Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 7/7/2005

Question
I have a 9 mo old min pin whose skin on her belly and under her front arm is starting to develope a rash like appearance. It looks like little pimples or blisters. It doesn't seem to itch or bother her.This week I applied the Hartz flea  and tick treatment to her. I usually use Frontline (lack of funds this month I went a little cheaper route),but it never seemed to bother her. I would like to know if dogs usually need to be treated for such skin conditions or if an over the counter medicine would help? Or should I wait and see if it goes away? Thanks for your time.

Answer
In young animals, this is usually a Staph. bacterial infection.  I would recommend having it treated before it gets any worse.  There is probably some reason like a food allergy or even something like mange that causes it, so ask the vet to see if there is  some underlying skin problem.