What to do if my dog's hot spot is spreading and he's depressed?

It could be a hotspot or even a burn. Place an e-collar (cone) on Buster to prevent licking or chewing. Keep the area clean and dry. You can use diluted Betadine or chlorhexidine (Hibiclens) to gently clean the area. If necessary, see your veterinarian for an exam and treatment if conservative home care doesn't help.

Yes, it looks like he has a skin infection/hot spot. He needs an oral antibiotic and possibly a corticosteroid to help treat the infection and inflammation. Schedule an appointment with a vet for treatment.

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.

This presentation could be due to a trauma or localised spot of skin infection (likely to be caused by bacteria and commonly called hot spot). A check up, appropriate disinfection and 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 licking. 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 he has a hot spot that appears infected. He should be examined by a vet for treatment. Your vet can prescribe an antibiotic, antihistamine, and/or a corticosteroid to help treat the infection.

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.

Hi there and thanks for posting. Oh dear, this doesn't look good! Poor jack must be miserable. I would recommend a skin scraping and cytology of the skin done to rule out mites, a fungal infection, or bacterial infection. A culture of the skin would also be recommended to help determine abx treatment. She may need a different antibiotic based on culture results. I'm afraid I cannot legally prescribe medications over the internet. Best wishes to you and Jack!