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Why is my dog itching and biting above her tail until it bleeds?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Labrador Retriever | Female | unspayed | 1 year and 8 months old

My Labrador is always itching and biting right above her tail and she's cause it to bleed what can I do about that

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Claudia Fioravanti

Veterinarian

Published on May 3rd, 2017

I would make sure that she is up to date with her flea treatments as 90% of skin issues affecting the base of the tail are linked to flea dermatitis. Make sure the products you use are applied in the correct way and that Whiskey is not bathed shortly after. It is often necessary to spray the environment with another insecticide in order to kill all the larvae.

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    It sounds like Whiskey is very itchy in that area, and that's a common place for dogs to itch when they have fleas. If she isn't up to date on her flea treatments, I can give you one for her. First, I would give her Capstar. It's a one time pill that starts killing fleas within 30 minutes. Then follow up with a spot on treatment, such as Advantage or Revolution. This is a treatment that has to be used once a month. You will also have to disinfect the environment. Wash her bedding in hot soapy water, and vacuum the furniture and carpet surfaces. You can use a spray to kill fleas in the house, such as Indorex, or a flea bomb would work well to kill the fleas in the home. If Whiskey is up to date on her flea treatments, then the itching could be due to mites, allergies, or ringworm. Should this be the case, I recommend taking her into the vet for an exam tomorrow. The vet can do blood tests, skin scrapings, and use a Wood's lamp to diagnose allergies, mites, and ringworm. Once the cause of the itching is found, the vet can prescribe the appropriate treatment.

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