My dog has red, itchy skin with black bumps. Is it a hot spot?

Poor girl. This looks like classic allergic dermatitis which is likely due to an adverse reaction to something in her environment. She now has an odor due to a secondary bacterial or yeast infection. She will need to see your vet to have the skin tested to determine the kind of infection, then started on medication to clear this up. She will also need allergy medication to help calm down the itchiness and redness. Two viable options for most dogs with skin allergies are either oral Apoqeul or injectable Cytopoint. There is also allergy testing available through your vet, if you are interested in getting allergy shots formulated for Maggie. Here is more information on skin allergies in pets--> https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951973 Until you can get Maggie in to be seen by your vet, you can try an over the counter pet formulated spray to help alleviate the itching. A "hot spot" spray or one that contains hydrocortisone would be most suitable for this. I hope that Maggie's skin improves soon! Best of luck and take care. : )

It looks like a "hot spot". I suggest you use this product on it 2-3 times per day. If after 5-7 days there is no improvement then he should see a vet. ( https://www.amazon.co.uk/Vetericyn-Wound-Skincare-Liquid-Spray/dp/B06WP7LGPT/ref=sr_1_7?keywords=dog+hotspot&qid=1568669830&sr=8-7 )

Hi there and thank you for using Pet Coach to address your concern! What you are describing sounds as though Toby may be dealing with a skin allergy. I would recommend bathing with a shampoo such as douxo PS calm shampoo and bathe twice weekly. I would also recommend using welactin omega 3 fish oil and essential 6 spot on. If this does not help, I would have Toby examined by a veterinarian for the most appropriate treatment recommendations. There are many other prescription options to help treat the symptoms for allergies. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns. I am also available via consultation if needed.

This looks like a hot spot on Lucky's leg. This usually occurs from excessive licking of the area and an infection that is present in the skin. Lucky will need antibiotics to help clear up the infection. He may also need some allergy medication to prevent the area from coming back. The bumps behind the ears are probably due to allergies as well. I would recommend a trip to your vet to get some antibiotics for the leg and possibly some allergy medication if indicated. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.

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 is likely dermatitis, ie bacterial infection, as the skin may be irritated from the shaving and the hotspot likely was infected with bacteria. Steroid ointment will not help, but rather make it worse. Your dog will likely need prescription antibiotics from your veterinarian after an exam and cleaning and disinfecting the site.

This redness indicates inflammation and is usually itchy. This is often due to one of two conditions. 1) Allergies - this can happen suddenly and is usually due to an environmental (i.e pollen) cause. https://www.petcoach.co/article/how-to-tell-if-your-pet-has-allergies/ 2) External parasites - fleas, lice and mites can all cause intense itching. It's good to check her for fleas and get treatment if needed. This pattern is more suspicious of mange, which is a mite infestation. A veterinarian can check for these mites and prescribe treatment. One thing you can do for itchy skin, is give a bath with cool water using an oatmeal or aloe shampoo. You can get these shampoos at the pet store. Below is a link with more helpful advice for relieving the itch. https://www.petcoach.co/article/4-great-strategies-for-relieving-your-dog-s-allergies/ I hope this helps you to identify the problem. If not, then it would be worth taking her to the vet. We can usually discover the cause quickly and provide the best treatment.