If you have noticed a seeping skin infection on your dog, what you might be seeing is a hot spot caused by ticks. Ticks are tiny, biting insects that carry disease, and especially during the summer months they can cause your dog to scratch himself raw. The raw area is called a hot spot, and it may be raw and red or even oozing. If your dog has a hot spot because of ticks, immediate treatment is required.
Things You'll Need
- Fur clippers
- Leash
- Rubbing alcohol
- Cotton balls
- Paper towels
- Antibacterial powder
Instructions
Get rid of the ticks. You can do this easily by picking up tick removal treatments like K9 Advantix or Frontline from your local pet store. Follow the instructions on the bottles and, if at all possible, keep your dog inside so he does not become infected again.
Clip all the hair from the affected area with a pair of fur clippers. This will allow for increased air flow to the infected skin. Clipping the fur will allow the skin to dry out and to heal faster. If your dog is restless, leash him before you begin.
Clean the wound with a cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol. This will clean the wound and prevent bacteria from taking hold and making the infection worse.
Pat the area mostly dry with paper towels.
Sprinkle a small amount of antibacterial powder onto the wound. Antibacterial powder, often marketed under the brand name Neo-Predef, is available from your veterinarian. It typically comes in a squeeze bottle and one sharp squeeze can put enough antibacterial powder on the affected area. The powder sticks best to skin that is still slightly moist.
Repeat steps 3 through 5 one to three times a day. If the skin seems to be cracked, reduce the daily regimen because rubbing alcohol will dry out skin. With time, you will see the skin start to heal.