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My dog is biting irritated skin after e-collar removal. What's wrong?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Male | neutered | 9.6 lbs

I just took off my dogs e-collar. It’s been about two weeks now. However, he started biting himself (I thought he was just cleaning) and it’s really irritated. Should I be worried? After I saw this, I gave him his first bath in a while, since I couldn’t after the surgery. Thanks!

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1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr Stafford, BVetMed, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on December 26th, 2017

Poor Fox, it looks like he has made himself very sore! He has likely caused a bit of lick dermatitis where the top layer of skin gets irritated then bacteria from.the saliva infect it. It does look pretty superficial, and the surgical site looks okay. I would try putting the collar back on, bathing the area in salty water twice daily, drying gently, then applying a topical antibacterial cream. If it appears to be getting worse or not improving head into the vet.

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