
He's constantly licking and biting, causing his hair from the top of his hips to the middle of his tail.


It sounds like your dog is experiencing quite a bit of discomfort with his skin, especially around the hips and tail area. The symptoms you're describing, such as excessive itching, redness, scabbing, hair loss, and a bad smell, can indicate several underlying issues.
One possibility is an allergic reaction, which could be due to environmental factors, food, or even flea bites, despite the use of preventatives. Another potential cause could be a skin infection, either bacterial or fungal, which can develop secondary to the initial irritation or allergy.
Here are a few steps you can take at home to help alleviate his discomfort:
Firstly, ensure that flea and tick preventatives are being used consistently and according to the manufacturer's instructions. Sometimes, switching to a different type of preventative can be more effective if fleas are still present.
Next, consider giving your dog a bath with a gentle, hypoallergenic shampoo designed for dogs. This can help soothe irritated skin and remove allergens or irritants. However, be cautious not to over-bathe, as this can dry out the skin further.
It's also important to consider if there have been any changes in his diet that might coincide with the onset of symptoms. Sometimes, a food allergy can manifest as skin issues. You might try a limited ingredient diet or hypoallergenic dog food to see if there's any improvement.
Additionally, check for any environmental changes, such as new cleaning products, plants, or bedding materials that could be causing an allergic reaction.
You can also apply a soothing ointment or spray designed for dogs to the affected areas to help reduce itching and promote healing.
Since these symptoms have been ongoing for a couple of months and are causing significant discomfort, it would be a good idea to monitor his condition closely. If there's no improvement or if the symptoms worsen, a visit to the veterinarian would be beneficial to rule out more serious conditions and possibly get prescription treatments.
If you have any further questions, please feel free to ask. Thank you.
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