Today I found red dots on my dog’s belly and near its privates, and a red patch in the groin—could it be eczema or another skin disease, and what medicine should I apply?

Red dots on a dog’s belly are commonly superficial pyoderma or eczema from bacterial infection, usually caused by a damp environment or the dog often lying on wet cages, bedding, or floors. For treatment, rinse the belly with saline, disinfect with diluted hydrogen peroxide or iodine, then apply an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory drug such as a pet spray paired with zinc oxide ointment, twice a day.

You can also pair it with oral antibiotics for inflammation, or a weekly medicated bath to speed healing; during treatment put an Elizabethan collar on the dog to stop it licking the medicine. Also disinfect the dog’s living environment so it stays dry and clean.