Need Hot spot help...

[jjsmom]

JJ has developed a hot spot and I want to try a few more things before I decide to e-collar him. I have tried a hot spot spray and it doesn't seem to be helping and he still bothers it. I also have tried bag balm because as it dries it gets really itchy.. but then I read on the internet that you actually WANT it to dry out and not to use ointments. I am not sure if it is allergy related, stress related (it started last week when I was working a slightly different work schedule and Jim was out of town.. so it COULD be stress that started it) or if it might possibly be fleas. So I gave them their next Frontline treatment a few days early in case it was fleas.

SO what have you all tried for hot spots and found to actually work?

[jjsmom]

uh- oh.. MY BAD.. I thought I put this in the dog area and I didn't. Can a mod help me out and move it or delete it and I can start another one in health? Sorry about that guys.. I hadn't had my coffee yet before I posted this...

[jess2416]

heheh... we just thought that YOU were the one with the hot spots

[Charliesmommy]

You might have to PM a mod to get your post moved, otherwise they may not see it.

Anyway, without knowing what is causing the hotspot, it's hard to say what you might need to do. The only things I can recommend without a trip to the vet are

1. Shave the area. Hair on it will only irritate it more
2. Clean it with a gentle soap
3. Cold compresses a few times a day will help with the itchiness and inflammation.

I doubt it is from fleas. Hotspots are often a fungal infection so you may end up with a vet trip no matter what you do.

[bubbatd]

You might want to try Gold Bond powder too .

[jjsmom]

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. I will try them!

Oh- and thanks Renee for moving this!