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Why is my dog licking her belly, losing hair, and acting aggressive?

Updated on September 23, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Female | unspayed | 9 lbs

My dog is licking her belly excessively especially around her nipples, she then also whines and has shown some aggression. The hair is gone but it doesn't seem to be raw but she may also be biting?... she is unfixed almost 6 yrs old

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

Veterinarian

Published on April 5, 2019

It spunds like Lola is itchy and this could be several things including allergies, a reaction to the shampoo, parasites or contact allergy. You can try adding in an omega 3 fatty acid supplement for dogs, this can help improve the skin health. You may also try changing her diet to something like Royal Canin or Nutro as they are aimed at skin health. You can wash the area with soap once a day and rinse well (don't wash her whole body, just those spots). If this does help after within about a week or if they get worse, have her examined by her veterinarian who may prescribe medications. Best of luck and please feel free to post any additional questions.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Published on January 11, 2020
That looks like it may be a bruise, scrape or abrasion. You can gently clean it with a diluted Betadine or chlorhexidine (Hibiclens) solution if it is a minor abrasion. If she's licking at it, place an e-collar (cone) on her. It should heal on it's own in a few days.
If it is a bruise, monitor it for spread. Look for bruising elsewhere, such as the ear flaps or gums. See your veterinarian if it spreads or if she develops lethargy.
6Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Tomasz Wnuk
Veterinarian
Published on May 8, 2021
Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I suspect this is an allergic reaction. The allergy can be due to food, pollen or environmental allergens (like dust, chemicals used at home and outside). Skin mites are also possible but I think it is less likely.
If the skin is itchy, you should take Tofy to your local vets for an appointment as she will likely damage the skin and/or introduce skin infection. Your vet will likely prescribe a course of anti-allergic medications to get her better.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on November 14, 2016
Poor Nala!!
This is probably due to an allergy, although it could also be due to a skin infection or mites.   First of all, I would suggest to get her to the vet to perform some skin tests - this might reveal an infection or a mite infestation.   If all of those came back negative, the next step is to treat the allergy symptomatically and try discovering the cause of the allergy.   Some medications can be given by the vet in order to stop the chewing and repair the skin lesions (steroids and antibiotics).  There is also a topical spray available, it's called Cortavance and you can get it at the vets.   Hopefully you will see some results after all this, if not you and your vet should consider starting on a long term allergy treatment.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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