My dog is licking his tail area raw. Is it fleas, pain, or skin?

Question

Lucas is licking the fur off his back near his tail. Since then he walks fast and huckered down like he's being chased. His skin is scabby where he's been licking. Not sure if it's his hips or something going on with skin. Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | neutered | 8 years and 7 months old | 45 lbs

Vanessa Yeager DVM MPH · Accepted Answer

Hi there and thanks for posting! Licking near the tail base region can be a sign of a flea allergy, especially if Lucas is not on any flea preventative. It only takes one flea to induce a flea allergy! Another possibility may be pain near the lumbar area of the back (lower back), perhaps from arthritis of the spine or hips or another condition of the spine. I would recommend Lucas have an exam done by a veterinarian soon and perhaps an x-ray done to differentiate a possible flea allergy from spinal or hip pain. I hope this helps and best wishes to you and Lucas!

My dog is licking his tail area raw. Is it fleas, pain, or skin?

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