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

Related Answers from Veterinarians

• Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on February 19th, 2018

  It's definitely good that you stopped the hydrogen peroxide, because this can make the wound much worse. These type of lesions can have many causes. Dogs often get these hot spots (aka acral lick granulomas) for a few different reasons, so it's difficult to say what's causing it. He may be over-licking the area because it's sore, or it has an infection. These types of lesions tend to develop infections in the skin despite the cause.
  
  I think it will be fine to try and treat this at home for now (even though we don't know the cause), but would recommend a visit to the vet if:
  
  1) It doesn't get better in 2 weeks
  2) It starts to bleed or the lesion continues to get worse
  
  Here are my recommendations:
  
  Wash/spray the area with just cool, clean water (no soap or other antiseptics) for at least 5 minutes at a time. Do this at least twice a day. Bandage the wound with gauze and apply an over-the-counter antibacterial cream (i.e Neosporin) to the wound.
  
  Keeping it covered and keeping him from licking it will be the most difficult part of the treatment. You can help keep the bandage on by placing a good (really sticky) tape above and below the bandage. You can find sprays in the pet store, like bitter apple, that are meant to deter licking. This can be sprayed on the bandage (not the wound) to help keep him from chewing it off.
  
  NOTE: Be careful not to bandage too tight or it can cut-off the circulation. If you notice that the toes/foot starts to swell, then remove the bandage and leave it off until the swelling goes down.
  
  Another strategy to keep the bandage on, is taping a clean sock over the bandage.
  
  These types of lesions tend to take a long time to heal, so don't be surprised if its not completely healed until a month later. Once the skin looks normal and he stops trying to lick it, you can stop the cleaning/bandaging.
  
  I hope that helps and he gets better soon.
  

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

• Answered By Lauren Jones VMD

  Veterinarian

  Published on April 28th, 2017

  Hydrogen peroxide can be effective to initially clean a wound or hot spot, but can actually delay healing when used repeatedly. For this reason, I would recommend discontinuing the hydrogen peroxide. Talk to Drake's vet before using any anti-itch ointments because they are not meant to be ingested and could be concerning if Drake licks it off. Instead, clip all hair around the hot spot and clean it with gentle soap and water. Be sure to rinse and dry the spot thoroughly. Otherwise, many hot spots do not require further medication or treatment aside from keeping Drake from licking it. However, if the lesion does not resolve with this management strategy, Drake may need to go to his vet for prescription based medications.

  

  2Pet Parents found this answer helpful