Staffy With Missing Fur on the Front Leg Above the Paw

A bald patch on the front of the lower leg is often caused by licking. Staffies are prone to allergies, and itchy dogs often lick their front legs and paws. If the licking goes on, it can create a raised, raw sore called a lick granuloma (acral lick dermatitis), which often becomes infected deep in the skin. Other causes of a bald patch include mange mites, ringworm, a skin infection, or rubbing on a hard floor when lying down.

Watch whether your dog licks the spot. Ask your vet to look at it, especially if it is red, raised, oozing or getting bigger. A skin scraping and other simple tests can check for mites, fungus and infection, and treating any allergy helps stop the licking.

See why dogs lick their paws.

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