Why is my dog's fur red and warm in one spot? Should I worry?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Shih Tzu | Male | unneutered | 1 year and 8 months old
My dog has this weird red brass colour to his fur and it's kind of warm to the touch. It's only in one spot and his behaviour is normal. Should I be worried?
4 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on September 25th, 2017
It sounds like it could potentially be a localised allergic reaction. I would ask you if possible, to post some pictures, as these could give more information on the extent of the lesion and if it is better to have Stephan checked over or not.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on September 10th, 2017
It is likely an allergy from a bite or something in the environment. You can give him a bath to soothe his skin and apply topical cortisone cream to help with the redness. If it continues then you will need to see your vet for medicine before a hot spot develops
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on October 8th, 2019
It looks like it could be a hotspot ( https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/hot-spots/ ). These can be caused by excess scratching or licking due to fleas, parasites, boredom/stress or allergies. It is difficult to determine definitively due to picture quality. You would need to have this confirmed by your veterinarian after a physical exam. If you are not satisfied with your present vet, consider a second opinion with a different one. The area may need to be clipped and cleaned. Medal will likely need antibiotics. If the spot is painful, then pain medication should be considered. Treat for fleas, even if you don't see any. One flea bite can cause a reaction which could result in a hotspot. Use a monthly oral or topical preventive for at least 3 consecutive months, preferably year round. Vacuum everywhere and dispose of the bag or empty the canister outdoors immediately after. Wash all bedding in the hottest water allowable by fabric and dry in the dryer. use an area treatment, such as Knockout ES or Indorex, to prevent reinfestation. If fleas are not the cause, your vet may recommend additional diagnostics to diagnose the underlying cause. Discuss allergy testing, hydrolyzed diets, food elimination trials and antihistamine use to address allergies. Skin scrapes may be done to diagnose parasites such as mites.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on March 14th, 2019
That lesion is likely related to both the fleas and the biting. Flea bites are extremely irritating and some dogs will chew until the skin in raw. I recommend to treat for fleas with a product like Nexgard and if she is itching this badly, get some apoquel from your veterinarian which will make her feel better. It will take 6 months to get rid of all the fleas. Best of luck and please feel free to post any additional questions.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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