Dog Hot Spot Tonight? A Calm First-Night Checklist

Dog hot spots can appear overnight and hurt. A hot spot is a red, wet, oozing patch that grows quickly, and it needs your vet the same day or the next. If you are reading this late at night, take a breath. There are a few safe things to do tonight, and a few things to avoid.

What is a hot spot on a dog?

A red, wet, oozing patch that grows quickly. Your vet looks for the cause, which can include fleas, ear problems, allergy, anal glands or pain. So the patch is a sign to look further, not a problem to solve with a home mix.

What is your first-night checklist for dog hot spots?

1. Stop the licking. Fit a cone or barrier. Choose one that reaches a little past the tip of the nose, or a soft or inflatable collar, and fasten it so two fingers fit under the collar.
2. Supervise the first hour. Check your dog can eat, drink and sleep.
3. Keep the area clean and dry. Do not apply anything unless your vet says so.
4. Note and photograph it. Write the time, the size and any smell, and take a photo so you can show how fast it changes.
5. Book a vet visit promptly. Call your vet or emergency vet, tell them it looks like a hot spot, and ask when to come in.

What should you never do?

Never	Why
Cut the fur with scissors	It is easy to cut the skin, which may need stitches
Use human creams or oils	Licking can make your dog sick, and some are dangerous
Give human medicine by mouth	Many are toxic to dogs. Only your vet sets doses
Use vinegar or essential oils	Not safe on broken skin, and oils can poison dogs

What will the vet do?

Your vet clips and cleans the area, and looks for the underlying cause. Hot spots often come with something else, so expect questions about fleas, ears, allergy and pain. Bring your notes, any photos and the names and dates of flea products for every pet.

When should you check with your vet right away?

Call straight away if:

• The patch is growing fast or looks worse by the hour
• The area under the cone is wet, smelly or growing
• Your dog panics in the cone, or seems in pain
• There is pus, spreading redness, or open wounds
• Your dog is flat, off food or losing weight

What about the next few days?

Keep your dog in the cone or barrier until your vet says otherwise. Follow the plan your vet gives you and attend any recheck. Keep a daily itch score and a note about the area so you can tell your vet whether it is changing.

Do the 5-minute flea check over a white towel too, and ask your vet about year-round flea control for every pet, since fleas are one of the common causes your vet looks for.

The itchy dog guide has the full safety check, a cone fitting guide and a vet-visit prep sheet.