Our mastiff is allergic to plastic and used to get bumps that looked first like acne, then they'd open and bleed (if untreated) after he played with plastic toys. The vet's diagnosis was folliculitis -- 2 weeks of antibiotics cleared it up. We never had any luck with other remedies (sulphur soap, hydrogen peroxide, topical antibiotic creams). Sounds like your dog might have folliculitis too. If it goes long untreated secondary bacterial infections move into the skin, and the area is further aggravated by the dog's scratching. I'd suggest bringing the condition to your vet's attention promptly. Our mastiff can't play with any plastic toys. His food and water bowls are stainless steel, and we disinfect them after each use. We also clean his face twice a day to keep him more bacteria-free. Haven't had a problem since. However, even with stainless steel bowls, if we don't clean them and clean him daily, he is more prone to folliculitis, especially when the grass is growing. Good luck with your dog. Hope this helps.

Thanks Bill and Inga Lots of last years bulbs are starting to poke their heads out but the one you indicate is an Iris with a little Daffodil along side.it. The onion weed is always a problem in this bed so after the spring I will take drastic action to eradicate it. We're promised a good soaking the next few days so hoping for an old fashioned seasonal change but we've heard that song before!!! Winter regards to all chas

I like the cyms with the grassy like leaves. This one has beautiful blooms. Are they fragrant?

Definitely time to visit the vet. I don't know about dogs, but my cat's chin looked dirty (he's white) and he was scratching it all the time, until it bled. The vet said he had "feline acne" and gave me some ointment to clear it up. She said stop using plastic bowls, the plastic harbors bacteria which can cause the problem. I switched to glass and ceramic bowls, and he hasn't had a problem since. It might be a good idea for dogs too.