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My dog has a red, moist sore on his thigh, is it a hot spot?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Japanese Spitz | Male | unneutered

Hello. My dog has some kind of open wound on his thigh. I am not sure what it is but it appeared one day out of nowhere and i am kind of worried about him.

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1 Answer

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Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

Veterinarian

Published on May 9th, 2018

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Ninja! I can not see the skin well in the pictures due to all the hair. I am not seeing an open wound but more of a sore. If the area is flat, red, moist and weeping it is likely a hot spot. Hot spots are superficial skin infections that occur secondary to allergies, scratching and excessively moist fur (like after a bath or swimming). They crop up very quickly and get larger just as quick. I treat hot spots by shaving all the fur away, having owners use an E-collar or T-shirt to prevent further scratching and I prescribe a course of oral antibiotics and tapering course of steroids along with a topical spray. Most hot spots with this treatment heal with in 5 days. I would make an appointment with your Vet. I wish you the best!

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