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My dog keeps scratching a red, spreading skin spot. Is it a hot spot?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Shih Tzu | Female | unspayed | 1 year and 7 months old

My dog has had this mark since last week, bathed in salt water, she’s scratching it and it’s possibly spreading, please note it’s just been cleaned it’s normally hard and rec

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1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on December 11th, 2017

This looks like a possible hot spot, which is typically caused by an initial trauma to skin that worsens as the pet licks it, causing it to become infected. Visit the local pet store to purchase some hot spot spray to see if this helps clear things up. If no improvement seen within. 3-4 days then it’s best to take Peppa in to your vet for further medical care. Also it’s best to get her on a good flea preventative. Best of luck and take care.

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