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My dog has a hot spot. Is peroxide safe? What causes these spots?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | American Pit Bull Terrier | Male | unneutered | 7 months and 25 days old | 85 lbs

My dog has a circular spot on his face that is crusty and slightly oozing. My other dog had one about a month ago. You can’t see it through their fur, but it’s matted down the hair. We have been cleaning them with peroxide. Is this safe? What causes these spots so I can help my furbabies?

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1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

Veterinarian

Published on October 9th, 2017

Hi, thanks for using Petcpach! Poor Kane! From the picture and the description is sounds like a hot spot (superficial pyoderma). I recommend shaving the fur off, which allows the air to reach it and help to dry the area out. You can clean it twice daily with a gentle soap and water and apply a triple antibiotic cream. Kane needs to not scratch the area, so use an Elizabethan collar (cone) or donut if he is scratching. If the area worsens or is not significantly improved in 2-3 days he needs to see a Vet for antibiotics and steroids. The cause isn't contagious, I think it is just bad luck that both of your dogs have had hot spots recently. They can be from allergies or increased moisture after swimming or after a bath and they didn't completely dry off well. I hope this helps and I wish Kane a speedy recovery!

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1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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