My street dog has a hollow in her skin and licks it. Is it maggots?

Hi, thanks for using Petcoach! Poor Maggie! I think the 2 most possible causes are ring worm (though I agree not classic in appearance) or a skin infection. You can start bathing Maggie in a medicated shampoo. Bathe 2-3 times per week and leave the later on for 10 mins before rinsing. You can do that until your appointment next week. If new areas form then try to get her in sooner. I hope this helps and good luck! http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=27307

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. Based on the pictures, it appears that Kalo may have a severe skin infection (bacteria, fungus or parasites). If this began right when you started the shampooing, I would recommend discontinuing the shampoo. Whatever the cause, this is something that I would recommend having a veterinarian take a look at so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! From the pictures, it appears Riley has a skin infection known as a hot spot. She will need to be seen by a veterinarian to determine the underlying cause and get treatment for the infection and itching. Hope this helps!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Skin issues like you are describing can have a variety of causes, including skin parasites (fleas or mites), allergies, an infection, or an underlying medical issue (Cushings disease, diabetes). I would recommend he be evaluated by his regular veterinarian to determine the underlying cause for his skin lesions, have any necessary testing done (bloodwork, skin scrape, culture) and start on any treatment that he may need. Good luck!

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Ellie, and for providing the pictures. They are very helping. This licking is a sign of itchiness. This itchiness can be caused by fleas, mites, ringworm, or allergies. If she isn't up to date on her flea treatment, I can give you one for her. First, I would give her Capstar. It's a one time pill that starts killing fleas within 30 minutes. Then follow up with a spot on treatment, such as Advantage or Revolution. This is a treatment that has to be used once a month. You will also have to disinfect the environment. Wash her bedding in hot soapy water, and vacuum the furniture and carpet surfaces. You can use a spray to kill fleas in the house, such as Indorex, or a flea bomb would work well to kill the fleas in the home. If she is up to date on her flea treatment, I recommend taking her into the vet for an exam today or tomorrow. The vet can do blood tests, skin scrapings, and use a Wood's lamp to diagnose allergies, mites, and ringworm. Once the cause of the itching is found, the vet can prescribe the appropriate treatment. I hope this helps!

It looks like Lila may have what is called a hotspot (localized area of infection). When they lick the area they can make it extremely worse very fast. I recommend taking Lila to a veterinarian to get the area clipped up, cleaned up and have antibiotics +/- topical medication. I recommend in the mean time going to a pet store and getting an Elizabethan collar for her so she stops bothering the area. This does not look like mange. I hope see feels better soon and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Hi and thanks for posting on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It is hard to say exactly what the cause of Lulu's skin lesions may be without an exam, but some possibilities may include a fungal infection, mites (scabies or demodex) a food or environmental allergy, or evidence of an underlying endocrine disorder such as Cushing's disease or a thyroid problem. Your veterinarian can diagnose these potential conditions with a fungal culture, skin scraping, and some blood work. I would recommend Lulu visit her vet soon to have the possibilities above ruled out so she can get appropriately treated.