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Why is my dog licking his tail? It's oozing with black flakes.

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Female | spayed | 12 years and 10 months old | 17 lbs

My dog has been licking the spot where his back meets his tail for the past week. Today I noticed it is oozing/greasy and there are black flakes. The vet checked for fleas, and it was not fleas. What else could this be? It seems to be spreading and my dog seems to be in pain.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on April 23rd, 2017

Hurley could have a skin infection, allergies, mites, or ringworm. I would have him seen by a vet again for a physical exam, blood tests, skin scrapings, and use a Wood's lamp to diagnose a skin infection, allergies, mites, and ringworm. Once the cause of the this oozing sore is found, the vet can prescribe the appropriate treatment.

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    Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    She could allergies and a secondary skin infection. Your vet could prescribe an anti-histamine, antibiotic, corticosteroid, and other medications to help treat the problem. Your vet could also check her anal glands and see if they need to be expressed. Some dogs with full glands will lick and chew on their tail. You could also bathe her with a medicated dog shampoo and see if that helps.

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    0Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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