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My dog is biting his back raw after neutering. What can I do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 1 year and 9 months old | 7 lbs

my dog keeps gnawing on a point on his back to the point where it bled and tore skin, we've been bathing him regularly and had to put a cone on him to prevent him biting himself. this started right after he was neutered.what can we do to prevent him from going at himself?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on February 18th, 2018

It sounds like Milo could be very itchy, which is causing him to gnaw on his back. In order to keep him from going at himself, the cause of the itchiness needs to be diagnosed. It could be caused by fleas, mites, ringworm, or allergies. If he isn't up to date on his flea treatment, I can give you one for him. First, I would give him Capstar. It's a one time pill that starts killing fleas within 30 minutes. Then follow up with a spot on treatment, such as Advantage or Revolution. This is a treatment that has to be used once a month. You will also have to disinfect the environment. Wash his bedding in hot soapy water, and vacuum the furniture and carpet surfaces. You can use a spray to kill fleas in the house, such as Indorex, or a flea bomb would work well to kill the fleas in the home. If he is up to date on his flea treatment, I recommend taking him into the vet for an exam today or tomorrow. The vet can do blood tests, skin scrapings, and use a Wood's lamp to diagnose allergies, mites, and ringworm. Once the cause of the itching is found, the vet can prescribe the appropriate treatment. Keep the cone on him until you can get him in to see the vet. You can also try an oatmeal bath to see if that temporarily relieves his discomfort. Good luck, I hope this helps!

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