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How to treat a Chihuahua's hotspot with Benadryl & hydrocortisone?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Chihuahua | Female | spayed | 5 years and 8 months old | 5 lbs

What is an acceptable dosage of Benadryl and Hydrocortisone cream to treat a small hotspot on a 5lb Chihuahua? (Caused by fleas during brief lapse in flea prevention. Flea treatment has been restarted in the last few days.) Prefer not to visit vet right now as we've just spent almost $1200 in vet bills the last 2 months, between our 4 dogs.

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1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Megan, DVM, CVA

Veterinarian

Published on June 5th, 2017

I am sorry that Ali has a hotspot. I would recommend to give her 1/2 teaspoon of childrens liquid benadryl twice a day to help with the itching. You can use a small amount of hydrocortisone cream twice a day as well. The biggest key is to keep her from licking it so I would recommend to get an e-collar (the lampshade collar) for her to wear. Also, please know there is a good chance these remedies will not help her hot spot heal. If it isn't improving, I would strongly recommend contacting your vet for an exam and likely some oral antibiotics. I hope she starts to feel better soon!

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