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My dog has a hot spot after flea treatment, what should I do?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Female | spayed | 6 years and 7 months old | 75 lbs

I just treated my dog with Comfortis for a flea infestation we did not recognize.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Lauren Jones VMD

Veterinarian

Published on June 30th, 2022

Thank you for sending the additional information to our customer service email address!

Yes, I agree with your suspicion that Kona likely has a hot spot. You can try to manage this area by first clipping the fur from the the affected area, as air flow to the area is important. Antiseptic sprays, like Vetericyn (https://vetericyn.com/product/vetericyn-plus-all-animal-wound-and-skin-care/?attribute_size=3oz), can work wonders when used a few times per day. One of the most important aspects of hot spot treatment is to prevent Kona from licking at this area. It may involve some tough love, but keep an e-collar (cone) on her until this area has fully resolved. Most hot spots show pretty significant improvement within a week or so. However, if it isn't improving in a week or gets worse at any point, Kona will need to visit her vet. While most hot spots can be treated with topical treatments, like the Vetericyn spray, some require courses of antibiotics and steroids. I hope this helps and that she's on the mend soon!

3Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Hello there! Unfortunately I think your question was cut off, as the only information I received in your post was "I just treated my dog with Comfortis for a flea infestation we did not recognize." Due to this, I'm not sure what your question is, and I do ask that you please post again with a question so we can help you.

That being said, I do see there is a picture attached of Kona, and it looks like she has a skin problem. The area in the picture looks moist and red, and I'm wondering if she has a hot spot. Based on the picture, I do think that area needs to be checked out by a vet, and I recommend you getting her an appointment with her vet for that. I hope this helps!
0Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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My dog has a hot spot. What are safe pet store treatment options?

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Based on the picture, it does appear that this could be a hot spot. I typically recommend using products that soothe and treat infection. What I would recommend would be Well & Good Hydrocortisone spray (at Petco) and Miconahex + Triz spray and apply both of these twice daily until resolved. If there is no improvement within 7 days, I would recommend taking your dog in to be seen by a veterinarian so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. I hope this helps!

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My dog's hot spot is getting worse after using spray. What now?

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It could be the start of a hot spot. The mainstay of treatment is to shave the fur away to allow better air flow to help it dry out. Also Hatty would need to stop chewing and licking the area. That requires the use of an Elizabethan collar (cone) or donut. Also we usually prescribe a course of steroids and antibiotics. Since it is getting worse and hot spots are of the the true skin "emergencies" (because they spread quickly and are uncomfortable) I recommend having her seen today before the weekend. I hope this helps and I wish Hatty a speedy recovery!

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Why is my dog still scratching and biting after flea treatment?

Looks like your little lady is giving herself some hot spots there. If there is a hot spot forming under the hair then the best thing to do is to remove the hair and cleanse the area with an antibacterial solution. Some dogs require topical and/or oral antibiotics and other dogs benefit from some steroids to stop the itch. Most hot spots are secondary to underlying allergies (inhaled/environmental, food, or flea). If seasonal environmental is most likely. The best way to help her would be to see your family vet to have the areas addressed topically and so that medications can be prescribed to treat any infection and stop the itch. I hope this helps and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

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My dog has a hotspot. How can I treat and clean it safely at home?

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My dog has a hot spot. Is peroxide safe? What causes these spots?

Hi, thanks for using Petcpach! Poor Kane! From the picture and the description is sounds like a hot spot (superficial pyoderma). I recommend shaving the fur off, which allows the air to reach it and help to dry the area out. You can clean it twice daily with a gentle soap and water and apply a triple antibiotic cream. Kane needs to not scratch the area, so use an Elizabethan collar (cone) or donut if he is scratching. If the area worsens or is not significantly improved in 2-3 days he needs to see a Vet for antibiotics and steroids. The cause isn't contagious, I think it is just bad luck that both of your dogs have had hot spots recently. They can be from allergies or increased moisture after swimming or after a bath and they didn't completely dry off well. I hope this helps and I wish Kane a speedy recovery!

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What should I do if my dog has a hot spot? How can I treat it at home?

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

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.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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