only dry puppy food. Provide plenty of fresh water, lots of exercise, and behavior training, and the rash should clear up soon.

Please keep us posted by coming back to this page and clicking the ‘click here to add your own comments’ link below.

Take care,

Dr. Carol Jean Tillman

DISCLAIMER: This educational advice is based on the depth of your question and the picture you submitted. The above should never replace the advice of your local veterinarian, as they have the ability to evaluate your dog in person.

Related Pages:
Dog Skin Conditions,
Dog Itchy Skin,
Dog Skin Rash,
Dog Skin Allergies,
Ask a Vet Online Library – Dog Skin Rashes, Marks, Spots, Lesions & Patches (including itchy skin and mange) Section