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My dog keeps licking a small spot on her leg. Could it be a hot spot?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | spayed | 8 years and 6 months old | 55 lbs

This small spot has been on my dog's inner, front leg for awhile. It's not as dark as it used to be, I assumed it was maybe a scab. But she's been licking at it lately, so could it be a hot spot?

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4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Ana M, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 7th, 2018

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Dolly. The picture came through a little fuzzy, but it does not appear to be a hot spot. These are areas of red moist irritated skin that tend to be larger. They come up rather suddenly and cause the dog discomfort from the start. It almost appears to be a wart like growth on her leg. These can scab over from time to time can cause the dog to lick. Either way, I would place an E-collar on her so that she does not continually lick and aggravate the area further. If it is still bothering her on Monday, she should see her veterinarian. I hope this information helps!

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    Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 12th, 2019

    Those spots on Moctezuma could be several things including allergies, skin mites, flea bites, ringworm (which humans can get) or a bacterial infection. You can try adding in an omega 3 fatty acid supplement for dogs, this can help improve the skin health. You may also try changing his diet to something like Royal Canin or Nutro as they are aimed at skin health. You can wash the lesions with soap once a day and rinse well (don't wash his whole body, just those spots). You may also ask your veterinarian about antihistamines. Protect the areas from licking or scratching and he may need to wear an Elizabethan collar at all times. If the lesions don't start looking better within about a week or if they get worse, have him examined by the veterinarian who may prescribe medications. Best of luck and please feel free to post any additional questions.

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on December 5th, 2016

    It sounds like Harley Quinn may have a hot spot. This hot spot could be caused by allergies, insect bites (fleas or mites), an underlying skin infection, or constant licking and chewing caused by boredom or stress. I would recommend taking her into the vet in the morning for an exam. The vet can diagnose what is causing the hot spot, can shave the area around it, clean it, and can treat it according to the cause. I would not put anymore cream on it unless prescribed by a vet. She will likely lick off most of the cream anyway, and many human ointments contain multiple other ingredients which are not necessarily safe to be swallowed.

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    Answered By Claudia Fioravanti

    Veterinarian

    Published on March 24th, 2019

    Hi, it is definitely not a hot spot as there is no oozing and does not look very inflamed and angry. It might be related to an underlying allergy/sensitivity but to be sure you should keep an eye on the rest of her body and see if there are any other similar areas. Also you should treat her for fleas and other parasites with a product that has been approved by your vet. Hope this helps !

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