My dog has two hot spots near the top of her tail. She licks it often and is sensitive if I touch the area around it. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Updated On February 27th, 2023

Pet's info: Dog | German Shepherd | Female | unspayed | 9 months and 26 days old | 45 lbs

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Answered By Jessica Desrosiers

Veterinary Technician

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Several things can lead to hot spots including skin allergies, parasites on that part of the body, food allergies, fungal/yeast infections, or stress leading to obsessive licking. The best course of action is to have Kiara seen by your vet so that the area can be trimmed and cleaned, and a course of antibiotics, anti-fungals or other medications provided to help the spot heal. Your vet can also look for parasites, take a sample to look for fungal or bacterial problems, and work with you on a food trial or medication trial if allergies are suspected. Until you can get to the vet it's best to keep the area clean and dry and to place an Elizabethan (cone) collar on Kiara to keep her from licking. Allowing her to lick the area can lead to more bacteria getting into the spot, leading to a larger, more painful infection.

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