A Painful, Scaly Bald Spot on a Yorkie's Hip

A round, scaly, hairless spot can be ringworm, a skin infection, an early hot spot, or a reaction to a flea bite. Because it is painful and he is agitated when you touch it, a deeper cause is also possible, such as pain in the hip or knee underneath, or an injury.

Have your vet look at it soon. Simple tests like a skin scraping, a hair check and a fungal culture tell these apart. Ringworm can spread to people and other pets, so wash your hands after touching it until you know.

Until then, keep the area clean and dry, and stop him scratching or licking it with a soft cone or a T-shirt. Don't apply human creams. If it spreads quickly or starts to ooze, or he starts limping, go sooner.

See hair loss in dogs and ringworm in dogs.

This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.