What to do for my dog's severe hot spot he won't stop licking?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

• Answered By Lauren Kennedy, DVM

  Veterinarian

  This is a severe infection and this looks very uncomfortable for your dog. You will need to take your dog to your vet so she can prescribe him some antibiotics to help clear this large area of infection. Your vet may also recommend some medication to help with the inflammation and itchiness as well.
  
  If left untreated, the infection will continue to spread. And the more your dog licks and chews at the area, the worse it will become. If you have a cone at home you should put it on him to help prevent any more itching/chewing.
  
  I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.

  

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• Answered By Ann Dion, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on August 20th, 2017

  Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Hot spots can be difficult to heal, and the most important part of healing them is to stop the dogs from chewing and making the hot spot worse. An E-Collar is the most important part of this. Also, shaving the fur to allow the area to dry out is important and cleaning this with an anti-bacterial soap twice a day helps, and importantly drying the area very well after cleaning it. Often-times oral antibiotics are needed for hot spots, and sometimes an anti-inflammatory is required to take away the itch/pain. Often going to a vet to get the right products, and to determine if oral antibiotics are needed can help things heal up much faster. Step 1 however is the E-collar. Best of luck with Suzie!

  

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• Answered By Makenzie Kurth, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on July 7th, 2018

  Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. This could be a “hot spot” caused by allergies, pain, a poke/bite, or other. They can erupt almost overnight due to licking and scratching. First, put an E-collar on Kleo. Then try a hot spot spray such as Rescue + Remedy Hot Spot Spray. Use as directed on the bottle. Both the cone and the spray can be found at PetCo. If no improvement in 3 days, or if worsening at any time, it’s time to see the vet. Best of luck to you and Kleo!

  

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• Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

  Veterinarian

  Published on June 5th, 2018

  Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Dany!
  
  We will need to know the medication you started 4 days ago as combining medication's can cause reactions.
  
  I treat hot spots in the hospital by shaving the fur around the area so it can dry out better. I send the animal home with an E-collar to prevent licking and scratching, a course of steroids or apoquel, oral antibiotics and a topical spray. This usually clears the hot spot up in 3-5 days.
  
  Feel free to repost with the medication or contact your Vet to see what can be given with that medication.
  
  Good luck!

  

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