I would like to see if anyone out there knows any reliable cures for hotspots on dogs. My Golden-Doodle has had one behind her ear last year and by the time I took her to see the vet (2 days later) it had spread to be a large area. The vet had to anesthetize her and shave the area. He treated her with steroids etc. kept her overnight and then gave me medication for her. Can't remember the antibiotic's name, but also was given an ointment to put on the spots for 2 weeks (Animax). It finally cleared up but I see she has a spot on her shoulder that just looked like the fur was gone (about the size of a nickle). There didn't seem to be any irritation, so I thought it was just where she may have been playing and it was pulled out. Today I bathed her and noticed it was still there only a larger spot and just below it another spot. This time there was some irritation on some of it. I did put some of the ointment on it and am now wondering if it may be something else. I ended up with about 250.00 on the last hotspot, and hate to do that again, but will probably take her in tomarrow for a check. I would just like to know if any of you out there deal with this issue on a regular basis and if you know any precautions I can take. Also any remedies you are familiar with that work well.

My Golden gets one on hi paw all of the time. I spay this anti itch stuff on it I got from the vet. It eventually goes away. You might want to have the Vet test your dog for allergies. That was one of my dogs problems. He was allergic to chicken and some other things. We did allergy shots for a couple of years and he is fine now.

I'm beginning to become familiar with skin issues on dogs. My 6 month old rottie is currently being treated for an allergic reaction he had to fleas. He's on steroids (to stop the itch) and antibiotics (to get rid of the bacterial infection). I originally thought it was mange, but we went in last Thursday for a skin scraping and thankfully it wasn't. Your dog may have very sensitive skin like mine does and is prone to these hot spots. This isn't the first time we've had issues either. He also had an allergic reaction to some ant bites a few months ago. The only advice I have is to have your yard and home treated to get rid of any possible irritants that may be contributing to her discomfort. Also bathe her as little as possible to keep from stripping her of natural oils her skin produces. Good idea to get to the vet as a precaution.

With my dogs, I feed a decent chow, brush regularly, and seldom if ever bathe them. They never have hot spots. I suggest follow that and see how your dog does.

For the existing hot spot, clean the area with hydrogen peroxide and apply a hydrocortisone ointment. No marked improvement in 2 days, and see the vet.