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Dog licking leg, has rash. How to treat allergic skin irritation?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Cockapoo | Female | spayed | 44 lbs

My dog has been licking a certain pet of her leg (near radius and elbow) for a few days. I checked and on both legs, there is a rash that when I touch it, she feels discomfort. Our vet said it could be an allergic reaction to her environment. Is there anything we should do to relieve the discomfort and treat the rash? Any ointment?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on December 3rd, 2020

Anything you apply will likely be licked off before it has a chance to help. Your best option is to place an e-collar (cone) on her to prevent licking. Contact your veterinarian and ask about OTC or prescription antihistamines that may help if an allergic reaction is involved. A fish oil supplement may also help promote healthy skin.
If symptoms persist, consider an exam to rule out infection or injury. You can also discuss allergy testing, food allergies and environmental allergies in depth with your veterinarian.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on March 2nd, 2020
This is likely to be a bacterial infection, but allergies and mites may be possible causes as well.
A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Antibiotics may be needed.
Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on June 20th, 2017
It could be an infection or an allergic reaction, maybe she is licking that area because she cant lick the bandaged leg. you will have to see if it gets better once the bandage is off, if not you will need to take her to the vet to get it treated.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Megan, DVM, CVA
Veterinarian
Published on December 28th, 2017
Poor Yo! This could be a local infection or an allergic reaction reaction or a mixture of both. You can try Benadryl twice a day and neosporin on the area twice a day. Make sure she doesn’t lick it. You can put a cone collar on her if needed to prevent this. See link below for Benadryl dosing. If it doesn’t start to improve or worsens then I would have your vet take a look at it. She may need oral antibiotics and stronger allergy meds like steroids to get it under control. I hope this helps!

https://www.petcoach.co/canigive/dog/benadryl/
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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My dog licks his back legs raw and red. What can I put on it?

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My dog is licking a rash on his leg. What medicine can I give?

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Why is my dog licking her leg and lower body? Allergies or skin?

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