Round Peeling Red Patches On Dog’s Stomach, Inner Thighs & Chest

June 29, 2013

Hi Chris,

The photos you submitted show that your dog has what is called superficial pyoderma. This is caused by a bacteria in the skin.

Bacteria is normally on the skin, but if the immune system is compromised, or weakened, then the bacteria goes into the hair follicles and produces the ‘pimples’ and the rash. And that is why the antibiotics you give will help for a short time. The antibiotic is killing the superficial bacteria, but is not helping the underlying problem, which is the weakened immune system.

The loose stool is probably caused not only by the change in food, but also DRY food is harder to digest, and the continual repeat of antibiotics is killing the ‘good’ bacteria in her intestine.

You said, at this time, she was 1 1/2 years of age, 18 months, and this problem started about 8-9 months ago. That would be at about 9 months old, soon after she was spayed and had all of her vaccinations. Those procedures are BIG immune system suppressors!

So, here’s the plan:

1. Boost her immune system—supplement her diet with some immune support.

1. Missing Link Canine Formula
2. Immuplex from Standard Process
3. OrthoMolecular Specialties, Mega C Powder

2. Improve her diet to help her digestion and improve her immune system with better nutrition. See our page on 10 Best Dog Food Options, and consider starting her on a RAW diet.

Or at least start by decreasing the DRY FOOD diet, and gradually adding in some canned food, such as the canned Nutro Max (since she is used to the dry Nutro Max), and then adding in some raw meat. NO RAW PORK or RAW FISH. Raw chicken, turkey, beef or lamb 1-2 TBSP per meal would be fine.

3. Add Acidophilus to each meal. About 1/2 the human dose. You can buy it in capsule form, open the capsule and add it to each meal. This will help to replenish the ‘good’ bacteria back to her intestine. Keep adding this for 2-3 months.

4. Seek the help of a holistic veterinarian, for homeopathic remedies to treat ‘vaccinosis’. This is a syndrome that is seen when chronic disease occurs after a vaccination.

5. Use a mild oatmeal shampoo to bathe her one time per week. This will help to remove more surface bacteria, but will not dry out her skin. You may need to bathe her weekly for at least 6-8 weeks, while diet and supplements are working internally.

6. Do NOT use toxic flea/tick products (like K-9 Advantix) on her already compromised skin and immune system. See our page on Dog Flea Treatment. Check out Wondercide, made from cedar oil.

7. NO MORE VACCINATIONS. Find a holistic veterinarian to write and exemption form to avoid any more vaccinations!

Another resource for vets knowledgeable in homeopathy is AVH.org.

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.

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,
– Ask a Vet Online Library – Dog Hair Loss Section

I noticed day ago my dog got red spots on his stomach and it got worse over night and we don’t realreally have the money to take him to the vet but what could we use to help him!

I noticed day ago my dog got red spots on his stomach and it got worse over night and we don’t realreally have the money to take him to the vet but what could we use to help him!

August 6, 2014

Dear Anonymous,

Thanks for your question. I’m happy to help, but we only accept new questions from subscribers (the original question above was from a subscriber).
Please click here to sign up and submit your question and photos . I’ll then get back to you right away at the bottom of your newly created web page.
Dr. Carol Jean Tillman

I have a four month old Vizsla retriever mix. I rescued her from the Humane Society about a month ago. She was in a litter of seven that were flea infested when surrendered to the Humane Society. Two of her littermates had sarcoptic mange. I had her tested for mange and it came back negative… That was about two weeks ago.

She is getting the same red spots but on her neck and in one of her ears. She’s constantly scratching and gnawing at her hind legs. As I look at her skin for fleas I don’t see anything… I’ve had dogs before so I know what those look like. I am currently feeding her the Costco brand of grain free puppy food. The Humane Society said she is possibly allergic to the food I’m giving her or something like grass.

She starts to whimper a little bit as she is constantly scratching like it is irritating for her. She’s always scratching her face and neck with her hind legs. I’m single mom so I can’t really afford to take her to the vet multiple times.

Activity level seems to be the same, nothing is really changed with that… But I’m really worried about her constant scratching and these red spots that are showing up.

August 1, 2015

Dear Anonymous,
That is wonderful of you to take on a young puppy with health issues. At this time I am no longer consulting for the Organic-Pet-Digest.

It would be best for a veterinarian to check him and find out what is wrong. Or better yet a holistic veterinarian.

Another resource for vets knowledgeable in homeopathy is AVH.org.

Take care,
Dr. Carol Jean Tillman