Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Become a credit card member today!Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!APPLY NOWLearn More About Petco Pay Benefits
Why is my dog biting his tail, licking legs, and skin is red?
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | neutered | 1 year and 7 months old | 40 lbs
Hi there, My Staffy mix has been biting his tail a lot and the skin under his fur looks irritated and red. He's also been licking his legs. He's mostly switched over to Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Skin & Stomach food. It's hard to take a picture of his black tail, but I attached two. What should I do?
4 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on November 12th, 2018
The hair needs to first be shaved to get a better look at the skin and also allow the area to be cleansed antiseptically and apply topical ointment or spray if needed. Oral antibiotics will also likely be needed if the infection is deep.
This would be best taken care of by visiting your vet. Proper wound management is essential for wounds like this to heal well and since it is the tail area it already proves difficult to shave without causing further harm. Your vet will be able to do this quickly and efficiently and also be able to provide a prescription for antibiotics which is often needed for tail wounds to prevent the infection from seeping into the bone and causing further issues.
Until you can get Louis seen, you can clean it with Betadine diluted 50:50 with warm water. Best of luck with your pet Louis and his tail wound. I hope this heals well soon! Take care.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpfulRelated Answers from Veterinarians
Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Hi, and thanks for your request.
This may be due to an allergic reaction but skin parasites and infections may be present as well. I would recommend in order to treat skin parasites with a good quality, prescription product. Then take him to your vet for a check up to have him checked in case of infection (some skin tests and a physical examination will be needed).
If everything comes back negative, an allergic reaction is suspected. Three main type of allergies are possible: food, environmental and fleas allergies.
Medication that can be given may include antibiotics and steroids and others against itch.
Hope this answer was helpful but please do not hesistate to contact us again if needed.1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on November 12th, 2016
I would get an Ecollar to put on Catchy to prevent him from biting and licking at the wound. You can get one from the pet store or at your vet's clinic. If he hasn't been seen for this sore, I would get it checked out by the vet as well. The sore could be caused by trauma, or it could be a hot spot. Hot spots are very itchy, which would explain why he keeps biting and licking at it, and can be caused by allergies (environment, food, or insect), or underlying skin allergies, among other causes. Catchy may need treatment for the cause of the sore in order for it to heal probably. I would get the Ecollar for him for the weekend, and then take him into the vet either toady (if the vet is open during normal business hours), or first thing Monday.
4Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on September 26th, 2017
It could be a skin infection, allergic dermatitis, mites, etc. You could bathe him with an anti-microbial dog shampoo and/or use Mal-A-Ket wipes around his mouth to see if that helps. Otherwise, have him examined by a vet to determine the cause and treat. He may need an antibiotic, anti-histamine, corticosteroid, and/or other medications to help treat.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful