My dog's rash won't heal, and she keeps licking. Should I see a vet?

It does look like a skin infection but the origin (bacterial, fungal, yeast) I don't know just by looking at it. If it is bacterial, sometimes oral antibiotics are needed if topical therapy is not working. I don't know what cream you are using as I am not aware of a chlorhexidine cream, or how long you have been using it, so it's hard for me to comment much more on what you are already doing. I personally like these chlorhexidine wipes because they also contain an anti-fungal/anti-yeast component (climabazole) and a component to help repair the skin (phytosphingosine) so it is gentle. ( https://www.allivet.com/p-5393-douxo-chlorhexidine-3-ps-pads-for-dogs-and-cats-30.aspx?SearchTerm=duoxo+Auto ) If she is licking this area, it will never get better. So, if she is licking, you will need to get an E-collar (cone) for her to wear until this is healed. So, if you want to try the medicated pads, I would do that. If there is still not resolution after a few weeks then she should go back to the vet. Skin maladies typically take quite a long time to respond completely to treatment so as long as it's not bothering her too much just continue on for a few more weeks. Treat the affected areas for at least a few days past all resolution of the lesions. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

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/

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.

Thanks for the question. If Admiral can wear a cone or e-collar, or a t-shirt to keep from licking the area it might have a chance to heal. As long as he keeps licking it, the healing will be slow. If it is not getting better in the next couple of days, he may need to go back in to see the vet for antibiotics. I hope it resolves quickly.

We will commonly see skin problems that we call perivulvar dermatitis (infection of the skin around the vulva) when dogs have a recessed or tucked vulva. That infection can be due to a bacterial or yeast overgrowth as a result of excessive moisture that can develop in those skin folds. Treatment is geared towards drying the area (with a medicated drying wipe or solution), treating the infection (with an antibacterial or antifungal solution) and decreasing inflammation. The only concern that I would have with waiting until Tuesday would be if Ella makes the infection worse by licking at it, so you might consider using an e-collar until her vet appointment on Tuesday. Good luck! I hope that was helpful and that Ella feels better soon. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Hi there. That lesion could be a bacterial Staph infection but it could also be something like ringworm. These things often look similar and cannot be easily distinguished visually. Some testing may be needed to figure it out. Since you have been using an anti-fungal medication and it's not working then I suspect this may be more bacterially related. I would recommend you take Charlie to your vet for an exam. If you want to try something in the meantime you can try these medicated wipes and an E-collar to keep him from licking it. No matter what you put on it, it will not resolve if he continues to lick it. https://www.amazon.ca/Sogeval-Douxo-Count-Chlorhexidine-Pads/dp/B00G3D8JL0/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1514572929&sr=8-1-fkmr0&keywords=duoxo+wipes https://www.amazon.ca/Total-Pet-Health-Elizabethan-Areas-Small/dp/B00FXKSV3K/ref=sr_1_1?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1514572948&sr=1-1&keywords=elizabethan+collar Hope this helps. Best wishes.

First, place an e-collar (cone) on her to prevent further scratching. Keep it on her 24/7. You can take it off when she eats or drinks, but monitor her closely so she doesn't start scratching again. Next, have her seen by your veterinarian. The licking, biting, scratching and hair loss may be due to allergies ( https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/canine-allergies ). These can be difficult to diagnose since there are many causes (inhaled, environmental, food, fleas). Discuss allergy testing, food elimination trials and antihistamine use with your veterinarian. The doctor may prescribe medications to treat the wounds and stop the scratching. https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/food-allergies/ https://www.petcoach.co/article/4-great-strategies-for-relieving-your-dog-s-allergies/ https://www.petcoach.co/article/seasonal-allergies-in-dogs-what-you-need-to-know/