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My dog has a neck sore with hair loss. Can I treat it at home?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Shih Tzu | Male | unneutered | 3 years and 2 months old | 12 lbs

I just noticed this sore on Dukes neck , he has hair loss above and below it , i put triple antibiotic ointment on it due to the fact I can't go to a vet right now, I have no idea what it is , could he have been bitten by a spider? Or did it by scratching. I just want to make sure he's ok .. he's been with me the whole time and sleeps with me so I can't think of what had happened..

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Kevin Sanada, DVM

Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on October 4th, 2017

This is commonly seen when they get a skin infection (aka hot-spots). The neck is a common place for this to happen, because moisture often gets trapped under their collar and/or loose skin.

It appears to be minor, so you can try a couple of things at home to get clear the infection.

1) Clip the hair around the area and expose all of the lesion(s). There may be more than one of these.
2) Wash the area with warm water and a medicated shampoo (can get this at the pet store) once a day. Use a cloth and gently wipe away the scabs. Do not scrub, because it will irritate the skin more. It's OK if all of the scabs do not come off in each washing.
3) Make sure the area is completely dry after washing.
4) Leave the collar off.

You should start seeing good results within a week after starting this. It may take a few weeks before it's completely cleared. If two weeks go by and it's not getting any better, then it's best to have a veterinarian exam it. Also, if it appears to get worse, then take him to the vet for treatment.

I hope that helps and this gets cleared up soon.
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 30th, 2018

    This is commonly seen when they get a skin infection (aka hot-spots). The neck is a common place for this to happen, because moisture often gets trapped under their collar and/or loose skin.

    It appears to be quite advanced, so it's good that you are going to the vet tomorrow. You can try a couple of things at home to help with the infection and provide relief.

    1) If you have electric per clippers, you can clip the hair around the area and expose all of the lesions.
    2) Wash the area with cool water and a medicated shampoo (can get this at the pet store) twice a day. Use a cloth and gently wipe away the scabs. Do not scrub, because it will irritate the skin more. It's OK if all of the scabs do not come off in each washing.
    3) Make sure the area is completely dry after washing.
    4) Leave the collar off.

    If you don't have the medicated shampoo, then flushing the area with just cool water for 10-15 minutes twice a day will be good enough until you can take him to the vet.

    I hope that helps and this gets cleared up soon.

    Vote Icon

    2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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Vet Q & A
Bulldog's wet skin infection on neck, hair gone. When to see vet?
This is commonly seen when they get a skin infection (aka hot-spots). The neck is a common place for this to happen, because moisture often gets trapped under their collar and/or loose skin. It appears to be rather involved and there could be a deep infection - these are not easily treated without antibiotics. Considering it has been getting better with your current treatment, I think it's fine to continue treating at home for now. If it's not mostly resolved in two weeks, or gets worse, then I'd recommend a visit to the vet. Here are my recommendations for successfully treating this wound. 1) Clip the hair around the area and expose all of the lesions. 2) Wash the area with cool water and a medicated shampoo (can get this at the pet store) once a day. Use a cloth and gently wipe away the scabs. Do not scrub, because it will irritate the skin more. It's OK if all of the scabs do not come off in each washing. 3) Make sure the area is completely dry after washing. 4) Leave the collar off. I hope that helps and Zeus gets better soon.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Health & Wellness
What else can I use to help my dog's collar sore heal at home?
I think your treatment plans sounds good for home care. Wash the lesions once daily and rinse it well (you don't need to wash his whole body, just the spot). Protect the area from scratching. The only other thing I can think to do is add a dab of coconut oil that you rub into the lesion well. You will want to separate it from the other topical medication by a few hours. If the spot is not looking significantly better in the next week, then I recommend for Hendrix to see his vet. I hope this is helpful and please feel free to post any additional questions.
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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.
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My dog has a sore on his neck. Will it heal on its own or need a vet?
That heavy discharge generally indicates infection. Your pup will heal the fastest if he goes in to see his doctor. The doctor may give him a systemic antibiotic or may only give him topicals if the lesion is very small. Sometimes these pets can be itchy as well and will get medication for that too. You definitely want to make sure that he cannot itch or lick at that area as it will make it worse. The doctor will also shave the hair as it needs to be exposed to the air to dry up. I hope this is helpful and please feel free to post any additional questions.
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My dog has an oozing sore on his neck. Is it a hot spot? OTC help?
Dudley's lesion looks most suspicious for a hot spot (acute moist dermatitis). You can try carefully clipping the longer hair around the lesion and cleaning it daily with a diluted antiseptic solution (such as chlorhexidine or betadine). Be sure to rinse and dry the area thoroughly! If Dudley seems to be scratching or rubbing at this lesion, keep an e-collar (cone) on him to prevent further skin irritation. If the lesion grows, or is not improving in the next week, Dudley should go to his vet. I hope this helps and that all goes well!
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My dog has small sores and hair loss on her neck. Should I worry?
It sounds like she might have a bacterial skin infection. You could bathe her with a medicated dog shampoo but she may need an oral antibiotic to treat. Have her examined by a vet to determine the exact cause and then your vet can prescribe medications to treat.
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Puppy neck rash: What's causing it and how to treat at home?
Hi, thanks for using PetCoach! It could be from extra moisture due to his collar or a skin infection. Below is a link to an antihistamine to control scratching. I would clean it was a mild soap and water daily. Dry it well. You can try the spray below after drying. If it hasn't improved in a week he should be seen by a Vet for prescription medications. Good luck! https://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=40493 https://www.petcoach.co/canigive/dog/zyrtec/
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