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Why is my dog biting his tail and losing hair? Could it be a hot spot?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 5 years and 6 months old | 110 lbs

My dog is having skin problems , he is biting his tail and his hair felt becuase of that, he have all his shots up to date ( including rabies too), the first bite is fix now but he have a new one. He have fleas from time to time , I want to know if you can help me telling me what this can be? , I don't think have anything to do with rabies??, Im a severe OCD person and everything that happen to my dogs I think is rabies no matter they have their shots. I added two pics, thanks

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4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on August 31st, 2017

I can't see much from the second picture, but the first picture looks like a hotspot. These can occur from too much moisture, such as excessive licking when the skin itches. The moisture sets up an environment for a bacterial infection, which itches even more, and the cycle continues. The first step is to clip the hair so the skin can dry out - you need to use buzzing clippers, not scissors or a razor. Then bathe the skin to clean it using dog shampoo or a medicated shampoo like Dechra MalAcetic Ultra Shampoo. You can then use a topical like hydrocortisone and neosporin. During the healing time, you will have to prevent all licking, so Oreo will probably need to wear an e-collar or cone. Don't bandage the area because it needs to dry out. If you try this for 48 hours and it doesn't look better, Oreo should be evaluated by a vet. Itching can be caused by fleas, mange, lice, infections (bacterial or yeast), ringworm, allergies, among others. Since even 1 flea bite can make the whole dog itchy, Oreo should be on a monthly flea preventative. Nope, I don't think this is caused by Rabies!!

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 10th, 2019

    I can see some redness of the skin there. Poor guy. THis is a common area for flea allergies, which causes biting, hairloss, redness, and sometimes secondary bacterial infections. I would highly recommend giving your pet a good bath with dish dawn detergent, followed by an oatmeal/aloe based shampoo OR Duoxo calm shampoo available online, then get SMudge on a good high quality flea preventative such as Nexgard, Bravecto, Simparica, or Trifexis (flea and heartworm prevention). A visit to your vet may still be needed to get Smudge on a good allergy medication to help combat the itch as well and to treat any secondary infections on the skin that may be present. I hope that things improve with your pet Smudge moving forward. Best wishes and take care.

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    Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 13th, 2017

    I am sorry to hear about Roo. The most common cause of hair loss and itching in this area is a flea allergy dermatitis. Some dogs are very sensitive to flea bites and just one or two bites can cause an inflammatory reaction leading to intense itching. The skin can become traumatized and secondary infection can occur. Many of these cases require a course of steroids to get the itching/inflammation under control and sometimes antibiotics if there is a secondary infection. Flea control is also essential in these cases, and an oral flea preventative such as Comfortis or Nexgaurd is recommended. I would recommend a vet appointment for Roo so that she can get the medications she needs and they can confirm that allergies is the underlying cause for her symptoms. You can read more about allergies and flea control here: http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=2604 http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=2455

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    Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

    Veterinarian

    Published on October 12th, 2018

    Hi, thanks for using PetCoach! It looks like a spot he has been biting or licking. Causes of hair loss and being itchy are: hot spots, skin infection, scabies, mites, fleas or allergies. I would shave the area so the skin can be seen better. You can try an antihistamine and clean the area twice daily and apply a antibiotic ointment. I would also use an E-collar to prevent licking and get him on flea prevention. If that doesn't help have your Vet examine him. Good luck! https://www.petcoach.co/canigive/dog/zyrtec/

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