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My dog has itchy bumps, losing hair. Why is my other dog licking her?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | BullBoxer | Female | spayed | 3 years and 7 months old | 65 lbs

Is this mange? Diesel has had it before and her old owner treated it when she was a baby baby. I attached a photo of what it looks like. She has been itching constantly and has been loosing hair. Also my other dog coco has been licking her, is she trying to heal her of something?

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Maria DVM

Veterinarian

Published on January 13th, 2018

This is most likely not mange. These are called papules. It looks like a mild skin infection is starting. Is she licking at it? If she is then I recommend putting an elizabethan collar on her so she cannot lick at it. I would recommend not letting Coco lick at it. By Coco licking at it she can actually make it worse. I would recommend a visit to the veterinarian if these lesions get worse or they do not resolve. Your veterinarian may give oral antibiotics or a medicated shampoo to help resolve this. If you notice her drinking or urinating more then I recommend a visit to the veterinarian now. Sometimes if female dogs have a urinary tract infection they can lick that area and it can create a skin infection also. So if you see symptoms of a urinary tract infection then I would recommend bringing a sample to your veterinarian to test. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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    Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

    Veterinarian

    Published on January 7th, 2018

    Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Puppies can mildly scratch especially around collars and harness until they are used to them. Also transitioning to a new diet can cause dryness and an itchy feeling. As can the cold weather and dry heat indoors. If she is scratching constantly I would touch base with your Vet tomorrow for medications to relieve her scratching. Otherwise if it’s mild mention it at her next puppy visit. Puppies that excessively lick their viulvas can have puppy vaginitis. Check the skin around the vulva for redness or bumps and check the hair around the vulva for yellow discharge. If you notice anything like that touch base with your Vet to see if antibiotics are warranted. I hope this helps and I wish you and Harley the best!

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