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Why does my dog have a rough, red fur patch that won't go away?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Female | spayed

My yellow lab has a red patch of fur and the fur there feels rougher, I can't figure out what it is she is 4 years old and it's been there for 7 months. Any ideas

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 20th, 2017

The brownish/red color on her fur is making me suspicious that she is incessantly licking/biting/chewing that area. Dogs have a porphyrin pigment in their saliva that will often cause this discoloration. I recommend you take her to your vet so they can shave the hair from that area and look for a reason that she may be irritated. It is really hard to tell sometimes due to all the hair. It could be an allergy which is my best guess based on the duration of it's presence but it could also be some plugged follicles or something under the skin irritating her. Now, I don't know if she is licking because you didn't mention that - I'm only speculating. Regardless of whether or not she is bothering that area I still feel like you should take her to the vet for a check-up. You can try a medicated shampoo or leave-in mousse to see if that helps. I would recommend Duoxo brand: https://www.amazon.com/Douxo-AntiSeptic-Chlorhexidine-Climbazole-Mousse/dp/B00II6XBWM Use as directed. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

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    Answered By Jeffrey Milner

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Hi, it looks like Moll has been licking this area a lot. Redness is a saliva stain and it may be something bothering her so she is licking it. I would shave the patch of fur with a hair trimmer to see if there is a wound underneath and see what the skin looks like. If it is red, or there is a wound, take her to the vet. It could also be allergies. You can try some antihistamine that is safe for dogs to see if that helps, or take her to the vet to see what they think. Good luck!

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