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Why is my puppy constantly licking a specific spot on their skin?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | American Pit Bull Terrier | Female | spayed | 3 months and 21 days old | 30 lbs

My puppy keeps licking this area.

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4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on April 15th, 2020

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

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    Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 2nd, 2018

    Dogs often get these hot spots (aka acral lick granulomas) for a few different reasons, but it seems like this may be due to allergies. Harley 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. It could also be somewhat of a habit she developed. I think it's best to consult with your vet about this, because they will know more about her case and can ensure that she gets the necessary treatment. You can also do a few things at home to help treat for infection and keep her from licking too much. Here are my recommendations: 1) Clip the hair around the area and expose all of the sore skin. 2) 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. 3) Bandage the wound with gauze and apply an over-the-counter antibacterial cream (i.e Neosporin) to the wound. Keeping it covered and keeping Harley 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 Harley 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 Harley stops trying to lick, you can stop the cleaning/bandaging. I hope that helps and Harley gets better soon.

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    Answered By Emily Luisana DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 19th, 2017

    Seeing it in person is the only way you can fully diagnose, but I would be suspicious of an early hot spot- a local area of skin infection. These can come from many things, bug bites, allergies, etc. I would consider giving the area a bath with gentle soap and water- be sure to rinse and dry well. Discourage her from licking it. Sometimes antihistamines and prescription antibiotics are warranted. I hope this helps!

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    Answered By Rodrigo Roca, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on December 24th, 2018

    Hello, thank you for your question. Based on the photo you've attached it is possible that your dog could have a skin infection or may have traumatized that area. I would recommend discouraging him from licking at this area can predispose to development of infection. If this area does not heal or develops any colored/odorous discharge I would recommend having your dog seen by a veterinarian so that the area can be examined. Your veterinarian may recommend further skin testing depending on their assessment of the lesion. Hope this helps, good luck!

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