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Why is my dog's red or brown spot between her hip and leg growing?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Female | spayed | 60 lbs

What is this red/ brown spot my dog has between her hip and leg? it has been getting large in the last few weeks.

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on November 11th, 2017

From the pictures you have provided, it appears as though there is some hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin) and erythema (redness). This may be due to allergies or from friction / chaffing in that region. I have seen this occur in dogs that are very active but on the front legs, not the back legs. I would recommend starting a shampoo such as Douxo PS with chlorhexidine shampoo and bathe twice weekly until this skin condition resolves. I would also apply a spray such as Malacetic Conditioning spray 2-3 times per day until resolved. If Muffin has been licking at this area, I would strongly recommend buying a plastic cone (elizabethan collar) to keep Muffin from licking / chewing at this area. If there is no improvement then I would suggest having Muffin's veterinarian examine this area and perform some additional testing to help determine what this could be so that the most appropriate treatment can be recommended. All of the above products can be purchased online. Please let me know if you have any other questions regarding this and I will be more than happy to help! Have a great weekend!

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Maria DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    It looks like Muffin is having chronic changes on her skin along with some hair loss. It also looks like she may have been licking at it. This can be due to chronic allergies of some sort whether it being environmental or food allergies. I recommend having an appointment with a veterinarian especially if this spot is getting bigger and she is licking at it. There are new medications to give dogs that have allergies. They can take daily pills or be given monthly injections. She can also have different diseases like Hypothyroid and Cushing's disease that can cause changes in a dog's skin. Her skin does not look like it is infected at this time according to the pictures. I hope Muffin feels better soon and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

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