How to heal dog hot spots so I can finally remove the e-collar?

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.

Poor Dink! That does look like quite a nasty hot spot. For a problem this severe, I would strongly recommend taking him to the vet for treatment. Severe hot spots often need oral antibiotics and steroids to treat effectively. In the meantime, if he's constantly chewing at it and making the problem worse, you can place an e-collar (plastic cone) on him to prevent him from being able to reach it. You should be able to pick one up at your local pet store.

Poor Mickey! Yes you do need to keep him from scratching it. If he can reach it with his mouth, he needs to wear an Elizabethan collar at all times. If it’s in an area he can scratch with his feet, have him wear a little T-shirt or onesie to cover it up. You can wash the area with hand soap once a day and rinse it well. This will help to remove some of the exudate. Lastly, you may call his veterinarian and ask about getting a medication for itching. Usually the antibiotics will kick in within 2 to 3 days and they feel much better. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

If the hot spot is small you can try putting some triple antibiotic ointment on it. You will want to try and prevent your dog from licking the area as much as possible, like with an E-collar, to allow it to heal. If the area is very large and inflamed your dog may benefit from oral antibiotics to help it heal more quickly. If treatment at home doesn’t work then you will probably need to have her examined by a vet. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.

The best thing to do for Elmer is to take him to your veterinarian. Here they can shave the hotspot and clean it up. Antibiotics are usually prescribed for a hotspot and sometimes a topical ointment or spray. Until you can bring Elmer to your veterinarian I do recommend an Elizabethan collar to prevent him from licking. Licking a hotspot will make it worse very quickly. I hope Elmer feels better soon and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

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.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It could be the start of a hot spot. The mainstay of treatment is to shave the fur away to allow better air flow to help it dry out. Also Hatty would need to stop chewing and licking the area. That requires the use of an Elizabethan collar (cone) or donut. Also we usually prescribe a course of steroids and antibiotics. Since it is getting worse and hot spots are of the the true skin "emergencies" (because they spread quickly and are uncomfortable) I recommend having her seen today before the weekend. I hope this helps and I wish Hatty a speedy recovery!