Chewing his hair off

[Susie Wire]

My doodle chewed some of his hair off his tail.  Woke up and a quarter of hair was all gone off his tail. Im not sure if he got nipped at groomers and just started licking and chewing at it.  He has a cone now and antibiotic cream that has to go on 3 times a day.

Does anyone have this issue with their doodle?

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

What part of his tail was it? Close to the base? And he had just been groomed? Is that the only area he's biting or chewing?

[Susie Wire]

In the center of his tail? Yes, he had a raw spot there and kept on licking on it. He got groomed Thursday and hair was all gone Saturday morning. He has licked his back of leg before and took all the hair off. He isn't chewing now, because he has a cone on;-((((

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Well, the cone isn't going to stop the tremendous discomfort and itching that probably caused him to chew off the hair in the first place. This wouldn't have been caused by a nick or a minor irritation. Hot spots are exceedingly miserable for dogs, and can easily become infected. He needs to see a vet so that they can properly diagnose and treat this, it isn't normal for a dog to do this kind of damage to himself unless something is really bothering him. 

[Susie Wire]

I did take him to the vet. He is on an antibiotic which helps with the itching and will help to heal. The cone has to be worn so he won't lick on it and reopen the sore. It already looks better, so wondering if others have this problem with their doodle. Thanks ;-)

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Oh, okay. You didn't mention the vet, lol.

Yes, any dog can get hot spots and many of our dogs have had them. Sometimes they are related to seasonal allergies, but not always. How old is he? 

[Susie Wire]

He will be 4 in May.... I was thinking that may have allergies :-(

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

It does show up in many dogs around the age of 3, so it's possible. Labrador Retrievers are the number 2 breed affected by seasonal allergies. If it continues, your best bet is to consult a veterinary dermatology specialist and have him tested.