Content
- dog with red spots
- Causes
- Allergies (allergic dermatitis)
- scars
- Bleeding
- Bacterial skin infections (pyodermatitis)
- Fungal infections (dermatomycoses)
- Inflammation of blood vessels (vasculitis)
- Demodectic mange (black mange or red mange)
- Sarcoptic mange (or common mange)
- skin tumors
- Diagnosis
- Treatment
Skin diseases in dogs are very common and care must be taken with these problems. Unlike dark spots, which aren't always a cause for concern, red spots on your dog's fur are almost always a worrying sign that you shouldn't ignore.
If you detect any type of skin change in your dog, the veterinarian is the best solution to find out what is going on with your friend.
In this article by PeritoAnimal we will demystify red spots on the dog's skin, as well as possible causes, diagnosis and treatment.
dog with red spots
One inflammatory skin reaction is synonymous with redness, swelling, and, depending on the level of inflammation, other symptoms may be associated such as:
- hot region
- Painful region to the touch
- Itch
- wounds
- bleeding
- Alopecia (hair loss)
- Nodules (lumps), blisters
- Dandruff
- crusts
- Changes such as: loss of appetite, fever, lethargy, apathy
Usually the dog scratches, scratches, licks or bites the affected area and it can cause wounds in the dog's skin, which are the entry route for microorganisms that can cause very serious secondary infections, in addition to the main skin disease already installed.
You should look for a veterinarian and never self-medicate your pet, as it will mask symptoms and the disease will continue, which could lead to even more serious consequences.
Causes
Allergies (allergic dermatitis)
The subject of allergies in dogs is very complex, because a skin allergy (allergic dermatitis) can have many underlying causes that include food allergy, ingestion or contact with plants or toxic substances, or canine dermatitis from insect bites. Another possible cause would be an allergy due to contact with some detergent, in which case you would notice red spots on the dog's belly, which is the area that touches the floor. The spots appear suddenly and can have several characteristics and locations, however red itchy skin, scales, alopecia and sores in dogs is very common. Is important establish the allergen so that it can be eliminated and the symptoms disappear.
scars
Certain surgical or old trauma scars may be red in color and texture. This situation is normal and it is just an aesthetic problem, but in some cases they can be infected and, therefore, you should inspect the region.
Bleeding
Bleeding under the skin can also cause red spots that, as they progress, become dark.
After trauma, a skin hematoma appears as a result of localized hemorrhage of blood vessels in the region. Don't worry, this injury disappears after a while.
Bacterial skin infections (pyodermatitis)
They are similar to allergies and fungal infections, but red skin is often associated with pus and scabs.
Fungal infections (dermatomycoses)
These injuries are highly contagious between animals and humans. The groin, armpits, ear canal, sexual organs and interdigital space (between the fingers) are the most common regions.
Very characteristic flat red or black spots with alopecia around (loss of hair) that look like a speck similar to dirt stains. Initially they appear in one place, but later spread throughout the body if not treated in time.
Fungi are opportunistic beings and usually arise when the immune system is weakened. First, the primary underlying problem causing the animal's immunosuppression must be found and treated, and then a topical treatment involving shampooing and oral medications (in more severe cases) to eliminate the fungus must be applied.
Inflammation of blood vessels (vasculitis)
This inflammation causes localized patches that can range from a purplish red to black. Usually the dog has itching, ulcers, leg swelling and lethargy and is very common in Dachshund, Collie, German Shepherd and Rottweiler dogs.
Demodectic mange (black mange or red mange)
this type of scab it's not contagious for humans as it is the result of hereditary, environmental factors and the presence of a mite called Demodex kennels, which is normally present on the animal's skin and fur.
When the animal is faced with external factors such as stress, sudden changes in the environment or food, its immune system is weakened, the mite takes advantage of this condition and reproduces uncontrollably, causing this disease.
It is very common to appear in puppies, especially around the eyes and face with red spots and the skin is thickened and dark, so it is also called black or red scab. Read our full article on demodectic mange in dogs.
Sarcoptic mange (or common mange)
is caused by the mite Sarcopts scabiei, and can reach puppies of any breed and age.
This disease causes intense itchiness on the dog's skin causing it to itch and lick a lot until it causes sores. The skin has a reddish tone, pimples, alopecia and crusts.
Unlike demodectic, sarcoptic mange is very contagious for other animals and humans, direct contact with the affected animal is sufficient.
skin tumors
Certain skin tumors can start with small changes in skin color such as red spots and progress to more complex structures with elevation and alteration in the surrounding region.
In this problem, it is necessary to act quickly so that the tumor region or mass can be removed and try to ensure that it does not spread to the rest of the body (metastasize) and affect other organs and structures.
Diagnosis
When it comes to a skin problem, diagnosis is almost never immediate and it takes a few days to discover it.
Locating the skin problem in a dog can often help with diagnosis because some diseases have characteristic locations. In addition, it is necessary for the tutor to provide a detailed history of the dog and indicate:
- Animal age and breed
- Deworming
- How long has this problem been present and how has it evolved
- The times when it appears and the affected body region
- Behavior, if you lick, scratch, rub or bite the region, if you have more appetite or thirst
- Environment, where you live if you have more animals at home
- Previous treatments
- frequency of baths
After this approach, the veterinarian will inspect the animal, perform a physical examination and others complementary exams such as cytology and skin and skin scrapings, microbial cultures, blood and urine tests or biopsies (collection of a tissue sample) and thus determine the diagnosis.
Treatment
For the treatment to be successful, the cause and disease in question must be well identified. After the definitive diagnosis, the veterinarian will suggest the most suitable treatment for the animal's case.
O treatment of red spots on the skin of the dog can be:
- Topic (applied directly to the animal's fur and skin), such as shampoos, antimicrobial or antiparasitic creams or ointments for cases of allergies, infestation by parasites;
- Oral in cases of generalized infections or diseases that require antihistamines, antifungals, antibiotics, corticosteroids, hormones or oral antiparasitic drugs;
- Chemotherapy and surgical removal in case of tumors;
- Change of diet, in the case of food allergy;
- Combination of various types of treatments to increase effectiveness.
This article is for information purposes only, at PeritoAnimal.com.br we are not able to prescribe veterinary treatments or perform any type of diagnosis. We suggest that you take your pet to the veterinarian in case it has any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Red spots on the dog's skin - what could it be?, we recommend that you enter our Skin Problems section.