Ask the Vet About Hot Spots in Dogs and Cats

Answer:Addressing the underlying cause of the hot spots is ideal (getting rid of fleas, treating allergies or some other underlying cause like mange, hypothyroidism, etc.). If they eat a balanced diet, they shouldn't need a vitamin supplements at their age. The dog with the hot spots may benefit from an Omega 3 supplement, like this product: https://www.1800petmeds.com/Super+Pure+Omega+3+-prod10910.html

Answer:There are many things that cause itching (allergies, mange, ringworm, etc) and most are treated differently so have your veterinarian run some quick tests and make a diagnosis. Since allergies are the most common, here is a link to our article about various treatments for allergies, both over-the-counter and prescription: https://www.1800petmeds.com/education/allergy-treatment-dog-cat-9.htm

Answer:No, we don't have a way to attach pictures and yes, that would be helpful. Try emailing them to your veterinarian - most are set up for telemedicine consults. If not, sites like JustAnswer.com have ways to attach pictures for a small price.

Answer:The only medications that are working well are prescription only. You will have to ask around in your immediate area for things like low cost vaccine companies - they may be able to sell you single doses of these which is the only way it will be under $20 - but that will be more expensive in the long run - call ahead and see.

Answer:There are many things that cause itching (allergies, mange, ringworm, etc) and most are treated differently so have your veterinarian run some quick tests and make a diagnosis. Since allergies are the most common, here is a link to our article about various treatments for allergies, both over-the-counter and prescription: https://www.1800petmeds.com/education/allergy-treatment-dog-cat-9.htm

Answer:There are many things that cause itching (allergies, mange, ringworm, etc) and most are treated differently so have your veterinarian run some quick tests and make a diagnosis. Since allergies are the most common, here is a link to our article about various treatments for allergies, both over-the-counter and prescription: https://www.1800petmeds.com/education/allergy-treatment-dog-cat-9.htm

Answer:There are many things that cause itching (allergies, mange, ringworm, etc) and most are treated differently so have your veterinarian run some quick tests and make a diagnosis. Since allergies are the most common, here is a link to our article about various treatments for allergies, both over-the-counter and prescription: https://www.1800petmeds.com/education/allergy-treatment-dog-cat-9.htm

Answer:Yes, neosporin is fine to use, but probably won't solve the problem - your veterinarian will have much stronger, better medications. They can also look for and talk to you about underlying causes (allergies, mange, etc) so it doesn't continue to recur.

Answer:Since it hasn't been tested on dogs and contains a lidocaine derivative, I would not recommend it.

Answer:It probably isn't a recurrence of mange at that age, but since that is still possible, it is ideal to have your veterinarian check him out and see if it is that or allergies or something else (ringworm, etc), so you know how to proceed with treatment because all of these are treated differently. At a minimum, try to get him on either Nexgard, Bravecto or Simparica because these have mange-fighting ability and keep all the fleas off - the most common allergen when they are pulling hair out over their tail head.

Answer:Until better studies come out about the exact toxicity, only use products formulated for dogs, like this product: https://www.1800petmeds.com/Be+Soothed.+Tea+Tree+Oil+Skin+Relief-prod10989.html

Answer:Here is a link to our article about hot spots, potential causes and various treatment options, both over-the-counter and prescription: https://www.1800petmeds.com/education/hot-spots-dog-cat-16.htm

Answer:I am solely a small animal (just dogs and cats) veterinarian. Contact a large animal veterinarian for help with your goat.

Answer:Hot spots are usually secondary to something else (allergies, ringworm, mange, etc) so have your veterinarian recheck her if they don't improve and check for those underlying causes. Allergies are probably the most common cause so here is a link to our article about allergies with multiple treatment options, both over-the-counter and prescription: https://www.1800petmeds.com/education/allergies-dog-cat-9.htm

Answer:It really depends on the cause - allergies and demodex are probably 2 of the most common causes - hydrocortisone would help if it's allergies but would make it worse if it is demodex so see your veterinarian for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.