My dog keeps licking a red, sensitive skin patch. What to do?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | 11 years and 11 months old | 48 lbs
White pussy scab like patch on my dog we doesnt stop licking it and its red around the edge and very sensative to touch
4 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on June 23rd, 2017
It looks like Stella has a hot spot. The area should be clipped with clippers and scrubbed with an antiseptic wound cleaner. An oral antibiotic and a corticosteroid may also be needed to help the lesion heal. A lot of times hot spots are associated with allergies so you could talk to your vet about keeping her on an oral anti-histamine. Hope she gets better soon!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on August 18th, 2017
Is it possible to post a picture of the area you are concerned with? Otherwise I can provide information on what the most likely cause could be. I am so sorry to hear that Mia is having such a hard time with his case of moist dermatitis or "hot spot". Hot spots can be very difficult to heal, and take a long time. They occur when a dog bites or licks his own skin causing infection and tissue trauma. The keys to a successful healing process are; Treat underlying cause- for example fleas A clipped area around the sore Cleaning the sore with a vet prescribed antiseptic Leaving the sore open to dry out (as the moisture promotes bacterial growth) Antibacterial/ hydrocortisone spray prescribed from the vet for healing An e-collar to prevent Mia from scratching or biting at the hot spot and making it worse Measure the hot spot with a ruler, and compare in a few days time to make sure that it is reducing in size. If you feel like Mia is not healing well, I would suggest a trip to the vet for the above medications or call and discuss the possibility for a prescription. Oral antibiotics and/ or a steroid injection may help to jumpstart the healing process. I know hot spots can be very frustrating for you as a pet parent and for Mia. I sincerely hope it starts to heal soon. Warmest regards to you both.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on March 15th, 2020
This looks like pretty significant moist dermatitis. You can try using this wound spray/gel on it 3-4 times per day but if it does not start to look better within a few days then he should see a vet. If you can, it would be best to remove all the hair around/on the lesions. https://www.allivet.com/p-2846-vetericyn-plus-hot-spot-spray.aspx
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on February 17th, 2018
This seems to be an hot spot (superficial exudative dermatitis) and very likely it is caused by a bacterial infection. Cephalexin is a good antibiotic and usually resolve the problem quickly. local antibiotic ointment can be used as well. Disinfection can eventually be started at home with very diluted hibiscrub or betadine or salted water baths. Buster collar may be useful as well to avoid any licking. Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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