puppy with a rash on belly

Question
We have just gotten a new Beagle puppy about 5 days ago and he seems to have a rash on his belly.  It looks like little red bumps and is very itchy.  Do you any idea what this could be?  

Answer
Hi Lisa!
I would definitely take him to your veterinarian for an examination. Rashes on puppies can be caused by mites, allergies,infection ect.  Your veterinarian will take a skin sample by gently scraping some skin cells from the area.  These skin cells will then be studied under a microscope for any abnormalities like mites or bacteria.
If this puppy was purchased from a pet store or adopted from a pound, the puppy was kept in a cage.  Since puppies do urinate quite a bit, often times they will lay in their urine before their cage is cleaned.  The urine will then cause skin irritations.  It is possible that this is the cause for this rash as well.  If so, your veterinarian can give you some antiseptic shampoo to use that will soothe the irritated skin.
Please let me know how he does and congrats on your new addition!
Hilary