Wrigley has a horrible sore, a hot spot I guess.

[Jamie Petro]

I noticed this weekend that Wrigley kept on licking and chewing in the same area, and when I looked closer I noticed that she had a horrible sore there. Some of her fur is gone, and the skin is a dark color, like there is a scab there. The fur around the area is matted. I feel so sorry for her. I put some bitter apple around the infected area hoping that she'd leave it alone. Then last night she started itching all over...I mean constantly scratching. I checked her really good, and she doesn't have any fleas(never seen a flea on her), and I haven't seen any more hot spots. Just to be sure I went ahead and called the vet, and we are going this afternoon. We haven't changed her food or anything else, I just wonder what's making her itch all of the sudden. I wonder if it's b/c it is so extremely hot here, and she's sweating alot when we walk at night. That's the only thing I could come up with.

[Kyoko]

Dr. Sweeny said that it could be a variety of things that started it. But when something caused a slight itch, and a dog keeps scratching/chewing on the spot , it makes it itch more, causeing it to chew more, itch more, chew more, so on and so forth...

[F, Calla & Luca]

Dogs don't sweat but cool themselves by panting.

[Jamie Petro]

That's comforting to know that the medication works quickly.

[Kyoko]

My 14 year old Chow Chow has it now... He has been on Steroid and Antibiotic for about 4 days.
I never heard of it before, and it took me awhile to discover this since he is so furry. Dr. Sweeney did give him a steroid shot as well. Before we went to the vet, he chewed one spot, made it a sore, and he moved on to the next spot, it happened rather quickly, within a day prior to his appointment. I put a shirt on him so that he would not bother the area. But since he has been on the medication, he is doing well and sores are healing now.

[Jamie Petro]

Ok, we just got back from the Vet. Apparently Wrigley has allergies, and the sore is a bacterial infection from her biting and licking that area contantly. We came home with antibiotics, steroids, creams, and sprays. He didn't want to give her any steroid injections since she is only 4 months old. He did say that she will probably lick nibble at it more since she is a puppy. We can tell that she doesn't feel well, but hopefully she is on the road to recovery. Everyone at the Vet's office ooh'd and ah'd over Wrigley, and by the time we left they'd taken a picture of her to hang on the wall. Thanks for all of the advice and input!

[HANNAH 8/2/07 & HONEY 7/2/08]

Just some info about hot spots, was your doodle playing with other dogs, they actually can be bitten by another dog and wind up with a hot spot....
There is usually an inciting factor to initiate the extreme licking and scratching behavior. Look for fleas, mites, or other external parasites, an insect sting or bite, allergies (food, inhalant, contact), or injury (skin wound, scrape, etc.). Some animals have been known to "start" a hot spot out of boredom or stress-related psychological problems.

The first thing to do is speak with your veterinarian. Due to the rapidity of spread and possibility of deeper skin infection, it is wise to start treatment with your vet. Also, these hot spots can be very painful to the animal -- caution is advised, use a muzzle if need be for your protection.

Shave the area. The first treatment for hot spots is to dry them out and get air to the area. Hair loss is a feature of hot spots, but hair can also mat over the inflamed area, covering up a potentially much more severe and large problem.
Cleanse the area with cool water and a gentle skin cleanser.
Cool compress the area 2-4 times a day with a cool wet washcloth.
Medications - Depending on the severity and size of the hot spot, your veterinarian may prescribe oral antibiotics, topical drying sprays or medications, and/or special shampoos.
Prevention of licking, biting, scratching -i.e. Elizabethan collar
Additional home remedies that can be used until you can see your vet:
tea bag compresses (black or green tea) to help dry the area out. Tea can be used as a wash or as a compress.
Domeboro's (Burow's) solution (aluminum acetate) - available over-the-counter at pharmacies to help dry the skin out. Can be used as a compress or as a spray.
Hydrocortisone creams - Some people advocate using a thin film of an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream. I would recommend talking to your vet first -- in general, creams and ointments only serve to "gunk up" the area and prevent proper drying if used incorrectly. Also, if the pet licks it, you want to make sure that it isn't toxic.

[Marianne *OZZY & ZOEY]

Ozzy had a hot spot on his foot a few months ago, first I ever heard of it..he was on steriods and antibotics I also had to keep his foot dry (hard to do with a doodle) he has healed just fine and still not sure what caused it. good luck.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

My parent's terrier has this problem in the summer - the vet gives him antibiotics and a powder for it. Keep us posted on what your vet says. BTW we are in Nashville and it is hotter than heck too...