Why is my dog's skin swollen, inflamed, and crusty? Is it a hotspot?

This presentation could be due to a trauma or localized spot of skin infection (likely to be caused by bacteria and commonly called hot spot). A check up, appropriate disinfection and possibly antibiotics (oral, topical or in a shampoo formulation) are needed to solve the problem. Disinfection can eventually be started at home with very diluted hibiscrub or betadine or salted water baths. Buster collar may be useful as well to avoid any licking/scratching. Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Based on what you are describing, and the pictures, I suspect that Willow may have an infection with ectoparasites, such as mites or fleas, that are causing her to be itchy. Your veterinarian can perform a skin scrape and evaluate the cells under a microscope to look for evidence of infectious agents. Please ensure that Willow is on a monthly topical flea and tick preventative that you purchase from your veterinarian; NOT one that can be purchased from a pet or grocery store, as these are not regulated and can be very toxic to pets. Willow could also have allergic skin disease, secondary to food or environmental agents. You can talk to your veterinarian about trying a diet trial to determine if Willow's itchy skin resolves on a particular novel protein diet. The thickened ears can be due to chronic ear infections, so your veterinarian will be able to examine the waxy debris under a microscope and prescribe the appropriate medication based on whether they see bacteria and/or yeast in Willow's ears. I hope this is helpful!

This may be a hot spot which is an area of infected and inflammed skin that can be uncomfortable for the pet. Pixie should see your family vet to have the hair in the area clipped and the skin cleaned. Then treatment can be prescribed to treat any infection and stop the itch. Given the location her ears should be examined as well. If deemed a hot spot, and she has recurrent issues with them, underlying allergy may be the cause. I hope this helps and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. Based on the photos, it appears that Girly may have a severely infected hot spot. This could have happened from moisture becoming trapped on the fur, allergies, a wound, etc. I would recommend having a veterinarian examine Girly so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. This needs to have the hair completely clipped from the area, antiseptically cleaned and an oral antibiotic most likely. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

It appears as if Trooper may have developed a hot spot (moist dermatitis). He would need to be physically examined by your veterinarian for confirmation and treatment. Typically, the affected area is clipped and cleaned. An e-collar (cone) may be used to prevent scratching or rubbing. Antibiotics will likely be dispensed to treat infection and an anti-inflammatory may be dispensed for relief from itching and swelling. You can read more about the condition at the link, found in the PetCoach Library, below. https://www.petcoach.co/article/hot-spots-acute-moist-dermatitis-in-dogs/

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! At this point the area looks infected. It could be from a burn but it's hard to say from the picture. I recommend seeing a vet tomorrow to determine the cause and start treatment. In the meantime you can wash it tonight with a mild soap (like Dial) and water to relieve some of the irritation. Good luck and kisses to Rocco!

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to see that Savie is having a problem. This looks like a pustule or pus filled pimple. It could also be a cyst or other swelling. This could certainly be from an insect sting, spider bite, puncture wound, skin infection, etc. I would advise warm compressing the area 2-3 times daily with a warm cloth to see if you can get the area to come to a head and drain. You could also try placing some warm water and Epsom Salts in a basin and make her stand in the water for 5-10 minutes a few times daily. You may need to get her an E collar to prevent her from licking it and prevent the healing. If this lesion gets worse, spreads, or other signs develop, please have your vet take a look at her. They can get a detailed history and perform a physical exam. Diagnostics probably won't be needed unless the situation changes. Your vet can advise you on a sound treatment approach if needed. Good luck with Savie and I hope this resolves without complication