My dog has a fast-growing scab-like patch. Could it be a hot spot?

Poor guy. This looks like a "hot spot" or superficial pyoderma (infected area) on the skin. This can be caused by an initial knick or scrap on the skin that later got infected and scabbed over. Flea bites are a common cause of hot spots, so its best to keep Bono on flea prevention year round it they are common in your area. Your vet should be able to prescribe some oral antibiotics to help this resolve completely. The wound spray you have may be sufficient, so its best to take it in with you to Bono's vet appt for your vet to see. If not, then the vet will likely recommend another topical to use. I hope that Bono's wound heals well. Best wishes and take care!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This looks like a hot spot. This is basically a bacterial infection secondary to self-trauma such as scratching. This is possibly secondary to allergies or another cause resulting in itchiness. I recommend that you have Bella evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. If confirmed a hot spot on examination, then they would start her on antibiotics and something like steroids to decrease the itch. In the meantime, you can use an e-collar which you may get from your local pet store to try to prevent further scratching. Good luck and have a good night!

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.

This presentation could be due to a trauma or localized spot of skin infection (likely to be caused by bacteria). A check up, appropriate disinfection and possibly antibiotics (oral, topical or in a shampoo formulation) are needed to solve the problem. Disinfection may 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. Hope this answer was helpful, but 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.

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.

It looks like the skin in this area has become infected. It could have started as a simple wound, like you said, and then progressively became infected. To help the area heal, keep the wound clean and dry. Wash it 2x a day with a gentle antibacterial soap. You can apply some triple antibiotic ointment to it as well. You will need to keep Boomer from licking the area as best as you can. The best way to do this is by placing an E-collar on him. If this does not help the area heal in 3-5 days or if the area around the wound is swollen at all, I would recommend taking Boomer to the vet to have it evaluated. He may need oral antibiotics to get it cleared up. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Rosie! From the pictures it looks like Rosie may have a hot spot (superficial skin infection). Hot spots can start off small then spread quickly and become larger and painful. Goldens commonly get them from ear infections or from being wet from swimming. I recommend that you take her to the Vet today. The Vet will clip the fur away, clean the area and prescribe antibiotics, steroids, and likely something topical. They will check for an ear infection and prescribe ear wash and ear drops if needed. I hope this helps and I hope Rosie has a speedy recovery!