Hot Spot or so I think

[Discussing Labradoodles & Goldendoodles]

Molly has a small spot that came up very quickly on her paw. Actually this is the second one in about 1 1/2 months. The last one healed but this is is proving more stubborn. We've been to the vets (both of whom were trained in Asia) and while they've not said it's a hot spot it certainly looks like one. It hasn't spread thank heavens. Molly is raw fed and has not really had much change in her diet recently except to be fed some venison that a hunter friend gave us. So I do not think it is a food allergy. She is regularly groomed and does not have fleas so I've ruled those out as the cause. Possibly a burr or thorn became "stuck" in her skin, who knows.

Anyway, besides using peroxide to clean it and then some foot powder to dry out the spot, are there any other remedies that are helpful. I was totally on the wrong track for a while and was bandaging it thus keeping it moist. No more of that. She's not worrying it that much so perhaps with the drying effect the skin will start to heal.

Any suggestions from those who have gone through this.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

We use an ointment called Animax Ointment.  We get it from the vet.  This is an all-purpose medicine that we have even used in ears.

[Cindy M, Zachary & the Frenchies]

Andrea, I use an ointment called panalog - covers bacteria and yeast. I usually don't clean  wounds that  are not "dirty"with peroxide because the fizzing can disrupt the healing edges, betadine is a good disinfectant.  I then spay with a "yuck" spray bitter apple or cherry and I think that there is a water based spray if the area is really opened and you don't want to spray with an alcohol based product.

[Lee Seidman]

Gold Bond powder is good to help keep the area dry. shave the hair around the wound to reduce inflamation and itching and get a cortisone based creme from the Vet. Treat as soon as possible because hot spots spread like wild fire. Vet might perscribe an antibiotic to reduce chance of infection.  Billy is on his 5th hot spot and is prone to them. Vet does not think allergies but who knows.  Lexi has never had a hot spot. 

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

Yes-Animax was a staple in our house when they were puppies

[SD Suz - Mom of 3 Doodz]

We've just been going through our first ever 'hot spot' with Java (who else???). They are also raw fed and she's always been a very 'itchy' girl. When I first discovered the patch on her neck under her chin I used Chris Christensen Peace & Kindness on it several times a day and it did get better but wouldn't heal. Continued scratching made it worse & I know she was uncomfortable so we made a trip to the vet. He shaved the area, gave us Triamincinolone(?) cream for twice a day application and Cephalexin antibiotic capsules (also twice a day). It's taken a week to finally look like it's almost healed. Several months ago I started all three of them on Evening Primrose Oil and Fish Oil on their food, haven't seen any difference in their coats, but figure it can't hurt. One note about fleas: A dog doesn't have to 'have' fleas for them to be bitten by one. The fleas can be outside, jump on, bite (while inserting their 'saliva'(?) and, if the dog is allergic to that, the cycle begins so it is an allergy, just not a food allergy. Wishing Molly well soon. she'll be a much happier Doodle &  you'll be a much happier Doodle Mom!

[Bonnie and Kona]

Thanks for posting about the fleas. Our golden was subject to frequent hot spots and it was a flea allergy. He was treated for fleas every four weeks but as the fourth week approached he would get itchy and sometimes end up with a hot spot. We had to give him Advantage more often than his brother.

[Cindy M, Zachary & the Frenchies]

Andrea, I don't think that betadine will sting, I don't think it stings humans, but you can just clean it with soap and water and rinse and dry well. It really shouldn't need anything more than that, since it is exposed to the air, you are not going to sterilze, and if she is getting antibiotics, that should cover it. I would think that a good ointment (or no ointment and just keeping it dry) and a no lick product along with a good wash is plenty.

I hope she feels better soon. If you could only tell them why they need to stop licking it!!!!