My dog won't stop licking and chewing a sore spot. Is it serious?

Question

My mixed black lab has a small "wound" (about 1.5" long). He licks it often and sometimes tries to chew at it a bit. He's fixed. He is about 90 lbs. and about 3' long from snout to the base of his tail. We kennel him into a large crate (42"L x 27"H x 27"D). There doesn't seem to be anything in the crate that could cause this type of irritation/wound. We walk him frequently outside (at LEAST 6 times a day) and sometimes tie him up outside while we're playing or working (he's never outside alone). Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Male | neutered | 1 year and 1 month old | 85 lbs

Jessica Desrosiers · Accepted Answer

If Cal constantly chews on it it may be that the licking and chewing is behaviorally based rather than injury based. Having the area checked by your vet is a good option, however, to rule out any possible causes such as an underling infection or allergy. It is also a good idea to not allow Cal to continue licking and chewing on the spot and to use an Elizabethan (cone) collar until the area is completely healed. Allowing him to lick and chew on it will just prolong the healing period and the saliva may introduce a secondary infection into the area.

My dog won't stop licking and chewing a sore spot. Is it serious?

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