Treatment of hotspots in dogs

Hotspots, also known as moist dermatitis, are painful and inflamed skin conditions that require prompt and thorough treatment. Here is a step-by-step guide to treating hotspots in dogs and preventing them from worsening.

Step-by-step treatment of hotspots

1. Trim the fur around the hotspot

   Carefully trim all the fur around the affected area to improve air circulation and reduce bacterial growth.

2. Clean the area daily

   Rinse the inflamed area with lukewarm or cool water for 10–15 minutes once a day to remove discharge and cleanse the skin.

3. Remove scabs

   Gently wipe away discharge and softened scabs with a clean terry cloth or wound pad during or after rinsing.

4. Apply antiseptic treatment

   Treat the area with a non-stinging antiseptic wound spray or gel, such as Vetericyn, to reduce inflammation and promote healing.

5. Repeat treatment multiple times daily

   Continue treating the hotspot 3–6 times per day until the area has fully healed.

6. Prevent licking and scratching

   Use a collar to stop your dog from aggravating the injury by licking or scratching the area.

7. Tips to soothe itching
   
   Store antiseptic products like Vetericyn in the refrigerator – the cooling effect can help reduce itching and calm the skin.

Home care for hotspots in dogs

The frequency of treatment depends on the severity of the condition:

• If there is a lot of discharge, you may need to treat more often at first.
• As the discharge decreases, treating the area 2–3 times per day is sufficient.

In the early stages of treatment, washing the inflamed area and its surroundings with a disinfecting shampoo can help prevent the inflammation from spreading.

Dry the area thoroughly

After rinsing or shampooing, ensure that the fur and skin are thoroughly dried using a terry towel or hairdryer. Bacteria thrive in moist environments, so keeping the area dry is essential for healing.

Why remove scabs?

Under scabs and discharge, inflammation can worsen because antiseptic treatments cannot effectively reach the skin.

• For thick scabs, you can apply a wound gel first to soften the scabs (let it sit for about 5 minutes).
• Once the scabs are removed, apply a fresh layer of wound gel to soothe the skin.

When to contact a veterinarian

If the problem spreads despite treatment or if your dog seems to be in pain, you should consult a veterinarian.

The veterinarian may need to:

• Prescribe pain relief medications specifically designed for dogs.
• Examine the area more thoroughly to rule out other underlying conditions.

Signs of improvement

Within 2–3 days, you should notice reduced discharge and redness, indicating that the treatment is working. If you see no improvement or if the area worsens, contact a veterinarian immediately.