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My dog's hot spots are getting worse. What should I do next?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

My dog has hot spots. I am trying everything that I can find to help her! I've tried hydrocortisone spray for dogs, 3 way ointment for dogs, medicated baths, oatmeal baths, and benadryl. I've tried putting a cone on her but she ends up hurting herself because she cant see where she is walking with it on. It's getting so bad that she is making herself bleed and she is making bald spots on herself. Any more recommendations? Please help!! :'(

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

Published on January 3rd, 2017

Poor pup! It does sound like she's very uncomfortable. In my experience, unless they are very mild, hot spots virtually always require prescription antibiotics and a short-term steroid or other anti-inflammatory medication to treat effectively - topical shampoos and ointments are not enough to fix the problem. Because of this, I would really recommend taking her to the vet for an exam as soon as you can - he/she can prescribe appropriate medication to get rid of the hot spots, and can also talk to you about possible underlying allergies or other problems that may be causing them.

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    Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

    Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

    Published on August 28th, 2017

    Poor Layla! In most cases, hot spots will need prescription medication from your veterinarian to treat effectively, such as oral or injectable steroids and an antibiotic. For this reason, I would definitely recommend taking Layla to the vet for an exam as soon as you are able to, since it's not likely that you will be able to clear up the problem without meds. In the meantime, you try bathing her in aloe and oatmeal dog shampoo to help soothe her skin - this will not treat the underlying problem, but it may help to temporarily relieve the itching and make her a bit more comfortable until you are able to see the vet. You may also need to put an e-collar (plastic cone) on her for now, to prevent her from continuing to bite and chew at the area and make things worse.

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