Skin Infection or Hotspot on a Dog 

This guy is awesome. As long as he continues making videos I will continue learning and applying his knowledge.

my son left his small dog with me never told me health issues. I want to thank you for this video...I've used your steps and little guy is much better.

Thank you Dr. Martinez for taking in consideration that the pet parent may not be able to afford to bring their pet to the vet to avoid cost. My gosh, since the Coronavirus so many have lost their jobs and are just trying to survive ( that's what happen to me). Being pre retirement age, it's hard to find work. Anyway, thank you sir for your compassion not only to the pets but to the pet parent. You sir are a rarity! God bless!❤️

I will make sure and add text that antibiotics are critical! I always use them to prevent spread, even though local treatment probably would do the job. I have always used antibiotics with all pyodermas. I use corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and pain. Some studies have shown that steroids help antibiotics do their job. It seems to work in practice. Glad you like the vids!

I talked about that at the end of the video and always talk to clients about those causes. Thanks, I'll add some text about that

This guy explains it better than my own vet and honestly you deserve a like and a sub

I must be honest!!!!He is amazing. Out of many vets I needed advice from regarding my poodle he explained it the best 🙏💛

In a rescue in Texas our vet told us to clean the area like you suggest, trim the surrounding hair around the hot spot, and rub the hot spot with Listerine twice a day. I've done this and it is cures hot spots in a day or so. Listerine has worked every time without fail.

My vets tried everything to get my chihuahua to stop licking her paws and arms. A wound was forming which meant that they would have to do surgery. A pharmacist suggested Zymox shampoo and rinse. I bought it from Amazon and with one treatment, my dog stopped licking completely.

We raised family's of dogs for hot spots we. Mix powder sulphur and vasiline and put it on hot spots it works really fast and hair grows back really quick

Thank you so much Sir!!! It’s SO expensive taking our sweet Pyr to the vet and we’re on a fixed income. You give awesome advice!

Then there are those of us who like watching Dr. Greg.

i wanna thank you. i have learned a lot from you. may God bless you.

Thank you for this. It's after midnight and the weekend at my house and I needed some information how to treat a place on my dogs neck. She will see her vet on Mon however I really appreciate this video because it showed me how to handle this until Mon.

Dr. Greg, your videos are great and helpful. I am fostering 3 puppies and I was wondering if there is something I can do at home to clear up skin problems. One of them has a large hot spot due to a scabies infestation, which was treated, but he won't stop itching. The spot's secretions crust over with a sickly smell and it's hard to apply ointments. I try to apply neosporin to any open areas and cortizone cream to the rest of him. He's been wearing a cone for about a week now. Is there anything else I can do? Hot spot sprays don't seem to help either.

Thank you very much for your video, very informative. A have a 12 years old chuhuahua and one year ago developed black skin disease. The skin gets worse and worse by day and I feel hopeless. The vet run some test but he couldn't find the reasons. He just prescribed me some medicine preventing from scratching. I need some help, so please if you can give any suggestion share it. I'll be very thankful.

Thanks, it's fun to share and I hope the vids help

Some dogs may react and get itchy but it can help others. Dose is. 100 mg per pound daily. Allergies to fleas food and pollen May cause richness. Feed hypoallergenic food ,treat for fleas,and shampoo weekly for aptly,add oils and healthy food for all allergies DOG DISH DIET

I use raw unfiltered cold pressed coconut oil, it works wonders

My Lab, who is 7 yrs., has never had a hot spot until this summer. I think his collar was too tight. I took him to the vet (I live in rural Maine in summer and had to drive 60 miles because the local branch of his office wasn't open on Fridays). He immediately said hot spot without a slide; he gave the dog a shot and gave me antibiotics for our dog and said salt water (we're on the ocean) is best. Well, it worked a bit, but then came back and I took the dog to the local branch of the practice and another vet saw our dog, shaved his throat/chest, didn't give him a shot but gave me cleansing liquid (pale aqua) to use after I clean it with warm water; then wait 30 minutes and use an ointment sparingly. Our dog seems to be recovering from hot spot, but now yelps because of neck pain. I think this is related to his lifting his head for the treatment. Anyway, will take him in tomorrow, but when I asked the second vet (same practice) why he said no salt water and didn't give a shot and gave ointment (which first vet said was a no-no), he said different vets have different methods. Different I understand, but so opposite I don't. Anyway, your videos both on neck pain and hot spots are very helpful and will be when I take my sweetie to the vet again tomorrow. Thank you! I'm usually surrounded by excellent vets as I am at Michigan State, and am in a quandary here.

Cats are more sensitive to giardia and food allergies. Most diarrhea is self limiting and sometimes food ingredients(wheat, beef) can really cause issues in individuals. Clostridium, Campylobacter, and Salmonella can all cause diarrhea

I pray the Lord blesses you tremendously....that was really kind of you

Thank you for all the information and your patience with the dog😀

such a phenomenally educational video! Thank you for the demonstration!

Hey Dr. I recently took my dog to the vet for a mass removal, thankfully and so blessed wasn't cancerous. When she came back she had another little on the opposite side, a little round bump that bulged out just a little but not mass like. I thought maybe it was a reaction to the area in which they might've injected the anesthesia but it hasn't gone away. I'm now wondering if it's ringworm? I have been applying tea tree oil and now her skin is getting hard and little puss and redness.

Hello Greg, I'm a young vet who works in France (sorry for my english). I find your videos very clear. Sometimes I use some of your tips in my pratics. Do you think antibiotics (local or systemics) are imperative if the cytology only show bacterial colonisation without image of phagocytosis in neutrophils (sign of real infection)? What do you think of the use or corticosteroids in bactérial pyodermitis? (many experts thinks their use is controversial). You're the best ! Alexandre DMV France

I love watching your videos! They're so interesting. I hope I can find a vet in my area who cares as much as you do about all you pet patients.

That may be from hay fever, bacterial or yeast infection, ringworm. or demodex mange. Hard to know withoiut an exam and tests. How old? How long

My dog has no fleas, but the last few days (about 5 ) she runs around & falls upside down scratching her back on floor, couch. trying to chew on feet, legs, tail. she wakes us in the nite scratching. the only thing i can think is she was bathed (did they use new shampoo) also i changed her food about 10 days ago. should i have her seen? I did put her back on her old food 1 day ago

there should be more people like you!

Sorry, really can't know without an exam, but most likely from fighting or affecting the hurt leg. Watch for swelling of the foot or other parts of the leg

On .my vet site bot fly infections are rare but more common in cats.

Was looking good after visit to vet. Had the shot, shaved, ointment & 10 days of antibiotics. Now a couple weeks later it’s recurring! :-(. Thanks for helpful video. Have a feeling we’ll have to return to vet in a day or two. Don’t know cause, except maybe collar. 😩

I always use the shortest, lowest dose of steroids I can. I often just administer dexamethasone injection to help with pain and inflammation. I am very passionate about feeding better ingredients to help prevent food allergies which may lead to yeast infections, bacterial infections, and demodex . I have found that a short, low dose of steroids won't interfere. In my experience, a longer course of higher dosage may cause issues. I agree with you on that

Most bites and stings are treated the same(antihistamine, aspirin, antibiotic or hydrocortisone ointment) Tick bites can swell and get infected locally and also may lead to infections like lyme, rocky mountain spotted fever, and others. I've not seen bot flies in dogs.Where do you live?

If anyone who has any knowledge at all could reply to my comment I would seriously be so grateful! I rescued a dog last week that supposedly had some yeast and supposedly the vet said it was not bad and to rinse with apple cider vinegar or lemon juice and water. However I have been doing a lot of research and am wondering if it’s actually Seborrhea instead? His skin his actual skin is not red or inflamed or anything. When I first got him he had these huge flakes that looked like dandruff but since bathing and brushing that is gone. The only thing that remains is the smell. His actual skin all over his body smells like corn chips. I got a anti fungal shampoo and that helped significantly but the smell is still there. I have also read that it takes a few weeks of bathing every four or five days etc. so my question is does this Seborrhea have the same smell to it? Or is it really yeast? I mean I can’t find any spots on him and he’s not itching!!!! He just has this awful smell that won’t go away. Please please please anyone who knows how to answer please help me.

my husky recently had a hot spot and for some reson a blister appeared above it the blister ended up poping? I really do not have money to take him to a vet what should I do?

I'm in the rite video. You read my mind. My lab is suffering from hot spot which is bellow his ear and I've been cleaning with my mouth rinse and using a neospriuam. Now I will clean the same way u showed in the video. Will give a try for few days. Hope it works. Trying to save couple hundred buck. Thanks for the tip. By the way I will check out those books "feed your pet not to take to pet.

In bacterial folliculitis or pyodermitis we never use corticosteroids for many reasons. As you know, The bacterial folliculitis is always secondary to an underlying problems that steroids treat (allergy issue). Bacterial folliculitis secondary to dermatophytosis or demodecosis will be go worse with corticosteroid.

What is the dosage of dexamethasone injectable? I have a livestock guardian dog that I cannot get into the vet and I always keep dexamethasone around for my goats. I just need to know the dosage thank you

Good afternoon! My dog has been treated for a large hotspot on his hip. The hotspot is starting to scab over. I'm worried that it won't heal or that it'll still really be itchy for my furry buddy. How concerned should I be, or should I be at all? Also, when one is scabbed over, how long til the hotspot is completely healed?

But I'm wondering what can I do for the next time if this happens again?

hallo Dr Greg from Cyprus! i am a young veterinarian and i find your videos very helpfull in my practice. i have a video of a dog that is limping, and am wondering if you can watch it to tell me your opinion about.... many thanks in advance. DVM kyriakos

this was extremely helpful thank you

You spoke of the Benadryl dose can he take that daily to help prevent the hotspots ? Can they take the Benadryl together with the aspirin? I was a little confused on that. Thank you for posting video.

Sounds like contact allergies to grasses or pollens/molds but I've helped dogs by avoiding wheat in the food and treats and adding healthy oils. Check out dogdishdietcom. You can use cortisone cream when the paws are really red.

My dog has a small cut about half inch between his toes on his back left foot seen 3 of your youtube videos I'm going to attempt to heel it for 3 day if not going to his vet big help thanks so much for the help.

sir can u give a list of commonly used antibiotics and medicines used everyday as I m a student from India just wanted to know

Thank You Doctor

My dog continually get these spots all over. We have been to the vet numerous times, abx therapy, antibacterial shampoos and mousse, steroids, labs. Everything we can think of no signs of cushings. What can we possibly do next

What a great vet. Very helpful thank you!

A vet has to help you there! Chronic infections can be yeast or ringworm, but have to be diagnosed. Both can be the result of allergies and irritated skin, not the cause of bad skin. What type of dog. Age ?

This is awesome, thank you so much for this guidance!

Lol, your vet tech with the headband is pretty dang cute! 😋

Thank you 😀

There is an antibiotic ointment with silver in it that works really well.

my dog has a fungi skin infection spcialiy on her elbows and ankles I have been treating for a long time but there were no improvement .the skin looks to be like white dry and flaky Skin

hi i hope you can reply. i just lost my dog today i took him to the vet and he was put on some antibiotics but they never actually tested him for a specific bacteria or virus. he has green eye and nose discharge and was not eating and was very weak. the antibiotics started on Thursday the 15tb and its now Saturday night and he just passed away. do you have any idea what it could have been? he was not having muscle spasms or diarrhea only had vomiting 2 times and started the symptoms on Monday the 12. i have a 2nd dog and she is not showing any symptoms.

By dog detergent you meant dog shampoo right? My huskies get them every now and then, and this video is actually very helpful!

Hi, Doc. Anyway i can contact you? i need help with my dog. Hotspots on his leg. Needed help badly. 😔

Thanks Doc

Thank you I am going to try this.

Do you have to rub so firm? Then you shaved the dogs hair which is needed but bloody hell..that looked like it hurt the poor bugger

Thank you so much 💕

Don't forget to treat if possible the underlying issue (flee, otitis, food allergy..)

Hi, is desitin maximum strength paste safe for dogs?, my pitbull mix has otitis externa -but her ear canal is fine- it is only the external pinna or whatever that looks like a burn, thanks in advance.

How about bagbalm or neosporin?

Thanks Greg 💓

Your a great teacher 👍🏾

Hi my dog is a small Chihuahua And he 2 years old right his asking have these tiny spots that is brighter then his fur and his not growing enough fur

How can you prevent them?

Try dilluted apple cider vinegar and rub in coconut oil,,,

Thank you!!!!!!!

Pls send me the name of ointment to apply in my Bhutiya dog of 2 years olds tails which have a type of infection and no hair in that side .

Thank you sharing this video,it's very helpful!

what was that shot you gave the dog Dr.?

That was great to show everybody who wachis it

yo just trying to find some help i just shaved my poodle dogs hair the hair was all tangled and and ugly i did it with a whole cutting razor i thought i did good but the next day it was just him scratching and crying and moving from spot to spot shaking and crying and he does have bald spots too and theres is a really bad rash by his tail and its inflamed and on his neck u see his skin and blood its bad can i apply this on his raw skin???

hey doc, you're playing with your own health by bare handedly putting those steroid salves on the dog, you own skin is absorbing it. I'm the poster soul having been abused by EVERY form of steroid.Thank you for sharing your knowledge to the public, thought I'd share mine with you. I sought your video doing a search as my Service Dog has had lesions on both elbows. Had a couple of cysts come up, one on his lip, one between his toes, vet said nothing serious, WHAT? I've had lost of dogs in my life, none ever had these skin problems. I've changed his diet too. He licked the one off his toe, ouch, the one on his lip went away. He's a Lab, whats his problem? He acts fine, eats fine, plays fine but his front legs on side of elbow bend, NOT ON the elbow they appear to erupt occasionally. ty tc

Aren't you supposed to sedate them?

Hi,thanks for your videos My pom-shitzu has a problem.He is loosing fur on his muzzle..he also has red around his eyes.He is not itching.He has no other symptoms,eating,pooping..the areas are flaky..I don't know if it is fungal,bacterial or gulp mange.He is healthy,his immune system is not compromised and I'm worried

Hi I have a question, we have a retrieving breed dog and we also have chickens and every so often the dog will retrieve a chicken. She has a soft grip but sometimes she still breaks the skin. She got one on Saturday night and broke the skin and it appears she has an infection in the cuts I cleaned them with iodine and sprayed vetracyne on them to but she still seems to have an infection. I'm pretty sure it's too late to help her now she's very weak and isn't walking much.

doctor what is your input on post debridal of the hotspot? Dawn is incredibly basic- will that not open the sore for secondary, or more rapid spread of original?

Thanks a lot Doc!!!!

Really need your advice...my dog smells really bad...like an infected sore...but he scratches and chews constantly. No fleas at all!! on his back he has a very red flaky sore spot. Could this be a hot spot?? please help. I don't have the money for an expensive vet

you really are the best! thank-you!

my shih tzu has h few hot spots,i have been using salve and allergy pills,but a few more has appeared, i am also using cortisone ointment,the spots are starting to scab up,someone said i could use equal parts of apple cider vinegar and water,to dry them up as well,what do u think? would that be safe to try? he will be groomed again Saturday.thank u

I have a question. My poodle mix has an infection on his leg which is starting to make a whole in his skin his vet gave him antibiotics but they don't seem to help and now they want to amputate his leg. Is there anything you recommend for me to try on his leg? Please help.

Hello Dr, I have a 5yr lab, she has always had allergies and redness in her paws, near her snout and they reoccur frequently. She has a lot of hair fall but their are no predominant patches on her body. She gets red spots which burst open and go when I apply Spectazole dog cream to them. The local vet tells me she has allergies and some times suggests Avil(Anti- histamine) tablets.The redness in her paws is predominately their in her front paws. Can you please suggest what I should do.

Sure, email it to me at drgreg@dogdishdietcom

my dog got diagnosed with heart murmur is receiving no assistance and better improving his his well being what can I do

my dog has a bad infection on his back and one of the spot healed but know he has another one what can i do should i change food and what food is the best he is a shiz tzu he is always scratching please help

Thank you doc so much!!

hi doc how can we differentiate between hot spot and ring worm in dogs and how can we treat these infections

I used some diluted hibi scrub and I was wondering if I should switch to hibi Tam because its softer but its not as effective and I also applied a medicine called surolan which i was wondering if its OK or not. Please get back to me soon my dog has lost a small amount of hair in the area I just noticed it today.

Poor Cats. Thank you.

my dog has a big hot spot on her back and she chews it really hard to where it will bleed and I cut the hair around it and rinse it and my dog lays perfectly still while I do it but how do I get rid of it.it comes back every year and Ive used every over the counter ointment and I don't have enough money to go to the vet so do you have any advice for treating it? I really need help with it please.

My dog has raw open skin on his thigh which is reder than a hot spot and I don't know what too do

Doc, I am a fan who follows your instructions, for my pet's diets. Recently, my 14 yr old Collie got a bite (maybe a spider) on his neck. At first, since he had a reaction to the bite, we thought it was a bot fly. (It appeared to look similar to a bot fly) This got me thinking... Can you please address what to look for or do, if you KNOW your dog has a bot fly??? Thanks so much!!

Can you give a dog yogurt to kill off the bacteria for uti?