The American Beagler Forum

Iv'e got a two year old bitch that has a spot on her shoulder about 3 inches in diameter she has just scratched raw and bleeding. A friend of mine says it might be a "hot spot", but doesn't know cause he's never seen one, just heard of them. I've got three other dogs and they are having no problems, no fleas, no ticks no nothing. Ive been trying to keep it clean with hydrogen peroxide. This is going on her third day now. Anybody got any ideas?
Thanks.

I use Sulfodene. I get it at Wal-Mart, cost about $4 for a 4oz bottle. Its Skin Medication for Hot Spots, Scratching, hair loss, redness. You apply it twice a day for a week. It is yellow in color. It works for me. I hope this helps.

Hydrogen peroxide stops the healing process and is quite harsh. Keep the spot dry and clean. I have heard of using Gold Bond to stop itching, never did that myself though. That sounds big for a hot spot. Is there infection or something lodged in there causing irritation? What about ring worm? Sulphur works on ringworm. Is she licking or biting it? May need a cone to stop that. Carolyn

She can't get to it to lick or bite it. It's on her upper left shoulder. She just keeps scratching at it with her hind leg.

This might sound funny and will certainly look funny but put a cone around her hind quarters. Would stop the scratching! You would have to rotate itoff and on so she could sleep. If you can get the irritation settled that would help. Carolyn

There are lots of websites with information about hot spots on internet. Do a search 'hot spot dog' on Google and you will get some ideas. Clean area, use antibiotic and/or steroid cream to settle infection and irritation. You can buy mild creams at pharmacy. Otherwise trip to vet. Figure out cause- does she have fleas? Allergies? Some other irritation? Treat that. Wait and see what happens next. Carolyn

Spray WD-40 on the hot-spot. Cheap and effective.

We use Listerine Mouth Wash. Spray it on or dab. Works well for us. Vet said it was fine too. Apply twice daily.