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My dog keeps licking a red, hairless spot. What should I use?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Male | neutered | 5 years and 11 months old | 16 lbs

Chico has developed a round spot on back knee that he keeps licking. All hair gone off of it and red looking. Keeps adding to the size of it because of licking. What to use on it......hydrocortisone??? May harm the dog. anything else??

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

Published on July 22nd, 2018

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is possibly due to allergies. It really comes down to figuring out what is causing his allergies so that they can be treated or the specific allergen avoided. A secondary infection is likely and also needs to be addressed. There are many things that can cause allergies though in most cases they can be broken down into 3 big categories: flea, food and environmental allergies. Allergies are usually worked up in a stepwise fashion starting with flea allergies as this is the easiest and cheapest to take care of. If not on a flea preventative, then it would be a good idea to get started on one. If already on one then it would be a good idea to change to something else (there are many new products out in the market). If not improved in 1-3 months then it is time to move on and check for food allergies by switching to a novel diet (new protein and new carbohydrate). If that does not seem to be the issue then you are left out having to check for environmental allergies which require blood and/or skin tests. Allergies can be very frustrating to deal with at first but so rewarding at the end when we are able to treat them effectively!

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I would recommend using a plastic cone around the neck (e-collar) to prevent Chico from licking at the area. In addition to the cone, I would recommend using the below products: 1. Sentry Wound cream (can be found at Petco) 2. Well & Good Hydrocortisone spray (can be found at Petco You can apply these to the area twice daily until resolved. If it does not resolve or it worsens, I would recommend having a veterinarian take a look at the area so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

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