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My dog has an oozing sore on his neck. Is it a hot spot? OTC help?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Boston Terrier | Male | neutered | 1 year and 1 month old | 10 lbs

My 1 yr old Boston has about a fine sized sore on his nect. It is red and just started to ooze a white pus. He also doesn't seem his normal peppy Boston pup self. We have another dog and she doesn't have anything similar. Is there an over the counter med or treatment we can try before going to vet?

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Lauren Jones VMD

Veterinarian

Published on July 18th, 2017

Dudley's lesion looks most suspicious for a hot spot (acute moist dermatitis). You can try carefully clipping the longer hair around the lesion and cleaning it daily with a diluted antiseptic solution (such as chlorhexidine or betadine). Be sure to rinse and dry the area thoroughly! If Dudley seems to be scratching or rubbing at this lesion, keep an e-collar (cone) on him to prevent further skin irritation. If the lesion grows, or is not improving in the next week, Dudley should go to his vet. I hope this helps and that all goes well!

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 21st, 2016

    This may be an hot spot, which is a superficial exudative dermatitis. This infection needs to be checked and confirmed by your veterinarian first and needs to be teated with antibiotics and strong anti inflammatory medications. Your veterinarian will give you some topical cleaning solutions (based on betadine or hibiscrub) that can be used on that as well.

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