My cat's shaved skin is raw and red. Why won't he stop licking?

Hi and thanks for posting on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Skin infections may take days to weeks to heal depending on how severe the infection is and what it is caused by. Skin infections due to lick dermatitis may take up to 10 days to heal or more. The underlying issue (such as an allergy or stress/anxiety), should be identified and treated to help prevent similar occurrences in the future. I hope this helps!

Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Licking until raw is a sign of irritation. This irritation can be due to fleas, other skin parasites, and sometimes other diseases such as tumors, intestinal pain if it on the stomach, or just a simple skin infection. I would recommend a visit to your vet for pain medications and antibiotics, and you will also need an E-collar to stop the self-trauma that is making it worse. Best of luck with Jackson!

The first step to managing Oden's overgrooming and skin irritation involves determining why this is occurring in the first place. Some cats overgroom due to anxiety or stress, while others pull out their hair while itching due to fleas, allergies or skin infections. Until you can get to the vet, I recommend putting an e-collar (cone) on Oden to prevent him from licking or chewing at his hind end further, as this can only make matters worse. Also be sure that you are using a good quality flea prevention (Advantage is a great option that is available over the counter) on Oden regularly, as some cats are highly allergic to even one or two flea bites. As soon as you are financially able to do so, I recommend taking Oden to the vet. He may need diagnostic testing of his skin, oral antibiotics or oral steroids to manage this condition. Many shelters also offer discounted veterinary services, if needed.

Without seeing the lesions it is hard to say exactly what the next step would be. You can always upload up to 3 pictures when submitting a question. I would recommend taking him back to the veterinarian and putting an elizabethan collar on him in the mean time. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Hello, my name is Dr. Elizabeth and I am happy to help. I hate to hear this lesion on Patch is not healing. I think the main thing to address is the licking. The first thing you need to do is stop the licking (since this can make it worse). Patches should wear an elizabethan collar at all times. Remember that the collar must come out past her nose in order to be effective. Next, wear gloves to handle the lesion and be sure to wash your hands afterwards. Get pet wipes that contain Chlorhexidine. Cleanse the area twice a day. This will help to control the number of topical pathogens as well as remove oil and dead skin cells. Lastly, after the area is completely dry, apply a topical antibiotic twice a day. Just a dab will do and rub it in well. Neosporin is fine to use. Again, wear gloves or apply with a q-tip. Patches needs to be indoors at all times. Cats can't wear elizabethan collars outside as they are a choking hazard if they were to get hung up. She can only wear the collar if she is in a safe environment. If the spot is not much better in 1 week, if it gets worse at any point or if the lesion is not completely healed within 2 weeks, Patches needs to be examined by the veterinarian. I hope this helps and please feel free to reach out with any additional questions.

There are many reasons Riley could be licking including parasites, allergies (both environmental and food), thyroid issues and even behavioral (like OCD). At home you can stop the licking by making him wear an Elizabethan collar at all times. Go ahead and treat him for fleas once a month for at least 2 months. If you want an over the counter product, pick Frontline but there are better products out there like Cheristan or Comfortis. If he has any wounds, you can cleanse them and then apply a little coconut oil- rub it in well and do not allow him to lick it. If he does not get better within a couple weeks or if he gets worse, take him in to see the veterinarian. I hope this is helpful and please feel free to post any further questions.!

It looks like Roxy has a small area of a skin infection. I recommend bringing her to a veterinarian. Here they can dispense antibiotics and potentially medication to help her stop licking or scratching (if she is). I hope Roxy feels better soon and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!