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How do I treat my dog's hot spots? Should I take him to the vet?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Labrador Retriever | Male | unneutered | 1 year and 4 months old | 88 lbs

How to treat hot spots?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

Published on March 31st, 2017

Hot spots are most commonly treated by clipping the hair from the affected area, cleaning it thoroughly, and giving prescription medication including antibiotics and/or steroids to treat the underlying problem - usually allergies, fleas, or skin mites (mange) with a secondary skin infection. I would recommend taking Max to the vet for an exam to get the necessary medication to treat his hot spots.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on June 11th, 2018
This is probably caused by an allergic reaction. first of all make sure you de-flea Puppies regularly every month with a high quality spot on (ex. Advantage) as fleas are by far the most common reason for these reactions. If the fleas are not the problem, it could be an allergic reaction to food or an environmental factor. this is more complicated to treat and will sometimes require medications such as Steroids, anti histamines or cyclosporin in order to stop the allergy.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on July 10th, 2019
Hello. If you could give a bit more information, such as how long they have been there, is the dog chewing/scratching, are you using a regular flea product & a picture, then I am sure someone can help you. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on September 19th, 2017
Thanks for visiting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. The picture is a bit blurry but the area appears to be a possible hot spot. Hot spots are usually caused by nicks in the skin that has become infected. This can be caused by fleas or any type of trauma to the skin. Treatment typically consists of clipping the hair (because it carries bacteria), cleaning the skin with an antiseptic (Betadine diluted 50:50 with water or Chlorhexidine 3% diluted with water), and then topical antibiotic spray. Sometimes oral antibiotics are also needed. Your local pet store should have a hot spot spray available over the counter that you can try. If the over the counter spray doesn't improve things in a few days then a vet visit will be needed for stronger medicaitons and potentially oral antibiotics as wel. I hope things work out well for your pet Junior. Best wishes and take care.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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Can I safely treat my dog's hot spots at home without a vet visit?

Unfortunately hot spots require prescription medication to treat. Usually a topical steroid is needed, but the underlying cause of the hot spot has to be diagnosed as well. Hot spots can be caused by things like allergies, so it the underlying cause isn't treated, they can come back. Please have Collette seen by a vet to have them treated.

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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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My dog has a hotspot. How do I treat it and is it contagious to me?

Treatment for hotspot is typically antibiotic therapy and anti-itch medication. I would recommend a topical approach and shave hair from the area. You can use Malacetic conditioning spray, a hydrocortisone spray and apply these twice daily. Hotspots do not spread to humans so do not worry about that as a concern.

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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 hot spots & scratches raw. How to handle vet visits?

Given the condition, he is going to need to be seen by your veterinarian. Antibiotics as well as an anti-inflammatory or anti- itch medi ation are likely indicated. The area should be clipped and cleaned also. A small tee shirt or e-collar (cone) may help prevent scratching or licking. Given current events, you may need to drive up to the clinic, drop Winston off then wait for your veterinarian to call you to discuss findings and treatment options. Your vet may dispense a sedative to give orally about 60 minutes before the exam.

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My dog has a skin problem. Is it a hot spot or mange? How to treat?

Hot spots are small usually individual areas of superficial infection and tend to be moist and smell horrendous. Bathing and topical antiseptics are usually sufficient. Mange is an infestation of mites which crawl through the inner layers of the skin causing inflammation, itch and often hair loss, these damaged areas may then become infected with bacteria or yeast also. There are numerous mite treatments which can be effective from washes, spot ons and tablets; generally 3-months tresatment is required to eliminate the mites

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Dog hot spot near tail/rectum: How to treat & do I need to shave?

Hi there. Most hot spots need antibiotic therapy. You can try shaving it and cleaning it with an antiseptic rinse which will sometimes be enough to make it heal, but if it doesn't resolve I would have Hunter seen by your veterinarian for antibiotics and to confirm that it is a hot spot. I hope that helps! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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