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My dog has a raw, red spot on his back with hair loss. What can I do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | German Shepherd | Male | unneutered | 10 months and 26 days old | 53 lbs

My dog has some sort of bite on his back and he's had it for 2 days. It's raw and red but not bleeding. He doesn't seem to be in pain but he seems to be losing hair around the area or the bite not sure what it is. His appetite is Normal and his drinking habits are normal. Any idea what it could be or what I couid do to treat it?

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on September 19th, 2017

Thanks for visiting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. The picture is a bit blurry but the area appears to be a possible hot spot. Hot spots are usually caused by nicks in the skin that has become infected. This can be caused by fleas or any type of trauma to the skin. Treatment typically consists of clipping the hair (because it carries bacteria), cleaning the skin with an antiseptic (Betadine diluted 50:50 with water or Chlorhexidine 3% diluted with water), and then topical antibiotic spray. Sometimes oral antibiotics are also needed. Your local pet store should have a hot spot spray available over the counter that you can try. If the over the counter spray doesn't improve things in a few days then a vet visit will be needed for stronger medicaitons and potentially oral antibiotics as wel. I hope things work out well for your pet Junior. Best wishes and take care.

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1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Thanks for visiting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. The picture is a bit blurry but the area appears to be a possible hot spot. Hot spots are usually caused by nicks in the skin that has become infected. This can be caused by fleas or any type of trauma to the skin. Treatment typically consists of clipping the hair (because it carries bacteria), cleaning the skin with an antiseptic (Betadine diluted 50:50 with water or Chlorhexidine 3% diluted with water), and then topical antibiotic spray. Sometimes oral antibiotics are also needed. Your local pet store should have a hot spot spray available over the counter that you can try. If the over the counter spray doesn't improve things in a few days then a vet visit will be needed for stronger medicaitons and potentially oral antibiotics as wel. I hope things work out well for your pet Junior. Best wishes and take care.

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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