A Raw, Bleeding Bald Patch on a German Shepherd's Hip

A round patch of hair loss that appears quickly over a few days, with raw, oozing or bleeding skin that he keeps licking, is very often a hot spot (acute moist dermatitis). German Shepherds are prone to them. They usually start with an itch from fleas, an allergy, a bite or a sore hip, and the licking and chewing make them spread fast.

Other causes of round bald patches include ringworm, a skin infection, and mites, so a vet visit is the best way to know.

At home, you can carefully clip the hair around the edge so air reaches it, gently clean it with mild soap and water or a dilute antiseptic made for pets, pat it dry and keep it dry. The most important thing is to stop him licking, with a cone or a T-shirt. Check him and his bed for fleas. Don't use human creams unless your vet says they are safe.

Hot spots often need prescription treatment to settle quickly. If car rides are hard, ask your vet about medicine for motion sickness or a mobile vet who can come to you. See the vet if the spot keeps growing, smells or is very painful.

See skin infections in dogs and dog skin lesions.

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