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My dog has a red, inflamed rash from licking. Is it a hot spot?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 20 lbs

My dog has a reddish skin rash may look like because he keeps licking its inflammated and i don't know what it is.. can you help me

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on August 14th, 2017

Hi there and thank you for your post! From the pictures you posted, it looks like Chico may have a hot spot (moist dermatitis) area in front of his prepuce / penis. Some of the area appears to be yellow and this might indicate it is infected. I would get your vet to check this out so that Chico can receive the appropriate treatment. Most likely he will need an oral antibiotic and some topical ointments to treat the area. If he is constantly licking the area, I would get a plastic cone to keep around his head to prevent him from licking the area and making it worse. I hope this helps! Please feel free to contact me with any other questions / concerns you may have. I am also available via consultation.

7Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Megan, DVM, CVA
Veterinarian
Published on May 19th, 2018
This looks a lot like a hot spot. It usually is caused by something that made him start licking and then they lick it until there is a raw area and it is infected. I would put a cone collar on him to prevent the licking (he is likely still licking even though you aren't seeing him). You can also clean it with some mild soap and water (be sure to rinse it well) and give him some Benadryl twice a day to help. See link below. Finally, I would put some type of antibiotic ointment on it. If it isn't improving soon or starts to get worse, I would strongly recommend to have your vet take a look at it to see if he needs some oral antibiotics or stronger allergy meds.

https://www.petcoach.co/canigive/dog/benadryl/#!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Dayna, DVM, CVA
Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist
Published on October 2nd, 2017
The pictures are suspicious for moist dermatitis, or hot spot. Typically these need antibiotics and sometimes a steroid to resolve. Also it is important to keep his mouth off of it as licking and chewing won’t allow it to heal. I would recommend that he be seen by a veterinarian soon. I hope he improves quickly!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on February 19th, 2020
Clearly this area is bothering Buster, and it could be due to allergies, a hot spot, or a skin infection. You need to have him seen by a vet to get this diagnosed and treated. I'd take him into the vet in the morning.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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Related Questions

My dog's tail is red and sore from licking. Is it a hot spot?

Hi, I am sorry to hear about Marley. Based on your description and the pictures you took, it appears that Marley may have a "hot spot". This is a moist dermatitis that causes discomfort, inflammation, and a secondary infection. When you say that he "received an allergy shot", I presume this is a steroid injection. If that is the case, the steroid injection should help to reduce his discomfort within less than 24hrs after the shot. Generally, I always treat a hot spots with a prescription of oral antibiotics, rather then topical. I allow the affected area to "dry out", as this is considered a "moist dermatitis" and we want it to no longer be "moist". Steroids are key to helping him feel more comfortable. Make sure to keep the ecollar on at all times to prevent him from chewing or licking at that sore area. I would recommend to contact your vet and ask if a prescription of oral antibiotics is warranted in Marley's case. They are the ones who can get this medication for you if it will help him and is indicated in his case. Best of luck to you and Marley.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why is my dog's scrotum dark, peeling, and he won't stop licking?

Hello there and thank you for posting your picture and concern about Choppies! From the picture you sent, it looks like Choppies has caused quite a bit of irritation and inflammation on his scrotum. I would pick up a plastic cone from the pet store to put around his head so that he is not able to lick this and then get him in to see your veterinarian for an examination. There are multiple possible causes of this, which include thermal burn, inflammation of structures inside the scrotum causing Choppies to lick due to the discomfort, infection or behavioral. I would get him examined by your vet so a cause can be determined and appropriately treated. Hope this helps! Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any other questions or concerns. I am also available via text / phone consultation if needed.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My puppy is licking a lot; he has red, oozy spots near his penis. What is it?

This looks like a superficial der.atitis which is not uncommon in pups. Bathing with a chlorhexidine scrub can help and if you send the pictures to your vet for medicated shampoo and/or ointment. Antibiotics are rarely required unless it becomes deeper, wet or he develops a fever

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My dog's sheath is discolored and inflamed. What should I do?

Hi there and thank you for using pet coach to address your concern. From the pictures it appears as though chewy has a lot of inflammation in this area. I would suspect he has been chewing and licking this area and has caused a hotspot (moist dermatitis). I would recommend placing a rigid plastic cone around the neck to prevent him from licking this area. I would also recommend applying s topical medication such as zymox topical ointment and apply to the area until resolved. You can find this ointment easily online. If the area does not heal or worsens, I would recommend having a veterinarian take a look at this for further testing and treatment recommendations. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why is my puppy constantly licking a specific spot on their skin?

I'm not 100% sure what this spot is from just by looking at a photo. It could be just an injury but it could also be ringworm or skin mites (mange) or the start of a hot spot. I suggest you try this hot spot spray gel, 3-4 times per day. If after about a week or so you don't noticed much improvement or he starts to get spots in other areas then he needs to see a vet. https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/vetericyn-plus-hot-spot-antimicrobial-gel-for-dogs

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Training & Behavior

My dog keeps biting his private area. Why is it red and chapped?

The first thing you need to do is put a cone collar on him to keep him from continuing to lick the skin. He has scrotal dermatitis (an infection of the scrotal skin) and no matter what you use to treat It with, if he just continues to lick, it will not get better. So, get the cone collar ASAP and then apply this Vetericyn spray (linked below) to the affected area 2-3 times per day. If after about 5=7 days of doing this, it is not better than you need to have him checked by your vet. ( https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/well-and-good-e-collar ) ( https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/vetericyn-plus-hot-spot-antimicrobial-gel-for-dogs ) Hope this helps. Best wishes.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Food & Nutrition

My dog has recurring red, swollen skin spots. Is it a hot spot?

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.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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