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.
3 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
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!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on May 22nd, 2018
Yes you can bathe a dog with a hot spot. The area of the hot spot really needs to have the hair shaved away over and around it and the area cleaned with mild soap and rinse well with water. You can use hydrocortisone spray in that area but it may not heal without any antibiotics. You can also give her benadryl twice a day. See link below. If it is an area she can chew, I would put a cone collar on her. If it isn't improving, I would have your vet take a look at her as she may need oral antibiotics and stronger allergy meds to help it heal. I hope this helps! https://www.petcoach.co/canigive/dog/benadryl
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on July 29th, 2018
Minor hotspots may be managed at home. Place an e-collar (cone) on Duchess to prevent licking or chewing. This alone may be enough to allow healing. Use a mild antiseptic cleaner to gently clean the area. Dry thoroughly afterwards. An antihistamine can be used to control itching, but you will need to get a safe dose from your veterinarian. More severe hot spots should be treated by your vet. This may involve clipping the area and scrubbing it. Duchess may need antibiotics and anti-inflammatories. It is critical to determine the underlying cause for the hot spots. There may be an allergic component that is causing her to lick or chew one area causing injury and infection. To get your cat to take his Benadryl, try disguising it in a small portion of canned tuna or a cat food with a strong taste/odor profile. You can also try Pill Pockets to hide medication. If this does not work, ask your vet for information on having the medication compounded and flavored into a palatable form. Most clinics will work with a compounding pharmacy for cases such as this.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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