Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

My dog is licking and biting a spot. What's wrong and how to help?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Male | neutered | 63 lbs

My dog keeps licking and biting this is getting worse it’s been about 5 days

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

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

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on April 25th, 2018

These types of lesions can have many causes. Dogs often get these hot spots (aka acral lick granulomas) for a few different reasons, so it's difficult to say what's causing it. Riddick may be over-licking the area because it's sore, or it has an infection. In fact, these types of lesions tend to develop infections in the skin despite the cause. I think it would be best to have a vet examine him and help with the treatment, considering this looks rather involved. There are a few things you can do to help this at home. Below are my recommendations: 1) Wash/spray the area with just cool, clean water (no soap or other antiseptics) for at least 5 minutes at a time. Do this at least twice a day. 2) Bandage the wound with gauze and apply an over-the-counter antibacterial cream (i.e Neosporin) to the wound. Keeping it covered and keeping Riddick from licking it will be the most difficult part of the treatment. You can help keep the bandage on by placing a good (really sticky) tape above and below the bandage. You can find sprays in the pet store, like bitter apple, that are meant to deter licking. This can be sprayed on the bandage (not the wound) to help keep Riddick from chewing it off. NOTE: Be careful not to bandage too tight or it can cut-off the circulation. If you notice that the toes/foot starts to swell, then remove the bandage and leave it off until the swelling goes down. These types of lesions tend to take a long time to heal, so don't be surprised if its not completely healed until a month later. Once the skin looks normal and Riddick stops trying to lick, you can stop the cleaning/bandaging. I hope that helps and Riddick gets better soon.

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on February 4th, 2018

    These type of lesions can have many causes. Dogs often get these hot spots (aka acral lick granulomas) for a few different reasons, so it's difficult to say what's causing it. Daisy may be over-licking the area because it's sore, or it has an infection. In fact, these types of lesions tend to develop infections in the skin despite the cause. I think it will be fine to try and treat this at home for now (even though we don't know the cause), but would recommend a visit to the vet doctor if: 1) It doesn't get better in 2 weeks 2) It starts to bleed or there is a break in the skin Here are my recommendations: 1) Wash/spray the area with just cool, clean water (no soap or other antiseptics) for at least 5 minutes at a time. Do this at least twice a day. 2) Bandage the wound with gauze and apply an over-the-counter antibacterial cream (i.e Neosporin) to the wound. Keeping it covered and keeping Daisy from licking it will be the most difficult part of the treatment. You can help keep the bandage on by placing a good (really sticky) tape above and below the bandage. You can find sprays in the pet store, like bitter apple, that are meant to deter licking. This can be sprayed on the bandage (not the wound) to help keep Daisy from chewing it off. NOTE: Be careful not to bandage too tight or it can cut-off the circulation. If you notice that the toes/foot starts to swell, then remove the bandage and leave it off until the swelling goes down. Another strategy to keep the bandage on, is taping a clean sock over the bandage. These types of lesions tend to take a long time to heal, so don't be surprised if its not completely healed until a month later. Once the skin looks normal and Daisy stops trying to lick, you can stop the cleaning/bandaging. I hope that helps and Daisy gets better soon.

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?
Is your dog's dry skin a concern? A certified vet offers expert advice on finding the best fish-based dog food alternatives to Science Diet for essential oils.
Updated on February 04, 2026
Petco Pet Education Center
New Pet
Why is my new pet biting? Is she stressed or scared in her new home?
New pet biting? A Licensed Vet Tech shares expert advice on how to gently acclimate your new companion to their home, reduce stress, and build trust. Get guidance for a happy pet.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My robo hamster is limp, bleeding, and collapsed. Is it wet tail?
Is your robo hamster dragging, collapsed, or showing blood? A Licensed Vet Tech offers urgent advice on these symptoms, including potential wet tail concerns.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Is my pet's occasional sneezing and eye crust a URI symptom?
Is your pet Barry occasionally sneezing or showing eye crust? A trusted vet offers insights on common respiratory concerns and when to seek professional advice.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
How to keep a pet mom and her newborn babies warm and calm?
Support your pet mom and newborn babies! A certified vet offers advice on ideal room temperature, minimizing stress, and quiet intervention for food & water.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My hamster is suddenly bloated, angry, and biting. What should I do?
Is your Chinese dwarf hamster suddenly bloated, angry, and biting nonstop? A DVM explains pain signs and urges immediate vet care for his distended abdomen.
Updated on December 04, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

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

Book Now

Sponsored