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My dog has a spreading mouth/chin rash. Is it a hotspot? How to treat?

Updated on September 23, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | spayed | 50 lbs

My dog has this rash by her mouth and under her chin and it continues to spread. Is this a hotspot?? How do I get this cleared up?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on February 14, 2019

This doesn't look like a hot spot to me, it looks more like a skin infection. It needs to be diagnosed in order for it to be treated correctly, so I would take Remy into a vet in the morning to have this checked out. Best of luck.

7Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Debi Matlack
Veterinary Technician
Published on December 22, 2020
It looks like it may be a hot spot, someplace where something like an insect bite or small abrasion got irritated, which made it itch. The more he scratches, the more it itches until they cause a sore like this. Keep it clean by washing it with a mild soap and warm water a couple of times a day, making sure to get all the soap residue off to keep from further irritating his skin, and apply some Neosporin ointment or some similar topical medication afterward. If it does not improve significantly in a couple of days, if it gets worse or your dog starts feeling poorly, if anyone else in the house starts itching, pet or person, get him in to your vet as soon as possible as it could be something that requires veterinary care.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Rodrigo Roca, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on May 19, 2018
Hello, sorry to hear about Motley. It looks like she has a hot spot there, which is essentially a local infection from her itching at that spot. This can be associated with allergies or perhaps it could have been brought on by a local irritation (such as a bug bite). The area needs to be clipped and cleaned to remove all the dirty debris. She will need to wear an e-collar to protect the area from being scratched on and she will need anti-itch medication and antibiotics.

Have her seen by her veterinarian to obtain these medications and have them take a look at the area. Hope this helps and best of luck.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM
Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident
Published on August 26, 2018
Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It is difficult to know what this may be without an examination. However, this may be a hot spot which is a severe focal infection. In this case, this has to be treated with antibiotics and steroids and warrants a veterinary evaluation for further assessment and treatment. Good luck and have a great day!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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