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My dog has a spreading skin infection from a collar. How to treat?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | American Cocker Spaniel | Male | neutered | 8 years and 11 months old | 34 lbs

Hello my dog Peyton has a really bad skin infection and seems to be spreading this started one he had a handkerchief around his neck that he got from the groomers. When we removed the handkerchief to find that he was scratching a lot underneath and this has seem to spread over the past week are there any recommendations that you can give me? I'm considering going out tomorrow morning and buy a container of antimicrobial spray for dogs

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA

Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on October 8th, 2017

That looks like a pretty nasty hot spot. Hot spots are caused by chronic moisture against the skin (which is common with a collar or something else wrapped around the neck). The best way to treat a hot spot is to clip the hair from the area so that it can fully dry out. You will need to use buzzing clipper, not a razor or scissors. You can try an OTC pet antimicrobial spray, but often prescription sprays or ointments work a little better since they contain a steroid and real antibiotics.

You may also have to get creative in finding ways to prevent Peyton from scratching this area, as that will delay healing and can damage the skin. You can try socks, dog booties, or bandaging the feet to cover the nails. Unfortunately, due to the location, he won't be able to use an e-collar.

If the hotspot isn't looking better in 48 hours, I would recommend that you have Peyton checked out by a vet.
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM

    Veterinarian

    This is commonly seen when they get a skin infection (aka hot-spots). The neck is a common place for this to happen, because moisture often gets trapped under their collar and/or loose skin.

    This looks rather involved and he may need to go to the vet and get treated with antibiotics to clear, but I'll give you a few tips for treating this at home.

    1) Clip the hair (preferably with electric grooming clippers) around the area and expose all of the lesions.
    2) Wash the area with warm water and a medicated shampoo (can get this at the pet store) once a day. Use a cloth and gently wipe away the scabs. Do not scrub, because it will irritate the skin more. It's OK if all of the scabs do not come off in each washing.
    3) Make sure the area is completely dry after washing.
    4) Leave the collar off.

    You should start seeing good results within a week after starting this. It may take a few weeks before it's completely cleared. If two weeks go by and it's not getting any better, then it's best to have a veterinarian exam it. Also, if it appears to get worse, then take him to the vet for treatment.

    I hope that helps and this gets cleared up soon.

    Vote Icon

    0Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on March 8th, 2018

    Hot spot is a common term for a skin infection caused by yeast and/or bacteria. The neck is a common place for this to happen, because moisture often gets trapped under their collar and/or loose skin.

    You can try a couple of things at home to get rid of these.

    1) Clip the hair (using electric clippers made for dogs) around the area and expose all of the lesions.
    2) Wash the area with warm water and a medicated shampoo (can get this at the pet store) once a day. Use a cloth and gently wipe away the scabs. Do not scrub, because it will irritate the skin more. It's OK if all of the scabs do not come off in each washing.
    3) Make sure the area is completely dry after washing.
    4) Leave the collar off if it is on the neck.

    You should start seeing good results within a week after starting this. It may take a few weeks before it's completely cleared. If two weeks go by and it's not getting any better, then it's best to have a veterinarian exam it. Also, if it appears to get worse, then take her to the vet for treatment.

    I hope that helps and this gets cleared up soon.

    Vote Icon

    2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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My dog has a neck sore with hair loss. Can I treat it at home?
This is commonly seen when they get a skin infection (aka hot-spots). The neck is a common place for this to happen, because moisture often gets trapped under their collar and/or loose skin. It appears to be minor, so you can try a couple of things at home to get clear the infection. 1) Clip the hair around the area and expose all of the lesion(s). There may be more than one of these. 2) Wash the area with warm water and a medicated shampoo (can get this at the pet store) once a day. Use a cloth and gently wipe away the scabs. Do not scrub, because it will irritate the skin more. It's OK if all of the scabs do not come off in each washing. 3) Make sure the area is completely dry after washing. 4) Leave the collar off. You should start seeing good results within a week after starting this. It may take a few weeks before it's completely cleared. If two weeks go by and it's not getting any better, then it's best to have a veterinarian exam it. Also, if it appears to get worse, then take him to the vet for treatment. I hope that helps and this gets cleared up soon.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
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What should I do if my dog has a hot spot? How can I treat it at home?
I like to trim the hair around the hot spot to open up the skin to the air. Then wash it with antibacterial soap to remove the discharge. After drying it then apply thin film of antibacterial ointment on it. You can also apply some cortisone cream on it to reduce the itch. It's best to use a restraint collar to prevent licking and scratching so it will heal. Make sure there are no fleas or ear infection as these can cause itching resulting in hot spots. If they are severe and you are unable to get them to heal then I would bring Princess to your veterinarian for treatment. They may give an injection to prevent scratching and an oral antibiotic to heal the skin infection. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Princess.
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White scab on dog's sheath after grooming: hot spot or infection?
Hello, thank you for using PetCoach. I actually do think that it looks like a hot spot but honestly, I have never seen one in that location. A hot spot is really just a skin infection so it is certainly possible especially if he was scraped in that general location. I would not be overly concerned about it as it looks superficial. You can continue with the Neosporin but I think this would be better: ( https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/3-oz-3-fl-oz-hot-spot-antimicr-2877113 ) Also, if he is licking that area you need to get him a cone collar to wear. Licking can cause more infection and will delay healing. ( https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/contech-procone-soft-recovery-collar-1558315 ) If you do this treatment and it is not looking better in about 5 days or so then you should have him to your vet for an exam. Hope this helps. Best wishes.
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Dog neck rash from collar: What can I use to treat the irritation?
Giulio may have a hotspot. Take off the collar, use a medicated antibacterial pet shampoo on the area and rinse thoroughly. Don't put the collar back on until the skin is healed. If Giulio's fur is very thick, you may need to use clippers (not scissors) to cut back the hair so that the skin can dry out better. You can use Neosporin on the irritated skin. If it isn't looking better in a day or two, Giulio may need to be examined by a vet for oral antibiotics or other treatments. Here is some more information: https://www.petcoach.co/article/hot-spots-acute-moist-dermatitis-in-dogs/
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What to do when my dog won't stop scratching a raw hot spot?
Poor Mickey! Yes you do need to keep him from scratching it. If he can reach it with his mouth, he needs to wear an Elizabethan collar at all times. If it’s in an area he can scratch with his feet, have him wear a little T-shirt or onesie to cover it up. You can wash the area with hand soap once a day and rinse it well. This will help to remove some of the exudate. Lastly, you may call his veterinarian and ask about getting a medication for itching. Usually the antibiotics will kick in within 2 to 3 days and they feel much better. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.
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My dog has a hotspot. How can I treat and clean it safely at home?
A definite NO on the hydrogen peroxide! 1. It is best to shave the hair around the affected area if at all possible. If you don't have clippers you can use scissors to shorten the hair - just be careful you don't cut him. If you can't shave or trim the hair don't stress too much about it. 2. You can clean and treat all in one step with these medicated pads. Twice a day. ( https://www.chewy.com/pet-md-chlorhexidine-antiseptic-dog/dp/146635 ) 3. If he is really itching you can also apply this topical hydrocortisone spray after the wound is dry from the using the pads. Once a day should be enough. ( https://www.chewy.com/zymox-enzymatic-topical-spray/dp/125742 ) If no improvement after about 5-7 days then you should have your vet check him out. Sometimes oral antibiotics are needed to clear these up if they are bad enough. Hope this helps. Best wishes.
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My dog has recurring red, swollen skin spots. Is it a hot spot?
This presentation could be due to a trauma or localized spot of skin infection (likely to be caused by bacteria and commonly called hot spot). A check up, appropriate disinfection and possibly antibiotics (oral, topical or in a shampoo formulation) are needed to solve the problem. Disinfection can eventually be started at home with very diluted hibiscrub or betadine or salted water baths. Buster collar may be useful as well to avoid any licking/scratching. Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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