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!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

Dog licking firm scab on hind leg near groin: What should I do?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Labrador Retriever | Male | unneutered | 3 years and 6 months old | 94 lbs

Hello. just found my dog, 3.5 year old black lab retriever licking this scab looking thing on his right hind leg area near his dogparts. it feels firm to the touch, and he didn't wince or whine about me inspecting the area. I did have to hold him down to get the pics.

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on January 12th, 2019

Thank you for contacting Pet Coach with your question about Chief. I'd put an Ecollar on him to keep him from licking the scab, which will make it worse. You can make one at home, and I will put a link below on how to do that. Keep an eye on the scab, and if it doesn't heal over the next couple of days, gets bigger, and/or appears to bother him, then I would take him into the vet. Best of luck, I hope this helps!

http://dogsaholic.com/care/homemade-dog-cone.html

2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on February 4th, 2020
Ouch, poor pup. I would gently clean hi's wound with warm water and antiseptic soap. To keep him from licking at it, you can put an Ecollar on him. 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 he will need to see the vet for antibiotics to treat it.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Jenny, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on November 10th, 2017
It looks deep enough it might need stitches. I would let your vet check it to start antibiotics for an infection and see if it is too late for sutures. In the meantime you can clean it with mild soap and water and apply neosporin to keep it clean. Try to not let him lick the area. You may have to get a e collar from a pet store for this
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on October 1st, 2017
Thank you for providing pictures of the scab on Elliott! It looks like it could be a wound that's healing, and him licking it will disturb the healing process and could introduce infection into the area. I would put an Ecollar on him to keep him from licking it until it heals completely. You can get an Ecollar at a pet store or you can make one at home:

http://dogsaholic.com/care/homemade-dog-cone.html
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Health & Wellness

My dog ripped his dew claw. He licked the scab. Should I be concerned?

It looks like Scooby has ripped up part of the scab. I would gently wash the area with warm water and antiseptic soap, and put the Ecollar back on him. Keep them Ecollar on him until the area fully heals and there is no scab. Monitor the area, and if you see any signs of infection (redness, swelling, pus, warm to the touch), he will need to see a vet. Best of luck, I hope this helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog's leg sore won't heal. Is it from licking? What can I do?

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Bogart. The only thing at home you can try is having him wear an E-collar. This will prevent any licking causing further damage from self trauma. It may allow the skin to heal. If this is unsuccessful though, he will need to see a veterinarian. The area could be a mass on his leg (benign or cancerous) or he could have what is known as a lick granuloma. I hope this information helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog has a scabby bite wound. How do I treat it and stop licking?

If they are play fighting a lot, then you may have to keep them separated until the wound can heal. 1. Clip the hair away from the wound using buzzing-type clippers, not scissors or a razor. This is so you can monitor the wound and keep the hair out of the way to help with healing. 2. Disinfect the wound once with peroxide or a first aid chlorhexidine wound soap. Do not continue to use peroxide, or alcohol, as this will delay healing. 3. Apply an antibacterial ointment, such as Neosporin, twice daily. If needed to clean the wound, use a warm wet wash cloth to gently wipe away any dried fluid. 4. Prevent all licking or scratching of the wound by using an e-collar or dog booties or socks. 5. See a vet if your pet experiences prolonged lethargy, decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, or a rectal temperature over 103, or if there is creamy discharge or discharge with a foul odor, or there is swelling around the wound.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog has a scab on her leg, licking it but not painful. What to do?

If no more scabby areas show up and it doesn't get bigger, I wouldn't worry about it. She may have scratched herself on something. If things change, I recommend an exam by a vet to determine and treat the cause. You can clean it once with mild soap and water but the more you mess with it the longer it will take to heal. Kisses to Penny!d

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog keeps licking her leg wounds despite meds. How to stop?

Thank you for contacting PetCoach with your question about Roxi. Oh no, that is bad! You definitely should call the vet in the morning, but until then, we have to stop the licking or it will make things worse. Put an Ecollar on her to keep her from licking it. You can get one at a pet store or make one at home. If you want to make one at home, I will put a link below on how to make it. Try to get her into a vet tomorrow. I hope this helps! http://dogsaholic.com/care/homemade-dog-cone.html

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog has a bloody sore on his leg and keeps picking it. What to do?

Place an e-collar (cone) on him to prevent further licking or chewing. This may be enough to allow for healing. Keep the area clean and dry. If it doesn't heal or if it grows or spreads, have Barnaby physically examined by your veterinarian. He may need antibiotics or further diagnostics, such as a fine needle aspirate or biopsy, if it is a lump or mass.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Training & Behavior

My dog's leg sore won't heal, she keeps licking it. What should I do?

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. I would recommend a plastic cone to go around Kali's head to prevent her from licking / chewing at the sore. She will likely need an ointment more effective than neosporin. I would recommend buying a plastic cone at the pet store and using an ointment such as Zymox topica ointment. If the sore worsens I would then schedule an examination with your veterinarian so that the most appropriate treatment recommendations can be made. The vet can prescribe a better ointment than neosporin to help prevent infection and relieve any inflammation. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share