My Boxer dog won't stop licking her hips. Why isn't cream helping?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It seems like it may be something causing him discomfort. I recommend that you have Jack evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. A veterinarian would be able to look at the affected area closely and see if there is a wound or anything to explain possible discomfort. Treatment would be based on findings. Good luck!

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I can see that Louie has some redness and hair loss in the region. This can be related to a skin infection, growth (slightly more likely if Louie is a little older), or a bug bite. A veterinary exam can determine the definitive cause, and would be required for prescription antibiotics. In the meantime, you can carefully use an electric clipper to clear hair from the area if you feel comfortable. You can also get Louie an e-collar or “cone” to prevent him from continuing to lick the area and cause further trauma. A mild pet shampoo can also be used to keep the area clean. I hope this helps and that all is well!

It sounds like she has a hot spot on her hip. She could be chewing/licking on that area because of allergies, a problem with her anal glands, fleas, etc. She should be examined by a vet to determine the cause and treat the problem. Your vet can check her anal glands and express them, if needed. Your vet can also inspect her for evidence of fleas and/or allergies. An antibiotic, anti-histamine, and/or a corticosteroid may be needed to help treat her problem and your vet can prescribe. Make sure to use a monthly flea prevention, like NexGard, Frontline, Revolution, or Advantage to prevent fleas and ticks.

Bella is such a cutie! Make sure to check all her toenails to ensure none of them are broken or bleeding. If they all look okay and she isn't limping then she is likely okay. If she continues to lick or starts limping then I would have your vet do an exam. Sometimes they will lick if they are in pain. Hip dysplasia is an unfortunate genetic disorder. As long as she isn't having any difficulty getting up/down or doesn't seem painful then you could start her on some joint supplements like dasuquin or cosequin. If she seems painful, talk to your vet about a pain medicine regimen to add in as well as joint supplements. I hope this helps!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is possibly due to allergies. It really comes down to figuring out what is causing his allergies so that they can be treated or the specific allergen avoided. A secondary infection is likely and also needs to be addressed. There are many things that can cause allergies though in most cases they can be broken down into 3 big categories: flea, food and environmental allergies. Allergies are usually worked up in a stepwise fashion starting with flea allergies as this is the easiest and cheapest to take care of. If not on a flea preventative, then it would be a good idea to get started on one. If already on one then it would be a good idea to change to something else (there are many new products out in the market). If not improved in 1-3 months then it is time to move on and check for food allergies by switching to a novel diet (new protein and new carbohydrate). If that does not seem to be the issue then you are left out having to check for environmental allergies which require blood and/or skin tests. Allergies can be very frustrating to deal with at first but so rewarding at the end when we are able to treat them effectively! Based on you description of what he has been doing with his hind limbs, I would be more suspicious of something like patellar luxation and possible arthritis as well based on his breed and weight. That is something that can be checked on physical examination. Typically, this is treated medically first to improve comfort though surgery is sometimes needed. Good luck and have a great day!

I am sorry to hear about Amy. It is impossible for us to diagnose your dog without examining her but based on your photo I would be suspicious that she has what we call "lick granulomas". We often don't know what starts the licking but eventually the skin becomes infected/inflammed and itchy leading to licking which leads to more inflammation/itching and becomes a vicious cycle and a habit. sometimes it is a compulsive behavior. Often these cases may need a long term antibiotic, a steroid to stop the itching, e-collar until the itch is under control, and behavior modifying drugs such as fluoxetine (prozac) to stop the compulsion. We also sometimes make a topical drop to put on the lesions containing Synotic and banamine (an anti-inflammatory) to help decrease the irritation. If your vet feels like they have run out of ideas to help Amy I could consider asking for a referral to a dermatologist. You can read more about this condition at http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=1541

Pets can lick a specific area due to a few reasons. Sometimes an area on a lower leg can be related to anxiety, skin mites, pain in the leg, nerve tingling, or a an abrasion which she is now licking. For cases like this, I recommend to have Diamond visit her veterinarian to looks for any evidence of pain or mites. If the doctor is more suspicious of an anxiety or nerve tingling, there are medications that may help. You do need to try to stop her from licking the leg. An Elizabethan collar worn any time she is not being directly supervised can help. It may not change the situation but an omega 3 fatty acid supplement for dogs can decrease inflammation and improve skin health. I hope this is helpful and please feel free to post any additional questions.