Yes, dogs can develop boils, and they need veterinary attention
Dogs can get boils just as humans do. A boil is a localized skin infection, usually caused by bacteria (most often Staphylococcus) that enters the skin through a cut, bite, or hair follicle. The infection causes pus to collect under the skin, forming a painful, swollen bump that may leak fluid or blood.
Boils in dogs are not contagious to humans, but they are uncomfortable and can worsen without treatment. A boil that drains on its own may seem to improve, but the infection can return or spread to other areas if not properly treated. Your veterinarian can drain the boil safely, prescribe antibiotics if needed, and rule out underlying conditions that make your dog prone to skin infections.
Key Takeaways
- Boils are bacterial skin infections that appear as painful, swollen bumps filled with pus and require veterinary care.
- Dogs with skin folds, allergies, or weakened immune systems are more likely to develop boils.
- Signs of a boil include a red or purple bump, swelling, discharge, and your dog licking or chewing at the spot.
- Do not squeeze or drain a boil at home; your vet can do this safely and prescribe antibiotics to prevent recurrence.
- Keeping your dog's skin clean and dry, treating wounds promptly, and managing allergies can reduce boil risk.
What causes boils to form on dogs
Boils develop when bacteria enter the skin and trigger an infection. This usually happens through a break in the skin—a cut, scrape, bite, or puncture wound. Hair follicles can also become infected if bacteria get trapped inside, especially in dogs with thick or curly coats where moisture and dirt accumulate.
Certain dogs are more prone to boils than others. Breeds with skin folds (like Bulldogs, Shar-Peis, and Pugs) trap moisture and bacteria in the creases. Dogs with allergies scratch and bite at their skin, creating openings for infection. Dogs with weakened immune systems, whether from age, illness, or medication, cannot fight off bacteria as effectively. Poor grooming, damp living conditions, or frequent swimming without proper drying also increase risk.
Signs your dog has a boil
A boil usually appears as a single red or purple bump on the skin, often surrounded by swelling and warmth. The bump may be the size of a pea or larger. As it develops, you may see discharge—pus, blood, or clear fluid—leaking from the center or from where your dog has licked or chewed at it.
Your dog will likely lick, chew, or scratch at the boil because it is painful and itchy. You may notice your dog paying unusual attention to one spot on their body, or you might see hair loss in that area from constant licking. Some dogs become irritable or restless if the boil is large or in a sensitive location. If the infection spreads, your dog may run a fever or seem lethargic.
When to take your dog to the veterinarian
Schedule a vet visit as soon as you notice a boil or any unexplained bump on your dog's skin. Do not wait to see if it drains on its own. Even if a boil ruptures and drains, the infection may not be fully cleared, and antibiotics may be necessary to prevent it from returning or spreading.
Seek urgent care if your dog has multiple boils, a boil that is very large or spreading, discharge with a foul smell, or signs of fever (lethargy, loss of appetite, or a temperature above 103°F). These signs suggest the infection is more serious or your dog's immune system is struggling to fight it.
What your veterinarian will do
Your vet will examine the boil and may take a sample of the discharge to identify the bacteria causing the infection. In most cases, the vet will drain the boil using a sterile needle or scalpel, clean the area thoroughly, and may explore an antibiotic ointment. This is much safer than attempting to squeeze or drain it at home, where you risk spreading the infection or causing more damage to the surrounding tissue.
Your vet will likely prescribe oral antibiotics to clear the infection completely and prevent recurrence. You will receive instructions on how to keep the area clean while it heals—usually by gently washing it with warm water and mild soap, then patting it dry. Your vet may also recommend a cone or protective collar if your dog keeps licking the spot, since licking can reintroduce bacteria and slow healing.
How to prevent boils from developing
Keep your dog's skin clean and dry. Bathe your dog regularly with a gentle, dog-safe shampoo, and dry thoroughly afterward, especially in skin folds and between the toes. If your dog swims or gets wet, dry them completely to prevent moisture from trapping bacteria.
Treat any cuts, scrapes, or bite wounds promptly by cleaning them with mild soap and water. If your dog has allergies that cause itching and scratching, work with your vet on a treatment plan—managing allergies reduces the number of small wounds that bacteria can enter through. Trim your dog's nails regularly so they cannot cause deep scratches while scratching. For dogs with skin folds, check those areas daily for moisture, debris, or early signs of irritation.
Maintain good overall health through regular exercise, a balanced diet, and routine veterinary care. A healthy immune system is your dog's best defense against skin infections. If your dog has had multiple boils, your vet may recommend dietary supplements or other preventive measures tailored to your dog's specific risk factors.
The difference between a boil and other skin bumps
Not every bump on your dog's skin is a boil. Cysts are fluid-filled sacs that are usually painless and do not drain. Abscesses are similar to boils but are often larger and may be caused by bite wounds or punctures. Tumors or growths are usually firm, do not drain, and grow slowly over time. Allergic reactions can cause bumps and hives that appear suddenly and may spread across the body.
The key difference is that a boil is painful, warm to the touch, and filled with pus or infected fluid. It usually appears suddenly in one location and may drain on its own. If you are unsure what you are looking at, your vet can identify it during an exam and recommend the right treatment. Never assume a bump is harmless—getting it checked early prevents complications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pop or squeeze a boil on my dog at home?
No. Squeezing spreads bacteria deeper into the skin and surrounding tissue, making the infection worse. You may also introduce new bacteria from your hands. Let your vet drain it using sterile equipment and proper technique.
Will a boil go away on its own?
A boil may rupture and drain on its own, but the infection often remains. Without antibiotics, the boil frequently returns or spreads to other areas. Veterinary treatment prevents recurrence and complications.
Is a boil on my dog contagious to me or other pets?
Boils are not contagious between dogs or from dogs to humans. However, the bacteria can spread to other areas of your dog's body if the boil is not treated, so do not delay getting veterinary care.
How long does it take for a boil to heal after the vet drains it?
Most boils heal within one to two weeks after drainage and antibiotic treatment. Keep the area clean and dry, and prevent your dog from licking it. If the boil does not improve or returns, contact your vet.
Why does my dog keep getting boils?
Recurring boils suggest an underlying issue—allergies, skin folds that trap moisture, a weakened immune system, or poor wound healing. Your vet can investigate the cause and recommend preventive measures specific to your dog's situation.