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Why is my dog biting his leg and tail, with rashes and wounds?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog keeps biting his left leg & sometimes around his tail area, I found small rash like marks, wounds. What could this be?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Crystal L. Nelson

Veterinary Technician

Published on April 12th, 2015

There are several conditions that can cause these symptoms. You'll want to try to keep the area as clean and dry as possible and prevent any licking. This will help prevent any secondary bacterial or yeast infection from forming.

Be sure to visit your local Veterinarian and request a Skin scraping exam. This will allow your doctor to rule out any mites, mange, or fungal infection. Your doctor should be able to prescribe a treatment plan to clear this up pretty easily.

23Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Jenny, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on February 28th, 2018
This can be a yeast (fungus) or bacterial infection this is often secondary to allergies though
It is best to give a medicated bath at least once a week to rinse the fur and clean the skin. From there you can alternate between cortisone cream and neosporin l
You may need to talk to your vet about medication to treat the infection and help prevent further occurrences by controlling the allergies. This can include a new food or medication
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on September 3rd, 2019
This presentation could be due to a trauma or localized spot of skin infection (likely to be caused by bacteria). A check up, appropriate disinfection and possibly antibiotics (oral, topical or in a shampoo formulation) are needed to solve the problem.
Disinfection may be started at home with very diluted hibiscrub or betadine or salted water baths. Buster collar may be useful as well to avoid any licking (if any).
Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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Why is my dog biting his tail, licking legs, and skin is red?

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My dog keeps biting her leg until it bleeds. Why and what to do?

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