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My dog is licking her belly. Why is there a red, irritated spot?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Bichon Frise | Female | unspayed | 2 years and 1 month old | 17 lbs

Hi Today I noticed that Eli licked her belly ( once or twice ) I checked it now I realized the spot is red

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Maria DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 22nd, 2019

The picture is not clear enough to see exactly what is going on with Eli's skin. I would recommend a veterinarian because it may be a hotspot starting which can get drastically worse very quickly. I would recommend an ecollar if she continues to lick. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on January 24th, 2020
I think it looks like an area of superficial skin infection similar to a hot spot. I’d recommend having your vet take a look in person - she may need oral antibiotics. You can put an e-collar or cone on to prevent licking until you can see your vet.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Stacey Anstaett, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on January 1st, 2019
It looks like she may have a bacterial infection in the skin there.
You can try a product such as this at home for a few days, and put an ecollar (cone of shame) on her to keep her from licking it and making it worse, but if it’s not improving after 3-5 days or if it’s getting worse, get her in to see your vet.
Thanks for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Mara Howard, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on January 16th, 2018
Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I’m sorry to hear Lexi is having skin issues. Based on the pictures you provided, it does look like she may be suffering from a skin infection, or a puppy pyoderma. This can be secondary to allergies or another underlying cause. I would recommend she be evaluated by her regular veterinarian to have her skin examined, determine the underlying cause for her skin lesions, and start any treatment (antibiotics, antihistamine) that she may need to resolve it. Good luck!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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Why is my dog excessively licking a spot on her stomach?

That could be a growth, like a benign growth, and it's clearly bothering Leinie if she keeps licking at it. Put an Ecollar on her to stop licking at it. You can buy one at a pet store or make one at home. Then have her seen by a vet on Monday for this. The vet can diagnose what it is, and can treat as needed. Best of luck.

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Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is likely some local irritation. This may be due to allergies for example. It may be an allergy to something specific in the environment or something else like fleas or food. This may go away on its own if it is something minor. However, if this continues, I recommend you have her evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Best of luck!

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My dog has sores and scabs on his belly from licking. What is it?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Unfortunately, without pictures, it is very hard to guess. Some possibilities include: urine scald (basically an extreme diaper rash), skin infection, allergies/hot spots, tick/flea bites, insect bite hypersensitivity, and more. If it looks serious (painful, infected, or very itchy), he should see a vet right away to get on medication to control itching or infection. If it looks only mildly uncomfortable, try an E-collar to prevent licking. Keep him from lying in his urine/feces and keep him clean and dry as much as possible. If it is a urine scald, it should improve dramatically in a few days with just this. Best wishes to you and your new buddy Jackson!

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