My dog has reddish-brown fur spots and licks them constantly. Why?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Male | unneutered | 1 year and 9 months old | 15 lbs
My dog has 4 spots on his fur that turned like a reddish brown. Like the hair changed color not his skin. Each spot is round and about the size of a pea. I have caught him licking on the the spots constantly. Any idea what this could be? He is a schnauzer mix, 1 year old. Thanks in advance.
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on January 25th, 2018
Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! From the photos, the discoloration looks like it is caused by salivary enzymes from chronic licking. This can be due to an underlying skin infection or environmental/food allergies. Your vet can rule out these conditions with some skin samples and possibly a food trial. I hope this helps!
5Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on July 20th, 2017
The brownish/red color on her fur is making me suspicious that she is incessantly licking/biting/chewing that area. Dogs have a porphyrin pigment in their saliva that will often cause this discoloration. I recommend you take her to your vet so they can shave the hair from that area and look for a reason that she may be irritated. It is really hard to tell sometimes due to all the hair. It could be an allergy which is my best guess based on the duration of it's presence but it could also be some plugged follicles or something under the skin irritating her. Now, I don't know if she is licking because you didn't mention that - I'm only speculating. Regardless of whether or not she is bothering that area I still feel like you should take her to the vet for a check-up. You can try a medicated shampoo or leave-in mousse to see if that helps. I would recommend Duoxo brand: https://www.amazon.com/Douxo-AntiSeptic-Chlorhexidine-Climbazole-Mousse/dp/B00II6XBWM Use as directed. Hope this helps. Best wishes.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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