My dog licks the inside of both back legs and causes the skin to turn red. What is the best product to put on it for him to quit licking? Pet's info: Dog | Jack Russell Terrier | Male | unneutered | 8 years and 11 months old | 19 lbs

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is possibly due to allergies. Here is what you can do in the meantime. Use an e-collar when she is unsupervised to prevent more licking and further self-trauma. Also, you can use a medicated shampoo containing chlorhexidine as that can help with the possible secondary infections that is affecting her. It really comes down to figuring out what is causing her allergies so that they can be treated or the specific allergen avoided. 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!

Chronic skin problems could be several things including allergies to fleas, skin mites, an infection, allergies to something in the environment, food allergy or endocrine disease. Each one of these problems is detected and addressed differently and I recommend to discuss with your veterinarian which one to start hunting down first. Parasites are often ruled out with an oral medication like Simparica. Infections can be detected with a skin impression. Food allergy is best ruled out with a diet trial using a hydrolyzed protein. Endocrine diseases are detected with blood work. Environmental allergies are a little more difficult to detect but a response to therapy or a blood test can give an indication. Once you figure out and address the underlying cause, the lesions should not come back. There are a couple things you can do at home and they can help but they may not address the underlying cause. 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. Also protect the area from trauma by having Handry wear an elizabethan collar at all times. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Skin lesions such as the one in the picture can be caused by bacterial, parasitic or fungal infection, dietary or environmental allergies or sensitivities (including from laundry detergent used on his bed), immune system disorders, or a combination of the above. I recommend making an appointment to have Archie seen by your veterinarian to help determine the cause of the lesions you’ve noticed and to make sure they are treated appropriately. The vet will likely want to look at a sample from the area under the microscope to determine if there is an infection and to figure out what medication is appropriate for treatment. Coconut oil likely will not help the area heal, and the oil may trap in moisture and lead to more irritation, but you can bathe Archie in hypoallergenic shampoo for dogs to clean the area, although this will likely not resolve the lesions. I recommend putting n e-collar/ cone on him to help reduce the risk of him licking the area and making it worse.

My dog licks his back legs raw and red. What can I put on it?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

My dog licks the inside of both back legs and causes the skin to turn red. What is the best product to put on it for him to quit licking?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT 44

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on September 14th, 2018

Place an e-collar (cone) on him to prevent further licking. Consider an exam with your veterinarian to diagnose and treat the underlying cause. Possibilities include parasites (fleas, mites), infection (bacterial or fungal) and allergies (environmental, foodborne, etc). Discuss allergy testing, hydrolyzed diets, food elimination trials and antihistamine use with your veterinarian.

4Pet Parents found this answer helpful

My dog licks his back legs raw and red. What can I put on it?

Most Helpful Answer

Other Answers

Related Questions

What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?

My degu has a white bump in its fur. Should I take my pet to the vet?

My rat is losing weight and has breathing issues. What should I do?

My pet has worsening sores and scratches. Could it be an infection?

My dog's matted fur bled after cutting. Should I take him to the vet?

Why is my pet's swollen lump with green patches not getting better?

Share