Hot Spots? Summer Sores? Need Help!

Griff has this gross, scabby-looking skin infection going on behind his ears that smells bad. I just noticed it last night, and he hasn't been scratching it or anything. He didn't seem to mind me poking around the area, either, he was more interested in smelling my fingers after I touched the infected skin! lol

I looked it up online and I think it's a "hot spot" caused by warm, moist skin. We were outdoors all last weekend where it rained all day Saturday, and Griffy refused to come inside and get dry. He has very thick fur behind his ears (he's a Fluffy) that knots easily, so I think all of that rain combined with warm air probably caused it.

Has anyone else dealt with these "hot spots" on any of your dogs? Do they spread rapidly? Should I be concerned that it's something else? Griff doesn't seem irritated by it, so what can I use to treat it without a trip to the vet?

All advice welcome! :)

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Comment by JW on September 18, 2008 at 1:39pm: Thanks! I'm going to try some topical spray or topical drops first, to see how that helps. The sores aren't really open wounds because they're already scabbed over, but they still smell bad, that's for sure! If it gets much worse I'll take him to the vet.

Comment by Chrissy on September 18, 2008 at 11:29am: I would call your vet to find out if he needs any antibiotics, but otherwise you can take care of this yourself without the $100 vet bill. Hunter has had one before.

You need to cut back any hair that is in or around the scabby area so that it can breath to heal. Then take Hydrogen-peroxide to wash out the area and neosporne to put on it to keep it from getting infected or from itching the dog. Both of these are safe for dogs.

If the area doesn't form a nice scab in a day or so and it doesn't look like it is healing, then you should take him to the vet. Otherwise he will be just fine : )

Good luck!!

Comment by Sarah C. on September 18, 2008 at 11:26am: It might be something more, like a fungal infection. You should probably see a vet and get some cream on it. o_O