Something weird just happened and I'm kinda freaking out. I noticed this morning that my dog, Baxter, has these red patches on his belly. They've never been there before and he keeps trying to lick them when I'm not looking. It's stressing me out because I don't know if it's just an allergy or something more serious. He was totally fine yesterday evening when we went for a walk, but he’s been a bit more restless since last night, scratching more than usual. I tried to Google it, but now I'm just more anxious with all the different possibilities. Has anyone experienced something like this with their fur babies? Any advice would be appreciated!
Thanks for reaching out—skin problems in dogs can be quite worrying, but I’m here to help! There are a few reasons why your pup might have skin issues on their abdomen. Common causes include allergies (to food, fleas, or pollen), bacterial or fungal infections, or even contact irritation from lying on a particular surface.
At home, you can gently clean the affected area with a mild, dog-friendly soap and water. Make sure to dry it well because moisture can worsen the irritation. If you suspect allergies, try to recall any recent changes in their environment or diet. Regular bathing with hypoallergenic dog shampoo can also be soothing.
Keep an eye out for red flags such as excessive redness, swelling, pus, or if your dog seems to be in pain or excessively licking the area. These could indicate a more serious infection that needs immediate attention.
If there's no improvement or the situation seems to worsen, it's important to seek veterinary advice. A video consult with one of our vets at Dial A Vet could provide more tailored guidance for your furry friend's condition.
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