Why does my dog have a red bumpy rash on his belly
Dog belly rash? Heres how to soothe it
Dogs get belly rashes for a variety of reasons. Without pinpointing the exact cause, treatment can be ineffective and leave your pup still scratching and chewingso its essential to find the underlying cause. When your vet examines your dog, theyll be searching for signs of certain causes as the culprit for their belly rash.
Skin infections
Skin infections are one of the most common causes of belly rashes in dogs. These infections can be caused by multiple pathogens, like bacteria or yeast. A common type of bacterial skin infection is pyodermaTrusted SourceVCA HospitalsCommunity of veterinarians with up-to-date veterinary information.Go to source or impetigo. It can cause pimple-like, pus-filled lesions, and crusty, dry, flaky skin.
A pyoderma infection, on the other hand, is often caused by the staph species of bacteria, which usually occurs because of bacterial infiltration that stems from the skins surface. If the skin has been traumatized, such as through a cut, licking, or chewing, bacteria can multiply.
Fungal skin infections
Fungal infections, like ringworm and yeast infections, are also common. Ringworm is characterized by circular lesions that are usually hairless. These spots can appear red and scabby and generally dont cause itching, but that isnt always the case.
Keep in mind that ringworm is contagious and can be passed from your pup to you and other pets in your household.
Yeast dermatitis, caused by the fungus Malassezia pachydermatis, can appear as thickened, scaly, or flaky skin. Changes in skin pigmentation, a musty smell, itching, and redness are also common. Youll probably need antifungal medication from your vet to fully resolve this type of issue.
Excessive heat
Like people, dogs can also develop heat rashes. Often caused by the Staphylococcus bacteria, heat rashes can flare up in hot, humid weather. Heat rashes most commonly pop up in areas where the skin rubs, like under the tail, the neck, and the ears. Typically, a heat rash will start as mild skin irritation (or hot spot), which leads to excessive scratching. With time, it can progress to pimples or scabs that have a foul odor.
To soothe the heat rash, soak a washcloth in cool or room temperature water and apply it to the affected area as it may provide temporary relief from any inflammation.
Dont apply ice packs directly to your pets skin. Instead, wrap packs in a dry towel or washcloth to create a cold compress.
Allergies
A belly rash is a common sign of allergies in dogs. Pets who are allergic to certain fabrics, shampoos, cleaners, fertilizers, and other chemicals can develop itchy, red skin and pimple-like bumps on their stomach.
Seasonal allergies can also cause belly rashes on your pup. If your dog has an allergic reaction to grass, pollen, weeds, or trees, they may develop a belly rash after playing in the yard.
Parasites
Parasites, like fleas, ticks, and mites, can cause your pup to break out in a belly rash. Bug bites and stings from ants, bees, and wasps can also lead to irritated skin, and mites in particular can lead to painful conditions like sarcoptic mange. In the cases of bites or bug-related irritation, youll likely notice hair loss, hot spots, scabs, or a rash on your dogs lower back, hind legs, and tail base.
Keep in mind that fleas like to hang out on your dogs hind end, though, so they may not cause an abdominal rash.
Rashes on Dogs
A rash (pyoderma) is usually a temporary outbreak of scaly, patchy, and sometimes swollen or bumpy skin that is often red and may be itchy.
A rash can occur on any part of your dogs body, but it pops up most often on the belly. A rash by itself is usually minor and often goes away on its own, but it can be a sign of a more serious situation. The cause of rashes on a dog can range from parasites to diabetes.
Heres what you should know about rashes on dogs, from what to look for to possible causes and their treatments.
What to Check For if Your Dog Has a Rash
If your dogs rash gets worse or does not go away after a week, take your dog to the vet to be examined.
With rashes on dogs, you may see:
Causes of Rashes on Dogs
A rash can occur anywhere on a dogs body. The location of the rash can provide some clues as to what health issue may have caused it:
Belly rash or underarm rash: A belly rash on a dog is one of the more common reasons pet parents take their dogs to the vet. Rashes also often appear in a dogs underarms, more accurately, the point where a dogs front and hind legs meet the chest or abdomen. These rashes have many causes:
Groin-area rash: Like a belly rash, a rash in your dogs groin area is often due to:
Paw rash: Known as pododermatitis, this is inflammation of the paws that can include a rash. Causes can include:
Diagnosing Rashes on Dogs
Your vet will give your dog a physical exam and ask questions about your dogs diet, current health issues, home environment, and other factors. To diagnose a rash, your veterinarian will perform a number of tests, depending on the suspected cause, including:
Allergy tests if an allergen is suspected. This may include a food elimination diet or intradermal allergy testing.
Skin scraping to look for mites, bacteria, fungus, or other potential causes.
Skin biopsy, where a piece of skin is examined at a pathology laboratory (done in cases of recurring infection or rash).
Blood profile to check for diseases such as thyroid issues (hypothyroidism) or Cushings disease
Treatment for Rashes on Dogs
To eliminate the rash and make sure it doesnt come back, your vet will need to find and treat any underlying medical condition thats causing it.
They may also recommend several treatments for the rash and related symptoms. These may include:
Grooming (such as brushing or cutting away hair)
Oatmeal baths
Medicated dog shampoo (containing antifungal or antibacterial ingredients)
Anti-itch and anti-inflammatory medications
Elizabethan collar or e-collar to prevent a dog from irritating hot spots by licking or biting
Epsom salt foot soaks if your dogs paws are inflamed. Follow your veterinarians instructions, as these can dry out the skin if used inappropriately. Do not allow your dog to drink the solution, which has high sodium levels.
Featured image: iStock.com/SeventyFour
Rashes on Dogs FAQs
What can I put on my dogs skin rash?
Depending on the cause and location of the rash (and accompanying symptoms), a veterinarian may recommend oatmeal baths, medicated dog shampoos, or medication to reduce itching and inflammation. Do not give your dog any medications without a veterinarians recommendation and guidance.
What does a rash look like on a dog?
Rashes can appear red, bumpy, inflamed, or like welts. There might be hair loss or hot spots, areas of skin that are inflamed and oozing.
What can cause skin rashes on dogs?
Causes of rash in dogs are numerous and range from allergies and insect bites, which are most common, to thyroid conditions and cancer.
References
- Smith, John. American Heartworm Society. Heartworm Basics. January 2020.
- Veterinary Partner. Pruritus Diagnostics in Dogs and Cats. October 2003.
- Brooks, Wendy. Veterinary Partner. Itch Relief for Dogs and Cats. January 2001.
- White, S.D. Merck Veterinary Manual. Hives and Rashes (Urticaria) in Dogs. June 2018.
Dog Skin Conditions, From Belly Rashes to Scabs and Sores
Skin problems are among the most common reasons dogs end up at the veterinarians office.
A dogs skin condition can have a wide range of causes, from external parasites like fleas and mites, to allergies and serious endocrine disorders.
While some dogs skin conditions can be treated at home, any worsening skin issue or one that continues beyond one or two weeks without improvement is a good reason to head to your veterinarian.
Here are some telltale signs of common skin problems for dogs and what could be causing them.
Common Signs of Skin Problems for Dogs
Find out what could be causing your dogs skin condition and what you can do about it.
Rash (Commonly on the Belly)
A rash (redness or irritation) can occur on any part of your dogs skin but is commonly seen on the belly. Common causes of a dogs belly rash are:
Contact dermatitis, which is a reaction to coming into contact with something irritating like poison ivy, fertilizer, or lawn chemicals
Insect bites
Allergies
If contact dermatitis is suspected, wash the affected skin to remove any of the irritant that may still be present.
For a rash caused by insect bites that doesnt appear to be bothering your dog, no treatment is necessary. The spots should go away on their own.
For a rash caused by insect bites or allergies that is bothering your dog, give your dog a cool bath using a dog shampoo containing colloidal oatmeal. Contact your veterinarian if the rash persists.
Scabs
Scabs, or crusting of the skin, can be the primary problem, or it can occur after a short-lived pustule (or pimple) pops and crusts over. Scabs on dogs can be caused by:
Treatments will differ, but they may include medicated shampoos or ointments, and possibly oral antibiotics or an antiparasitic medication.
Red Spots
Red spots on a dogs belly during the late spring and early summer can be caused by black fly bites. These flat, red spots typically do not bother dogs and can be left untreated.
Black fly bites can be confused with ringworm spots, which do require treatment in the form of topical or oral antifungals.
Black fly bites will appear suddenly, be accompanied by other bites, be confined to the belly, and not bother the dog.
Ringworm, on the other hand, can appear anywhere, may or may not irritate your dog, and usually starts in one area as opposed to several areas appearing at once.
Small Red Bumps
Raised red bumps can be caused by several different things. If the bumps are smaller and include crusts, they may be caused by a bacterial or fungal skin infection called folliculitis. This is typically treated by your veterinarian with oral antibiotics and possibly with medicated shampoos or ointments.
Large Red Bumps
If the bumps are larger and flatter with no crusting, they may be hives caused by an allergic reaction. They are usually treated with an antihistamine and/or steroids. While usually not life-threatening, the swelling caused by an allergic reaction can obstruct the airway, so its important to contact your veterinarian immediately.
Redness/Irritated Skin
Along with itching, redness and irritation are often the most common signs of allergies in dogs. Finding the cause of the allergic reaction, whether its to a food, fleas, or something in their environment, is the most effective way to treat the irritated skin.
While the root cause is being discovered, and to give your dog temporary relief, a gentle oatmeal dog shampoo or oatmeal bath can be used to soothe and hydrate the skin.
Hot Spots
A hot spot is a moist, irritated area of skin, usually with hair matted over it. Hot spots are caused by excessive licking or chewing of an area. The excessive licking introduces bacteria to traumatized skin, causing the hot spot.
Hot spots are more common in hot, humid climates and will sometimes arise after a dog has been exposed to moisture from swimming or muddy/rainy weather. They are also more common in dogs with a dense undercoat.
Uncomplicated hot spots can be treated by carefully clipping the area to allow the skin to breathe and cleaning the area with medication or a topical solution recommended by your veterinarian. You can prevent hot spots by keeping your dog groomed and drying them after swimming or being in the rain.
Dry/Flaky Skin
Flaking of your dogs skin can be caused by more serious conditions like seborrhea, where a dog produces too much sebum, or cheyletiellosis, a condition caused by a mite thats also known as walking dandruff.
But these flakes can also simply be a sign of dry skin. Ensuring that your dog is fed a good-quality food that is high in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids is a good first step in maintaining their skin health. If the flaking continues, consult your veterinarian.
Itchy Skin
The two main causes of itchy skin are allergies and external parasites like fleas and mites.
Allergies
Itchiness due to allergies usually involves a dogs feet, armpits, flank, ears, and groin. Mild allergies or itchiness can be treated with a soothing dog shampoo containing oatmeal. Switching your dog to a sensitive-skin diet (which often contain fish as the main protein source and are high in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids) can also help.
External Parasites
Fleas will more commonly cause itchiness at the base of the tail, on the stomach, and along the inner thighs. Itchiness due to fleas and mites (that cause sarcoptic mange) will needed to be treated with medications specific to the type of parasite, such as a flea preventative.
Hair Loss/Bald Patches
The causes of hair loss, excessive shedding, or bald patches in dogs are extremely varied, including:
Allergies
Ectoparasites like fleas and mange mites (demodectic mange)
Cushings disease
Pressure sores, most often seen in large breed dogs, will cause hair loss at bony pressure spots like the elbow
Genetics
Stress
Poor nutrition
Most causes of hair loss in dogs require a trip to the veterinarian to diagnose the cause. If you suspect pressure sores, ensuring your large breed dog has a cushioned place to lie down can help prevent the pressure sores.
Sores
Sores that do not have an obvious cause or are not healing properly could be the sign of a serious underlying condition such as cancer or another disorder that is preventing proper healing. These areas should be kept clean and seen by your veterinarian.
Dark Spots
Dark spots, or hyperpigmentation, can be secondary to chronic inflammation, in which case, they can clear up (slowly) if the underlying condition is treated. Dark spots on dogs can also indicate a hormone-associated disorder or be a sign of skin damage from the sun, trauma, or constant friction.
See your veterinarian to diagnose the underlying cause of dark spots.
WRITTEN BY
Geneva Pagliai, DVMVeterinarian
Dr. Geneva Pagliai was born and raised in Winnipeg, Canada. She received her undergraduate degree in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation from...
