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Question:

Dog has a hotspot caught early that's beginning to heal on its own, should he still see a vet?

I'm feeling a bit anxious and need some advice. I noticed a small hotspot on my dog, Max, a couple of days ago. At first, it was red and irritated, and he wouldn't stop scratching at it, which had me really worried. But I’ve been keeping a close eye on it, cleaning it gently and applying a pet-safe cream I had on hand. Thankfully, it’s already looking much better and seems to be less itchy for him. The redness has gone down considerably, and Max is back to his usual playful self. Here's the thing though, I'm torn about whether I should still take him to the vet or not. On the one hand, it's not a serious issue right now, but I'm worried about it getting worse if I don't have it checked out by a professional. I really want to avoid unnecessary trips if I can help it, mostly because he's already nervous about vet visits, and I don't want to put him through that stress if it's not needed. Have any of you experienced something similar? Should I just keep doing what I'm doing or is it still a good idea to get it looked at just in case? Any guidance would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!

Answer:

Hi there! It’s great to hear you caught your pup's hotspot early and that it’s already showing signs of healing. Hotspots, or acute moist dermatitis, are quite common and can often result from your dog itching or licking an area excessively, leading to a moist, red sore.



Even though it's healing, it's still a good idea to keep a close eye on it. Some at-home care steps you can take include gently cleaning the area with mild saline and ensuring it stays dry. Prevent your dog from licking or scratching it further, perhaps using an e-collar or a distraction with chew toys.



Look for signs that might indicate the hotspot is worsening. If the area becomes more red, swollen, has a foul odor, or your dog seems excessively uncomfortable or lethargic, those could be signs of infection. Additionally, if the hotspot is spreading or not improving within a few days, it would be wise to seek veterinary advice.



To ensure your furry friend is on the right track or to address any underlying causes (like allergies), consider booking a video consult with a vet through Dial A Vet. It's always best to have peace of mind, knowing you're doing everything possible for your pup’s comfort and health!

Answered by

Louise - Senior Veterinary Nurse, Dial A Vet

June 23, 2025

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The "Ask a Vet" forum on Dial A Vet offers general information and helpful tips on pet health, but it's not a substitute for professional veterinary care. The advice here doesn't create a veterinarian-client-patient relationship, and our vets can't diagnose or treat your pet remotely. For emergencies or specific medical concerns, always contact your local veterinarian immediately. Your pet's health is unique, and decisions should only be made after consulting with a qualified professional. By using this forum, you acknowledge these limitations and agree to seek in-person veterinary advice for all your pet's health needs. View our content guidelines.
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