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My dog has a green scab, blood, pus behind ear. Is it a hot spot?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Golden Retriever | Female | spayed | 60 lbs

Green scab behind dog ears and blood and puss ?

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

Veterinarian

Published on August 26th, 2017

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Rosie! From the pictures it looks like Rosie may have a hot spot (superficial skin infection). Hot spots can start off small then spread quickly and become larger and painful. Goldens commonly get them from ear infections or from being wet from swimming. I recommend that you take her to the Vet today. The Vet will clip the fur away, clean the area and prescribe antibiotics, steroids, and likely something topical. They will check for an ear infection and prescribe ear wash and ear drops if needed. I hope this helps and I hope Rosie has a speedy recovery!

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    Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Hello, thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I think what you are trying to show is an area of moist dermatitis on the skin, commonly known as a hot spot. This is usually allergy driven, but sometimes all it takes is a flea or mosquito bite, or some other small irritation to irritate the skin & start Rosie scratching. I am glad that you were able to shave her coat, as this makes treating & watching the area so much easier. Use a mild disinfectant, such as betadine or 2% chlorhexidine to clean the lesion. Both of these are readily available at your local pharmacy. Then you can apply a small amount of cortisone cream twice a day for a few days & most of these will dry up pretty quickly. It is also a good idea to have Rosie examined by your veterinarian as soon as you can as she may be scratching her ear because of an ear infection, & this should be addressed professionally. If this is allergy driven, your veterinarian can also make additional recommendations as to what medications may be best for Rosie. Take care.

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