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My dog has an itchy rash on his thighs and private area. What is it?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Chinese Crested Hairless | Male | unneutered | 7 months and 1 day old | 6.5 lbs

Hello, my chinese crested suddenly broke out in what appears to be a rash that's spread to both his thighs and private area over the course of 48 hours. His skin was clear before this. Its irritating him, he keeps licking and gnawing at it so I'm keeping him covered now

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Elva Ma DVM

Answered By Elva Ma DVM

Veterinarian

Published on December 24th, 2017

Hello, and thank you for your question and detailed photos. It looks like he may have a bacterial skin infection. Other underlying causes could be parasites such as fleas, or a fungal infection. I was trying to determine from the photos whether this was related to hives which would be indicative of a sudden allergic reaction. If he also has facial swelling or difficulty breathing, I would get him to a vet right away.

If his symptoms are only the rash on his back, thighs and groin area, my first guess is that this is a bacterial infection (pyoderma). This will likely require treatment with antibiotics from your vet, but if you cannot get to a vet in the next few days, you can try bathing him with a gentle chlorhexidine based shampoo for dogs, which will help to manage any surface skin bacteria. I would also think about any possible triggers that may have caused the sudden skin problem, such as feeding a new food or treat, or bathing with a new shampoo, or swimming, etc.

Keeping the area covered is a great idea, or you can use an e-collar (cone) to prevent him from licking the areas but still letting the skin breathe.

I hope this helps, and that Gizmo is feeling better soon! Happy holidays!
Vote Icon3Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 16th, 2019

    It looks like he has a skin infection so he should be examined by a vet to determine the cause and treat. He may need an antibiotic and anti-inflammatory and your vet can prescribe. You could bathe him with a medicated shampoo, like Douxo Chlorhexidine shampoo and see if that helps, too.

    Vote Icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Maria DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 18th, 2018

    Without actually seeing the scabs it is hard to say what it is. I would recommend either uploading up to 3 pictures when submitting a question or taking Weegee to a veterinarian to have them evaluate his skin. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

    Vote Icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 18th, 2017

    He could have an allergic dermatitis, bacterial/fungal skin infection, mange, or a flea allergy. Since it is so severe, he should be examined by a vet to determine the cause and treat. A vet can do a skin scrape, culture, and/or cytology to help diagnose and then prescribe medications to treat. He may need an antibiotic, anti-histamine, corticosteroid, and other medications. You could also bathe him with a medicated dog shampoo to see if that helps.

    Vote Icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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My dog has a warm rash in her crotch area. What can I put on it?
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Why does my dog have a rash on his belly and around his genital area?
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What causes my dog's recurring itchy rash on her belly and thighs?
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What causes a dog rash in armpits and genitals, and how to treat it?
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What causes dog groin rash and how can I treat my dog's itchy skin?
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