Should I worry about my dog's constant licking and skin thickening?

From your pictures, a possible cause might be a lick granuloma. These start for some reason (sometimes a bug bite, a small scratch, or a small skin mass) and the dog licks at them and makes it worse. They lick at it and push surface bacteria deeper which makes it itch, so they lick. It becomes almost a habit like a human biting their fingernails. So- I would recommend a visit to the veterinarian. They can check to make sure that is what it is , make sure that the inciting cause is gone, and do some diagnostics to determine a treatment plan. Has there been any changes to Neo's environment? Sometimes stress can start a lick granuloma or prolong it. Your veterinarian will most likely start antibiotics and anti-inflammatories. They might also recommend increasing his activity in case boredom is a cause. If there is a small skin mass present- they will recommend diagnostics on that. Good luck! Sometimes these take time, so have patience. Thanks for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

These skin changes are likely associated with inflammatory skin disease like an allergy or infection. I would get a cone to make sure Leo cannot lick his skin. He should see a veterinarian who may need to trial antibiotics or antiinflammatories to help his skin.

Hi there! Thanks for using PerCoach! If this is the only place she has been licking, this is likely a lick granuloma in the early stages. This is basically a skin wound that is created by self-trauma. It will take a full examination by a veterinarian to rule out other things though this seems the most likely. Tha main thing is finding out what is triggering this. Sometimes it is behavioral or due to stress and sometimes it is medical in nature such as due to allergies. I recommend that you have Jackie evaluated by your veterinarian to confirm this and to start management for it which often times involves placing an e-collar to avoid more self-trauma, start therapy for the possible inciting cause like allergies, antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs. In the meantime, you could consider getting an e-collar to avoid self-trauma while you have her evaluated. Good luck!

I'm sorry to hear Chico is having issues with over licking. Excessive licking can be a coping mechanism secondary to an underlying anxiety or stressor. On himself, it can be secondary to a skin issue, such as allergies, skin parasites (fleas or mites), an infection or an underlying medical issue. I would recommend he be evaluated by his regular veterinarian to determine the underlying cause for his licking (medical vs behavioral), have any necessary testing done (skin scrape, bloodwork) and get started on a treatment plan that may help resolve his issue. Good luck!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Not necessarily. In reality, this is not unusual in dogs. I would be concerned though if he is causing himself any skin lesions or wounds from the licking which in that case it could be from allergies and should be addressed. Otherwise, he is likely going to be just fine. Good luck and have a great day!

Yes, if it's irritating her, then it's probably best to ask your vet about removing it. If left for too long, the excessive licking can cause a wound and infection. It's best to schedule an appointment for an exam within the next two weeks.

Hi, from your picture it appears your dog is getting an lick granuloma. It will help to use hair clippers and trim the hair around the area to look for sores and redness. Some dogs will do this compulsively, or he may have a small bite or scratch. You can cover the area with a breathable baby sock, making sure it is not secure too tightly. Or keep the cone on for about 3 days to see it the area heals on it's own. Good luck, I hope this helps!