How do you treat hot spots/acute moist dermatitis?

Hot spots result from a superficial infection in the skin that has most often been caused by trauma that the dog has induced on its own. Hot spots are very itchy and come about very quickly. They are often found around the head, cheek, neck and throat and can vary from a few cm in decimetre to taking over very large portions of the skin. The affected area oozes and is moist, causing the fur around it to knot. 

You can do the following at home: 

• First ensure your dog can not get to the hot spot. This is best done by putting an e-collar/buster collar on your dog. If your dog can still scratch the wound with its paw, put a sock on its paw to prevent further injury to the hot spot. 
• If you can, shave the area with an electric clipper. This can be painful and your dog may not let you. It is always recommended to book an appointment with a veterinarian who can help you.
• Once a vet has ruled out any underlying condition causing the hotspot (such as an ear infection) you can cleanse the hot spot with a 3% chlorhexidine shampoo (purchased at your vets) once to twice daily for a week. Let the shampoo sit for 10 minutes before thoroughly washing it off. Make sure you dry your dog well.
• If you notice any scabs that ooze or if the hot spot does not clear within a week you should book an appointment with a veterinarian. In some cases the hot spot can spread and cause a deeper skin infection; an antibiotic treatment is then likely required.