Why does my Chihuahua have black specks on its skin that leave holes?

It sounds like your dog has a skin infection. Usually infections are characterized by small red pustules full of pus. But sometimes they can look like whiteheads or blackheads, also known as comedones. Your dog will likely need a medicated shampoo to help flush out his hair follicles that have become clogged and often times need antibiotics to help the infection cleared up. There is a chance as well that this may not be an infection but maybe small cysts that are present. If this is the case usually no treatment is needed. A picture for reference would help us determine if an infection is present or if it is just a cyst. I hope this helps. Thanks For using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be a skin infection. You can try to use a medicated shampoo containing chlorhexidine twice weekly for 2 weeks. If there is no improvement or in the meantime this appears to be getting worse, have her evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Good luck and have a good night!

Hello. These are comedones, essentially black heads, & they are commonly associated with dogs that have allergies. You can try bathing CJ in a benzoyl peroxide product ( shampoo or gel ) for its follicle flushing properties. Bathe weekly & make sure you leave the shampoo on for at least 10 minutes before rinsing. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Hi and thanks for posting on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! From the picture, these black dots on Pokey's abdomen appear to me like comedones or better known as 'black heads'. You can try using a dog friendly shampoo than is Benzoyl peroxide based such as Vetoquinol Benzoyl-Plus Shampoo for Dogs and Cats. You can get this online or through your veterinarian. If the black dots persist, I would see your veterinarian. I hope this helps and thanks again for posting!

Hi there and thank you for using pet coach to address your concern. Judging from the pictures I suspect what you are seeing are blackheads. I would recommend using a shampoo called Dermabenz to help remove these. You can find this shampoo online quite easily and bathe twice weekly until resooved. If the condition does not improve or it worsens then I would recommend having a veterinarian examine her so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Bella. This looks like puppy pyoderma, which is a skin infection that can be common in puppies. This is because their skin is extra sensitive. I would take her the vet. The vet can confirm she does have puppy pyoderma, and can prescribe medication to treat it. I hope this helps!

It looks like Izzy has something called comodones - basically tiny black heads or pimples. A shampoo with benzoyl peroxide will help flush out the hair follicles and can remove these black specs. If Izzy is otherwise totally normal (eating well, good energy, not hair loss or weight changes), you can buy an over the counter shampoo with benzoyl peroxide and bathe her twice a week for 2 weeks. During her bathes lather her up and then let her sit for 10 minutes (or as close as you can get, not all dogs tolerate this!) and then rinse. If Izzy starts getting itchy or having any other problems, I would recommend a trip to the veterinarian clinic for further evaluation. Good luck! Let me know if this was helpful information or request a consultation if you'd like to know more.