My dog (brindle German Plotthound) has really sensitive, dry skin as it is anyway, but this is a new one. Right by his weiner (SORRY, TMI!!), on his belly, he doesn't have much hair, but his skin is really red and looks so sore! He's been licking at it too. I tried putting vaseline on it but of course he licked it right off. I'm thinking it's due to the fact that the air has been so cold and dry here, and maybe it's from urine hitting his belly when he pees... but it looks pretty nasty! Any suggestions before I take him to the vet?? Thanks ladies!!
Could be a hot spot. Tea tree oil. They sell stuff for hot spots at the pet store, too, but I'd probably have it looked at, or at least call.
Oh--they have inflatable things for the collar to keep them from licking....
http://www.arcatapet.com/item.cfm?cat=12672
He might have allergies, which cause itchy skin. Bathing with oatmeal shampoo and trying some Benadryl may help, but please talk to your vet first beforehand - really, the dog just needs to be seen at the vet, because he may need antibiotics for staph infection +/- low-dose steroids like prednisone for short-term itch control.
Try Bag Balm (used for cow udders originally and sold at drugstores).
If that doesn't work over a couple of days, I would recommend taking him to the vet to be sure it doesn't get worse and to make sure it isn't more serious!
If you have some prednazone from previous visits that usually works for my dog when she gets really bad rashes from scratching.
My dog would get these when he got flea infestations, or it was high pollen. The vet prescribe benedryl.
I would call and see if he should be seen otherwise, they could prescribe hydroxixine for the itching. GL!
M
Take him to the vet. DO NOT put tea tree oil on it. It sounds like a hot spot, which requires medication. It is hard to diagnose over the computer though, and could be a ton of different things. Just bring him in. Good Luck!
Take him to the vet. Our dog has allergies and skin issues. It could be simple irritation like you mentioned. It could be a hot spot. Or it could be a lick granuloma. Our dog has the later and it is a nasty looking spot that cannot be treated...it's too far gone.
My black lab is prone to hot spots. Calm Coat works well (contains tea tree oil, which my vet said is fine). Blue Kot also works. It's a blue spray (advice: spray it outside!) and dogs don't like the taste, which keeps them from licking it, which allows a sore to heal on it's own.
Poor pupster!
He could possibly have a UTI which will not clear up without antibiotics. He could be in pain elsewhere as dogs lick when in pain. Take him to the vet. Unfortunatley, dogs cannot talk and they are our responsibility which means spending the money to take care of them as they are our kids. So go the mile and spend the money. You'll have peace of mind knowing what is wrong.
Just bring him to the vet. My Golden Retriever gets these a lot in the sping/summer and the vet always has to shave the area around the hot spot, at least Plotthounds have very short hair. When dogs lick these it usually makes them worse, my Golden has had to wear a special collar around her neck to prevent her from licking it until it clears up. We also keep her inside so she won't roll in the grass while it's healing. The vet usually prescribes an antibiotic or recommends an allergy pill as well. A friend of mine who runs a dogsledding business recommends medicated powder (like Johnsons w/ cornstarch) to dry it out.
we have two bullmastiffs that got hot spots from time to time, cleanse the area and dry it cortizone works really well. just dont let him lick it till it is absorbed into the skin. we found it was bc of the food they were on. look into the RAW or BARF diet. we have had amazing results bad breath GONE hot spots GONE poops smaller firmer. Its not as expensive as you may think and it does NOT make your dog mean and vicious. Read up on what is in the dry food. its really scary. if you have any questions pm me.
