Why is my dog licking, scratching, has raw skin, and crying?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | American Cocker Spaniel | Female | unspayed | 23 lbs
My dog has been licking herself a lot by her butt and private area. Recently she has just started kicking her legs a lot too. The skin is raw in most areas. Right now I just spotted an injury on her neck. There is also a smaller version of that somewhere on her back fur. Any idea what is causing this? Yesterday she was crying a lot. Perhaps this is why. I’m concerned about her legs/privates and her neck. Photos included. All input appreciated. Thank you
4 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on July 21st, 2018
Infection (bacterial, fungal, mites) or allergies (fleas, food, environmental) would be possibilities. Place an e-collar (cone) on Sneaky to prevent further licking. If you haven't already, check her for fleas and treat her with a topical or oral preventative. Treat the environment for fleas as well. This includes vacuuming everywhere, washing all bedding and using an area treatment. Have her examined by your veterinarian to diagnose infection or allergies. Discuss allergy testing, hydrolyzed diets, antihistamine use and food elimination trials during the appointment. If indicated, your vet can dispense antibiotics or antifungals for treatment.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on January 26th, 2019
It sounds as if she may have some [allergies](https://www.petcoach.co/article/food-allergies-vs-environmental-allergies-whats-the-difference/). Its possible that she may have a skin infection. Ideally, take her to your veterinarian for an exam. Your veterinarian may recommend treating her at home with some [Benadryl](https://www.petcoach.co/pet-medication/benadryl/) or a prescription antihistamine. You can try spraying the affected areas with [Zymox](https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/zymox-spray-with-5-hydrocortisone) to decrease inflammation and hopefully make her more comfortable. If these at home measures are not helping after a week or so, or if she seems to be getting worse in the meantime, please have her evaluated by your veterinarian. Thank you for asking PetCoach!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on July 26th, 2017
This is probably due to an allergy, although it could also be infection or mites. First of all, in order to rule out skin parasites, you will need to treat with a high quality flea treatment (change product), then ask the vet to perform a skin scrape - this might reveal an infection or a mite infestation. If all of those came back negative, the next step is to treat the allergy symptomatically and try to discover the cause of the allergy. Three main type of allergies are usually affecting pets: food allergies, flea and parasite related ones and environmental type (allergens coming from trees, pollens, dust etc etc). Some medications can be given by the vet in order to repair any possible skin lesions (like steroids and antibiotics). Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on June 5th, 2017
Poor pup! If the skin scraping came out negative for bacterial and fungal causes, allergies are another possibility. If the area resolved with the steroid, but then returned once it wore off this may be another indicator of this. Sometimes the environment, too frequent of bathing and food allergies can all trigger it. If she's still nursing you may not want to change diets on her, but adding in a supplement such as fish oil can be a safe way to help soothe the skin and add some extra nutrition. If you do suspect allergies, you can talk to your vet about trying a safe antihistamine or other medication. Keeping her from scratching and chewing on the area with the use of an old t-shirt or Elizabethan (cone) collar can also help reduce irritation and let it heal.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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