My dog has an itchy raw red spot. Is it a hotspot? What should I do?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

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  Answered By Lauren Kennedy, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on March 16th, 2018

  This looks like an area of infection, commonly referred to as moist dermatitis or a ‘hot spot’. This usually occurs because a dog will itch excessively at an area causing a breakdown in the skin barrier and this leads to infection. Since the spot is still fairly small you can try treating it at home by cleaning it with some dilute hydrogen peroxide and applying some triple antibiotic ointment to the wound. If the itch persists or the area does not clear up then I would recommend taking Peeps in to the vet to be examined. Sometimes these cases need oral antibiotics to help them clear up. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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  Answered By Lauren Kennedy, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on June 3rd, 2017

  It looks as though Dottie has really irritated her skin in this area and possibly caused a hot spot. The skin is probably infected and Dottie will need some antibiotics and some anti-itch medication to help it clear up. There can be several reasons as to why she started itching in this spot like an insect bite or sting or an injury of some type. It's important to get this issue addressed as soon as possible so the spot doesn't become larger and larger. While you are waiting to get an appointment to see your vet you can clean the area with some dilute hydrogen peroxide and apply some neosporin to the area. It is also important to keep her from licking and chewing the area and making it worse.

  

  3Pet Parents found this answer helpful