Rash on underside of dog

Jonny From West Chester, Pennsylvania

Our dog has a rash on his underside that is about the size of a silver dollar. It appears to be underneath the first layer of his skin and looks to be red and flaky.

He has 2 other similar rashes, and one appears to be in the shape of a ring.

He is not regularly in any pain or discomfort but he does have scabs from itching or biting.

Comments for Rash on underside of dog

Oct 01, 2011

My Online Vet Response for Rash on Underside of Dog
by: Dr. Carol Jean Tillman

Hello,
West Chester, Pennsylvania…

The photos you submitted show that your dog has what is called superficial pyoderma. This is usually an area of localized skin where the bacteria have entered the hair follicles. They form a pimple(s) which break open, cause the hair to stick together and cause some itching, which draws more bacteria.

Treatment, initially, is to clip the hair away, and clean with an antiseptic shampoo. Or even an oatmeal shampoo, which helps decrease the itching, and also removes the surface bacteria.

Then keep the area clean and dry. Do not apply ointments which may draw more attention to the area, meaning more licking or itching. Aloe vera juice can be used topically. It may soothe the area, and it is safe to be ingested (it is kept refrigerated after opening, so it will be cold when applied to hot, inflamed skin, and that will also soothe it).

Bathing the areas one time daily for 7-10 days will usually heal things up nicely. The underlying cause and how to prevent it is the BIG question. Was there an irritating shampoo that was used at the groomer’s and was not completely rinsed off? Was a vaccination recently given? What type of food do you feed? Is it a wholesome, healthy food, such as a raw diet, or a healthy canned dog food with some fresh vegetables and meat added? Or a DRY FOOD DIET which is the worst diet for maintaining a healthy skin?

Consulting with a holistic veterinarian will help to solve some of these issues, and give you suggestions for dog immune supplements, if needed, to help keep your dog healthy.

Check AVH.org for a holistic veterinarian near you.

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: The above should never replace the advice of your local veterinarian, as they have the ability to evaluate your dog in person.

Click here to go back to the Ask a Vet Online Library of questions.