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My dog has a skin problem. Is it a hot spot or mange? How to treat?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Male | unneutered | 1 year and 3 months old

What is the difference between a hot spot on a dog and mange? And what is the treatment for both?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA

Veterinarian

Published on June 16th, 2018

Hot spots are small usually individual areas of superficial infection and tend to be moist and smell horrendous. Bathing and topical antiseptics are usually sufficient. Mange is an infestation of mites which crawl through the inner layers of the skin causing inflammation, itch and often hair loss, these damaged areas may then become infected with bacteria or yeast also. There are numerous mite treatments which can be effective from washes, spot ons and tablets; generally 3-months tresatment is required to eliminate the mites

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    Answered By Jeffrey Milner

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 25th, 2017

    Hot spots are the lay term for moist dermatitis. They are basically self-perpetuating dermatologic issues, usually started as a result of either pain, allergies, or a generalized behavioral issue. Essentially, the dog has some reason to begin licking an area because it makes them feel better. The more they lick, the worse the area becomes. The worse it becomes, the more they lick to make it feel better, so on and so forth. The best way to prevent them is to control the itching while they are healing with anti histamines or steroids, placing an e-collar on your dog, and the use of antibiotics when indicated. In terms of demodectic mange, no this is not usually passed back and forth between dogs. I would suggest that you tell your friend to try and get an ivermectin based product to eliminate the mange. Hope this is helpful for you and Boo. Take care.

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