My dog keeps licking a growing spot on his leg. What is it and how do I treat it?

Hi, from your picture it appears your dog is getting an lick granuloma. It will help to use hair clippers and trim the hair around the area to look for sores and redness. Some dogs will do this compulsively, or he may have a small bite or scratch. You can cover the area with a breathable baby sock, making sure it is not secure too tightly. Or keep the cone on for about 3 days to see it the area heals on it's own. Good luck, I hope this helps!

It looks like a lick granuloma which can be secondary to itching, pain, boredom, stress, OCD. They are commonly treated with antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications, and bandages or E-collar to prevent licking. If that doesn't work then anti-anxiety medications, like Prozac, can be prescribed to see if that helps. Below is a link with a website with additional information. http://www.skinvetclinic.com/acrallickdermatitis.html

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.

An e-collar (cone) is definitely recommended to prevent further licking. Keep the area clean and dry. A dilute betadine or chlorhexidine solution can be used for cleansing. A topical product, such as Vetericyn, can be used after cleaning. You can find it in the local Petco. This may be enough to allow healing, but if not then a trip to the veterinarian for an exam would be necessary. Systemic antibiotics may be indicated to treat infection.

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!

Hi, thanks for using PetCoach! The black hairless area is a normal elbow callus. The pink area could be a growth or irritation or a skin infection. I would prevent the licking by using an E-collar. Then I would apply a triple antibiotic cream. Force him to lay on soft bedding to prevent further trauma and you can try an antihistamine. If there is no improvement the area should be looked at by a Vet as he may need oral antibiotics and a steroid or apoquel. Those are prescription drugs that can only be prescribed by a Vet that exams your dog. Good luck! https://www.petcoach.co/canigive/dog/zyrtec/

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.