What is a pimple like bump on a dog s belly

White Bumps on Dogs: 7 Vet-Explained Causes with Pictures

This article was updated on September 17th, 2023

White lumps and bumps might seem unusual. However, as a veterinarian, I have seen them more often than you might think. In this article, I will explain the most common causes, with pictures to help you understand what might be going on with your dog.

White bumps: what does the color white mean?

A white bump on a dog could indicate various conditions, including a skin infection, a cyst, pimple, or pustule, and should be examined by a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment.

You should consult your vet if you notice a new lump that persists or grows rapidly, or if a lump causes irritation or pain. These signs indicate that a white lump could be more concerning.

Top causes of white bumps

1. Skin infections

Bacterial skin infections (pyoderma) are a common cause of little white bumps (pustules). They can occur anywhere, either in a focal area or diffusely.

With skin infections, dogs will usually be itchy or sore and youll likely notice some redness of the skin. Infections can occur in skin folds or as a result of scrapes, grazes, or conditions like allergies.

Infections may also result in an abscess, especially if a foreign body, like a grass seed, is present. These appear as large white or reddened, inflamed lumps, usually developing over a few days. Theyre usually painful when touched and may ooze pus.Abscesses often require drainage and your dog may need to be sedated for the area to be flushed out.

Skin infections need veterinary attention and may be treated by topical products or antibiotics. Learn more about Skin Infections: Pictures, Symptoms, Treatments.

2. Cysts filled with white material

Cysts are benign lumps that develop within the skin, often growing slowly larger over time and appearing as a visible bump on the surface of the skin. Theyre filled with thick white, yellow, brown, or grey material, which may be seen oozing out if they rupture.

Several types of cysts exist, including follicular and sebaceous cysts, and the exact appearance can vary, but theyre usually non-painful, relatively firm, and range from blueish-white to pink in color. These lumps are very common, especially in our older patients.

In the picture below, a cyst looks like a round and elevated pale white bump that is smooth and has a small area of black pigment (this could also be a blocked hair follicle):

Its best to get your vet to check any lump you suspect of being a cyst they can take a small sample to confirm it contains material consistent with a cyst. Usually, cysts dont require any treatment, but surgery is usually curative if theyre causing irritation. Learn more about the different types of cysts in dogs (with pictures).

3. White warts, skin tags, and other benign lumps

Various small benign growths can develop on dogs skin, including warts (primarily in young dogs on the feet and muzzle) and skin tags. Warts, caused by papillomaviruses, are usually cauliflower like and can be white, whiteish, pink, tan or more pigmented in color. They usually resolve on their own over several weeks to months.

Skin tags can be seen on any dog and are often common in older patients theyre usually soft, fleshy, and relatively small and can be a white or pink color, as shown in the picture below:

Warts are typically found in young dogs and the warts often seen in older dogs are usually a different type of benign lump like a sebaceous adenoma these are benign and dont usually cause a problem but will persist, unlike true warts.

You shouldnt attempt to remove these kinds of lumps at home, and they usually dont need any treatment at all if your dog has any kind of persistent new lump, however, its worth getting a vet to rule out any more unpleasant causes. Learn more about skin tags & warts or It is a wart or a skin tag?.

4. Tumors

We do, unfortunately, see a range of malignant tumors that can have very variable appearances, including sometimes appearing as white bumps especially early on. These include soft tissue sarcomas and mast cell tumors.

Malignant lumps more commonly appear as rapidly growing, often inflamed lumps especially in the case of mast cell tumors but any new lump should be checked to rule out a malignant tumor, especially if its growing rapidly. Learn more about Tumors in Dogs.

5. Corns on paws (keratomas)

These proliferations of keratin-producing cells on the pads usually appear as firm, raised white bumps on the bottom of the pads. They typically occur in sighthounds like Greyhounds and are usually painful if pressed, causing lameness. Theyre benign but typically progress to cause further pain, so treatment is recommended.

6. Ticks

Ticks are common parasites that can appear as white bumps on the skin similar to a skin tag. You should check your dog after walks, and if you suspect a tick, look for small black legs near the surface of the skin. Ticks should be removed as soon as you spot them. Learn more about ticks and how to remove them.

7. Lipomas

Lipomas are incredibly common benign fatty lumps that develop under the skin. Theyre usually soft, moveable, non-painful, slow growing and well-demarcated. They dont affect the overlying skin but you may notice a bulge associated with one growing beneath the skin. Surgical removal is curative but often isnt required. View more pictures of lipomas.

Signs that you need to see your veterinarian

A veterinarian should check out any new lump on your dog to make sure its not malignant, but the following lumps are particularly concerning:

• Persistent new lump
• Lumps that grow rapidly
• Lumps that cause irritation or pain

Learn more:Common Lumps and Bumps & What to DoHow Do You Know if a Lump is Cancerous?

What will happen at the vet

Your vet will often be able to advise you of the likely cause based on their clinical examination, especially if something like an infection is responsible. If theres a growth present, they may recommend a fine needle aspirate to take a small sample to be assessed under microscopy for a more definitive diagnosis. This usually costs $150-$250. Learn more: diagnosing lumps in dogs with FNAs and biopsies.

• Dr. Moss graduated from the prestigious University of Cambridge in England with a Bachelor's of Veterinary Medicine and a Master's in Zoology. She is currently a veterinary surgeon at Avonvale Veterinary Centres in the UK. Her aim is to provide reliable and accessible information to pet owners, enabling them to make better informed decisions about their pets' care.

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Disclaimer: This website's content is not a substitute for veterinary care. Always consult with your veterinarian for healthcare decisions. Read More.

Rashes on Your Dogs Belly

Rashes on a dogs belly may look alarming and uncomfortable, but they are quite common. These dog belly rash bumps and redness you see can have a variety of causes, from a simple bacterial skin infection to a more serious underlying condition, such as Cushings disease.

If left untreated, your dogs belly rash could develop into an unpleasant skin infection that will require veterinary care and cause your dog discomfort.

Here is what you need to know about your dogs belly rash, including the causes, symptoms, and treatment options available.

What Causes Dog Belly Rashes?

Your dogs skin protects his body from the outside world, acting as a barrier between his internal organs and harmful organisms. We might think of skin as being tough and resistant, but it is actually very sensitive to changes in both your dogs body and the environment.

One of the ways the skin shows this sensitivity is through rashes.

There are several causes of rashes in dogs:

• Skin infections
• Inflammatory conditions
• Allergies (which many times are genetic)
• Parasites
• Genetic
• Hormonal imbalances and endocrine conditions
• Environmental causes (such as poison ivy or other plants)

Infections

Sometimes cuts can open the skin barrier to infections. Many of the causes of rashes in dogs are the result of bacterial, fungal, or yeast infections.

Bacterial skin infections are called pyoderma, which translates from Greek to pus and skin. Pyoderma typically causes lesions that look like pimples and can also cause crusty, dry, flaky skin. Hair loss and itchiness can also occur.

Your dog can get pyoderma as a result of trauma to the skin, like an abrasion or cut, excessive moisture, or as a secondary condition. Puppies are prone to puppy pyoderma in areas without a lot of hair, such as their underarms and groin. Hereditary factors can also play a role in skin infections for both puppies and adult dogs.

Fungal infections, such as yeast infections and ringworm, are also common. Yeast dermatitis is a skin condition caused by yeast infections. It is also known as Malassezia dermatitis and is caused by the fungus Malassezia pachydermatis. Symptoms of this condition include thickened skin; changes in skin pigmentation; a musty smell; itching; redness; scaling, crusty, flaky skin; and chronic ear infections.

Ringworm is characterized by circular lesions, which can appear red and scabbed. Hair loss is common, and while these rashes are usually not itchy, they can become inflamed, and the condition can be passed to people and other pets.

Allergies

Allergies can also cause rashes on your dogs belly. Environmental allergies, like contact dermatitis or reactions to something on the ground like fertilizer, cleaning products, poison ivy, or other irritants, flea allergy dermatitis, and food allergies, food sensitivities, and food intolerance can lead to itchy bumps and rashes. When your dog itches and scratches, he opens his skin up to infections, which can lead to a rash or complicate an existing rash.

Allergies can have a wide array of symptoms, from digestive upset to skin conditions such as itchiness, hair loss, redness, irritation, and chronic skin infections. Talk to your veterinarian if you suspect that your dog might have an allergy.

Pests and Parasites

Pests and parasites could also be the cause of your dogs rash. Fleas, mites, and ticks can cause irritation, exposing your dog to bacteria, yeast, and fungal infections. Demodex mites, walking dandruff, flea allergy dermatitis, and sarcoptic mange (caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite) can all cause rashes on your dogs skin, including her belly and groin area.

Genetic

Some dogs are more prone to rashes than others. Breeds that are predisposed to skin problems, such as Cocker Spaniels, German Shepherd Dogs, Labrador Retrievers, Bulldogs, Doberman Pinschers, and Standard Poodles, may be at an increased risk of developing rashes on their bellies and elsewhere.

Golden Retrievers, for instance, can get a rare condition called congenital ichthyosis, which causes scaling of the skin on the abdomen. Arctic breeds, for example the Samoyed, can develop zinc-responsive dermatosis, and Cocker Spaniels are prone to primary seborrhea (dandruff).

Hormonal Imbalances and Conditions (Endocrine Disorders)

Most concerning, however, is the possibility that your dogs belly rash could be a sign of an underlying condition, such as hypothyroidism or Cushings disease. These diseases cause hormonal imbalances in your dogs body, and some of the first obvious symptoms are often skin conditions, such as thinning or loss of coat and changes to the quality of the skin.

You can help your veterinarian catch these diseases early by observing your dog for any changes in coat quality, drinking and urination habits, as well as rashes, hair loss, and dry skin.

Symptoms of Belly Rash

Rashes on your dogs belly can present in a few ways. Perhaps the most common is pyoderma, which is characterized by pimple-like lesions; dry, scaly, crusty skin; hair loss; and itchiness.

Your dogs skin may also appear red and inflamed, weepy, or scabbed. Yeast infections can result in a yeasty smell, and fungal infections like ringworm often have a distinct, circular pattern to the lesions.

Find out more about the causes of dry skin on dogs

Diagnosing Your Dogs Belly Rash

The best way to determine the cause of your dogs belly rash is to make an appointment with your veterinarian, who will perform some diagnostic tests based on your dogs age, breed, overall health, and symptoms.

Veterinarians use skin samples, blood tests to detect underlying conditions, fungal cultures, antibiotic sensitivity tests, and in some cases, allergy testing to accurately diagnose skin conditions in dogs. Your veterinarian may refer you to a dermatologist for further testing and treatment.

Treating Belly Rashes

Once your veterinarian has diagnosed the cause of your dogs belly rash, she will discuss your treatment options.

Bacterial skin infections are typically treated with a course of antibiotics. Your veterinarian may want to perform an additional test to determine the best type of antibiotic to treat your dogs rash and avoid building up antibiotic resistance, and could prescribe you with medicated shampoos or scrubs to help manage the infection.

Yeast and other fungal infections are treated with antifungal medications and shampoos.

Allergies, depending on the cause, can be more difficult to treat, and may involve treating both the allergy and any secondary skin infections that developed. Your vet may recommend a dog skin soother balm to help ease the discomfort.

Conditions such as hypothyroidism and Cushings disease, like allergies, require treatment of the condition itself and the skin rash. Your dog may require additional blood tests and follow-up monitoring.

In some cases, your dogs belly rash could be the result of a resistant infection, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). It is very important to follow your veterinarians instructions about treating resistant infections, and you will need to be patient, as it may take time for the infection to heal.

Rashes on your dogs belly are not usually serious, but they do require medical attention. As a note of caution, some rashes can be transferred to people, like poison ivy or ringworm, so be careful to avoid touching the rash yourself, and make an appointment with your veterinarian today to get an accurate diagnosis for your dogs rash and to ensure that he stays happy, healthy, and active.