Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

My dog has a skin issue resembling ringworm and won't stop licking.

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Female | spayed | 11 years and 5 months old | 85 lbs

Hi, Dog has skin issue. She is a 12 yr hound mix. I clipped away hair to "doctor" with hydrocortizone. She keeps licking (of course). Do not know if I should be using an anti-fungal. Resembles ring worm. She is an inside dog though. All other behavior is same: eating, drinking, bowels, urinating, mood.

This question includes photos that may contain sensitive content. Click to view.

View more to consider that the photos may include sensitive content.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on March 20th, 2018

It could be that Elvis has ringworm, which she could have picked up when she went outside to go to the bathroom, but she could also have a hot spot or skin infection causing this spot. The only way to know how to treat this area is to have her seen by a vet, and I would recommend taking her in today or tomorrow. Once the cause of this skin problem is diagnosed, the vet can prescribe treatment for it. In the meantime, to keep her from licking at it and making it worse, I would put an Ecollar on her. You can get one at a pet store or you can make one at home. I will put a link below on how to make one at home. Good luck, I hope this helps! http://dogsaholic.com/care/homemade-dog-cone.html

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
I've taken Baby to the vet & the vet gave her an injection for her ringworm problem. I had gave her a bath, organic powder to prevent fleas problems, gave her medication to eat, but she still obsessively licking her fur & the ringworm seems like keep
Ringworm is a fungal infection that is highly contagious and can spread if it keeps getting messed with. It is also usually treated with topical medications and shampoos. It would be best to talk with your vet about getting a prescription shampoo to treat the ringworm with, and to place an Elizabethan (cone) collar on Baby to keep her from pawing at the spot and irritating it more. Be sure to also thoroughly wash hands and clothing after handling her, and keep her separated from other pets until healed.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My dog has one patch of hair missing off his back. It looks kind of like ring worm. What else could it be?
That looks more like a really inflamed “hot spot” to me. Put an ecollar on him so he can’t lick at it, and take him to your vet. He may need oral antibiotics and a prescription topical treatment. If you are unable to get him to a vet, use the ecollar as I mentioned, and try this product:https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/zymox-hydrocortison-cream Thanks for asking Boop by Petco!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My dog is nibbling, licking and biting herself from ringworm. She is losing a lot of fur, should I put a cone on her?
Yes, I would definitely put a cone on her, and take Evie into see the vet if she hasn't already. She will need anti-fungals to treat the ringworm, and any other animals in the house should be treated as well. You will need to disinfect your home as well. Check out this website for tips on disinfecting your home from ringworm: http://www.livestrong.com/article/49666-rid-home-ringworm/
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
I noticed a couple months back after boarding Sadie that she had a very small bald patch on her "ankle". The skin showing was not red and the spot didn't seem to bother her. Fast forward to tonight when I noticed that spot is now red and looks like r
It’s uncommon for older dogs to get ringworm, and when they do it’s generally on the face. This area may have started to itch and she got it red and irritated from licking. I would clean the area with a medicated shampoo that kills both bacteria and yeast. Then apply a thin film of antibacterial ointment on it. In addition use a cone if she’s licking the area. If you wash your hands well after touching her you shouldn’t get anything. If it’s not healing or there are other areas then please take her in for an exam and skin tests to determine if it’s ringworm or infection. Thanks for using Boop by Petco to help you care for your dog.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
New Pet
My puppy keeps licking this area.
I'm not 100% sure what this spot is from just by looking at a photo. It could be just an injury but it could also be ringworm or skin mites (mange) or the start of a hot spot. I suggest you try this hot spot spray gel, 3-4 times per day. If after about a week or so you don't noticed much improvement or he starts to get spots in other areas then he needs to see a vet. https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/vetericyn-plus-hot-spot-antimicrobial-gel-for-dogs
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My dog has this wound that I originally thought was ringworm. I have shaved the fur in that area and he keeps gnawing at it. I already have ring worm medicine but he also licks it off. He has no other symptoms nor does he seem to be in pain. Should I
Skin lesions like this can be caused by bacterial, parasitic or fungal infection, dietary or environmental allergies or sensitivities, immune system disorders, or a combination of the above. I recommend making an appointment to have Archer seen by your veterinarian to help determine the cause of the lesion you’ve noticed and to make sure it is 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. In the meantime, you can put an e-collar (cone) on him to help reduce the risk of scratching/licking at the area, but this will likely not resolve the lesion.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My dog has always had bad skin, but recently she has chewed/licked a bald patch on her leg and it’s getting bigger every day. I’m not sure if it looks like mange or if she has just irritated a spot and can’t leave it alone.
It looks like Lila may have what is called a hotspot (localized area of infection). When they lick the area they can make it extremely worse very fast. I recommend taking Lila to a veterinarian to get the area clipped up, cleaned up and have antibiotics +/- topical medication. I recommend in the mean time going to a pet store and getting an Elizabethan collar for her so she stops bothering the area. This does not look like mange. I hope see feels better soon and thank you for using Boop by Petco!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Dog has a hot spot near his rear that he won't stop licking. It seems to have gotten really bad.
The best thing to do for Elmer is to take him to your veterinarian. Here they can shave the hotspot and clean it up. Antibiotics are usually prescribed for a hotspot and sometimes a topical ointment or spray. Until you can bring Elmer to your veterinarian I do recommend an Elizabethan collar to prevent him from licking. Licking a hotspot will make it worse very quickly. I hope Elmer feels better soon and thank you for using Boop by Petco!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Training & Behavior
My dog has this spot on her mid stomach area. She has been licking it excessively.
That could be a growth, like a benign growth, and it's clearly bothering Leinie if she keeps licking at it. Put an Ecollar on her to stop licking at it. You can buy one at a pet store or make one at home. Then have her seen by a vet on Monday for this. The vet can diagnose what it is, and can treat as needed. Best of luck.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Dog has spots where hair is missing grey dry skin also along her ears. Afraid it’s ringworm
It could be a fungal infection (ringworm), but it may also be due to a bacterial or parasitic infection. Without a physical exam, the type of infection cannot be definitively diagnosed. Have Luna seen by your veterinarian. Place an e-collar (cone) on her to prevent licking or chewing. Wash your hands thoroughly after petting her in case it is ringworm since it can be transmitted to humans. Wash all her bedding in hot water. Vacuum everywhere and consider a steam cleaning service if ringworm is diagnosed. Ringworm thrives in moist, dark places. Decrease humidity and increase ventilation and sunlight exposure as much as possible.
Updated on September 24th, 2025

Related Searches

Antifungal Medication for Dogs Dog Health & Wellness Prescription Shampoo for Dogs Dog Medicine and Prescriptions Prescription Dewormer for Dogs Heartworm Medicine for Dogs Electrolytes for Dogs Dog Allergy Medicine & Itch Relief Dog Dewormers & Worm Medicine Dog Stool Eating Deterrent Dermalone Dog Medicine and Prescriptions Elanco Dog Dewormers & Worm Medicine Dermalone Antifungal Medication for Dogs Zymox Dog Allergy Medicine & Itch Relief Espree Dog Allergy Medicine & Itch Relief Lactated Ringers Electrolytes for Dogs Sulfodene Dog Allergy Medicine & Itch Relief Vet's Best Dog Allergy Medicine & Itch Relief Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Dog Allergy Medicine & Itch Relief Lactated Ringers Dog Medicine and Prescriptions
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored