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My dog has a bloody sore on her lower back by the tail. What is it?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Shih Tzu | Female | spayed | 11 years and 1 month old | 15 lbs

my dog has a bloody fleshy sore on her lower back by the tail wondering what could be the cause

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on September 23rd, 2017

Poor Sassy! She could have injured herself causing the sore, or she could be very itchy leading her to bite in that area thus creating the sore. I would gently clean the sore warm water and antiseptic soap. To keep her from licking at it, you can put an Ecollar on her. You can get one at a pet store or make one at home. Keep the wound clean and dry, and monitor it for signs of infection. If you see redness, swelling, warmth to the touch, or pus, then it is infected and she will need to see the vet for antibiotics to treat it. I hope this helps!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on November 12th, 2016
Poor Pumkin! It sounds like he may have some sores on that area. First, I would get an Ecollar for him to wear. It will prevent him from licking at the area, and it will also keep him from licking at the antibiotic cream you put on there, as it's not healthy for them to ingest it. You can get an Ecollar from the pet store. It doesn't sound like this sore is something that requires a vet visit right away, so you can monitor it for now. Keep the area dry and clean, and look for signs of redness, swelling, warmth to the touch, and pus. If you see any of those signs, I would take him into the vet, as the sore is infected and will require antibiotics to treat. You can gently clean the area with warm water and antiseptic soap, but don't use the antibiotic cream on it again unless you can keep him from licking at it. If it looks like the sore isn't healing over the next 72 hours, or it appears to be spreading, then I would take him into the vet.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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