Dr. Valliyatte

Dr.Tail Vet

The symptoms you're describing, such as excessive grooming and the presence of a red dot on the front leg, along with scabbing and hair loss, suggest that your dog may be experiencing some form of skin irritation or allergy. This could be due to a variety of factors, including insect bites, contact allergies, or even a skin infection.

Firstly, it's important to prevent further irritation to the area. You can do this by fitting your dog with an Elizabethan collar (also known as an E-collar or cone) to prevent him from licking or biting the affected area, which can exacerbate the problem.

To address the skin irritation, you can gently clean the red dot and surrounding area with a mild antiseptic solution. If the skin is not broken, applying a thin layer of a hydrocortisone cream, which can be purchased over-the-counter, may help to reduce inflammation and itching. However, it's crucial to ensure that your dog does not ingest the cream, hence the need for the E-collar.

Additionally, it's important to check your dog's environment for potential allergens or irritants. This includes new cleaning products, plants, or even a new type of bedding. If you've recently changed anything in your home that coincides with the onset of the symptoms, consider removing the new item to see if there's an improvement.

In the meantime, keep the environment clean and free of fleas and ticks, as these can cause skin irritation and allergies. Even if your dog isn't currently on flea and tick prevention, it might be worth considering starting a preventative regimen to rule out these parasites as a cause of the skin issues.

If you notice any of the following additional symptoms, it would be necessary to seek immediate veterinary attention: significant swelling around the affected area, pus or discharge indicating a possible infection, a rapid increase in the size of the red dot, lethargy, fever, or if your dog stops eating or drinking.

Remember, while these steps may provide temporary relief, they are not a substitute for professional veterinary care if the condition persists or worsens. It's important to monitor the situation closely and consider seeking veterinary attention if there's no improvement within a couple of days or if the symptoms escalate.

If you have any additional questions, please don't hesitate to come back to us! Thank you.