How to Cure Hot Spots On Your Dog
A hot spot (acute moist dermatitis) is a painful skin condition that commonly affects dogs. It typically first appears as a small round lesion on the skin, then quickly grows larger and more irritated looking as the dog licks or chews on it. If left untreated the hot spot may become infected with an oozy discharge and develop a strong odor. Hot spots are caused by a variety of things, including food allergies, fleas, gland problems or lack of grooming. They are usually more predominant on long-haired dogs, such as golden retrievers and cocker spaniels. Although severe or seriously infected hot spots may require a visit to your veterinarian, there is a method you can try for milder cases that will often give your dog some relief.
Things You'll Need
- Dog clippers
- Soft cloth
- Astringent
- Soap and water
- Cotton ball
- Tea bag
- Vitamin E
- Antibiotic cream
- Elizabethan collar
Instructions
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1
Use dog clippers to trim the hair away from the hot spot. This will keep the hair from matting on top of the wound and allow the hot spot to dry out.
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2
Apply a small amount of a mild astringent or soap and water to a cotton ball. Dab the hot spot with the cotton ball to clean and disinfect the area. Dry the area gently with a paper towel.
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3
Press a warm, wet tea bag onto the hot spot. The tea bag works as a compress and provides relief for the itching and pain.
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4
Apply vitamin E and an antibiotic cream (Neosporin) to the wound two to three times a day. Place a Elizabethan collar around your dog's neck to prevent it from licking the mixture off.
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Tips & Warnings
Visit your veterinarian if the hot spot is severely infected or larger than a 50-cent piece. Your vet may need to treat the area and prescribe antibiotics, painkillers or cortisone to help with the inflammation and infection.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Janie Airey/Lifesize/Getty Images
