[kyliekaye]

My cocker spaniel is one year old and she is getting hot spots really bad it use to be just on her hind legs and stomach but now it's spreading to the front legs too. I have tried the hot spot shampoo and taking her to the vet. (which the tablets she takes from them help but doesn't last) what can make them go away?? Please help I know they hurt her.

[labman]

This is what works for me and many other people. I don't know if it will work for you.

Start with a well bred puppy, one health is more important in selecting breeding stock than show titles. Feed it a dry dog chow and little else. Brush frequently, and bathe seldom. I see hundreds of young dogs every year following that, and never see hot spots.

[teachnk]

The hot spots can spread quickly and are painful. Dogs with the thickest coats get them more frequently like goldens, cockers, and GSDs. They can be caused by fleas, ticks or allergies as well as other causes. It might be good idea to work with the vet to find the cause, prevention will be important since they say once a dog has had hot spots they will likely get them again.
You might need to cut the hair around the wounds to aid healing or have the vet do it. Please speak to your vet about this before following any of my suggestions. I am not a vet, but have had some experience with hotspots, worked closely with my trusted vet on a severe case and done some reading. Here what I know.
Butadiene solution is a good antiseptic. Astringents will help dry the sore. NeoPredef powder is a good one because it dries the sore, has an antibiotic and a corticosteroid to help with itching and inflammation. It should be cleaned and dried every few hours the first day or so, and then less frequently. The most important part is trying to stop your pup from scratching and chewing while it dries up and heals. A elizabethan collar might be necessary. Best of luck to you and your pup!

[kyliekaye]

They are not red but they are scabby and very dry is that a good sign?

[teachnk]

Yes, dry is good. :)

[kyliekaye]

But they are still annoying because they are flaky and scabby and feel funny when I pet her. I order some allergy medicine maybe that will help because I think she may have allergies because she always is rubbing her nose and has red and watery eyes and snores at night when she sleeps. And they say that hot spots are because of allergies too so I'm going to try that.

[teachnk]

NeoPredef powder should help with the itching and the healing.