Dog Skin Rash Pictures: Identify Common Rashes by Photo
A visual reference for the rashes you are most likely to see on your dog, what they typically look like, what causes them, and what to do next.
Worried about a red patch you just spotted? You can scan your dog with BeneathFur in 60 seconds and get an AI second opinion before you call the vet.
How to use this visual guide
Rashes rarely look identical in two dogs. Color, shape, location and how fast the rash spreads all matter. Use the descriptions below as a starting point, not a diagnosis. If anything is bleeding, oozing pus, or doubling in size within a day, call your vet.
1. Hot spots (acute moist dermatitis)
What it looks like
Bright red, wet, hairless circle, usually 2 to 10 cm across, often with matted fur around the edge and a sour smell. Most common on the head, neck, hip and flank.
Why it happens
A small itch (flea bite, allergy, ear infection) gets licked or chewed until the skin breaks down. Hot spots can double in size overnight.
What to do
Clip the hair around the spot, clean with chlorhexidine, prevent licking with a cone, and book a vet visit within 24 to 48 hours. See our full hot spot guide.
2. Allergy rash (atopic dermatitis)
What it looks like
Pink to red bumps on the belly, armpits, groin, paws and around the eyes and muzzle. Skin may look slightly thickened and the dog licks paws constantly.
Why it happens
Reaction to food proteins, pollen, dust mites or flea saliva. Itch is the dominant symptom.
What to do
Track flare-ups against season, food and environment. Vets can prescribe Apoquel, Cytopoint or a hypoallergenic diet trial.
3. Ringworm
What it looks like
Circular bald patches with a red ring on the edge, often 1 to 4 cm wide. Skin in the center may look scaly or grey. Common on the face, ears and front legs.
Why it happens
Fungal infection (not actually a worm). Highly contagious to other pets and humans.
What to do
See a vet for a fungal culture. Treatment usually combines topical antifungal cream with oral medication for 4 to 6 weeks.
4. Mange (sarcoptic and demodectic)
What it looks like
Sarcoptic: intense itching, crusty skin on ear edges, elbows and belly, often with hair loss. Demodectic: bald patches without much itch, usually starting around the eyes and muzzle in puppies.
Why it happens
Microscopic mites. Sarcoptic is contagious, demodectic is usually linked to a weak immune system.
What to do
Vet-prescribed isoxazoline parasiticides (the same class as common flea preventives) clear most cases.
5. Yeast infection
What it looks like
Greasy, red, darkened skin with a distinct musty smell. Loves warm folds: armpits, groin, between toes, inside ears.
Why it happens
Malassezia yeast overgrows when the skin barrier is disrupted, often on top of allergies.
What to do
Medicated antifungal shampoo two to three times a week and an underlying-cause workup.
6. Pyoderma (bacterial skin infection)
What it looks like
Red bumps that turn into pus-filled pimples, then crusty scabs with a small flake of hair lifting off. Often on the belly.
What to do
Most cases need a 3 to 4 week course of antibiotics plus medicated shampoo.
Quick comparison table
| Rash | Itch level | Contagious? | Typical fix |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hot spot | High | No | Clip, clean, cone, vet |
| Allergy | High | No | Apoquel, diet trial |
| Ringworm | Low | Yes (pets and humans) | Antifungal 4 to 6 weeks |
| Sarcoptic mange | Severe | Yes | Isoxazoline tablet |
| Yeast | Medium | No | Antifungal shampoo |
| Pyoderma | Medium | No | Antibiotics |
When to call the vet today
- Rash is bleeding, oozing, or smells bad
- Doubled in size within 24 hours
- Your dog is lethargic, off food, or has a fever
- Hair loss is spreading
- You also see fleas or ticks
FAQ
What does a dog allergy rash look like?
Red bumps and pink patches on the belly, armpits, paws and face, with constant licking and scratching.
Is a dog rash an emergency?
Usually not, but treat it as urgent if there is bleeding, pus, fast spread, or your dog seems unwell.
Can I put hydrocortisone on my dog?
1% hydrocortisone is generally safe on a small area for a few days, but stop if your dog licks it off, and never use it on broken skin without vet guidance.
Related reading
- Try the dog skin inspection app for a 60-second AI scan.
- Spot lumps early with our lump on dog skin guide.
- Stop irritation fast with the hot spot on dog treatment guide.
- Want unlimited AI scans? Compare BeneathFur Pro plans.