Hot Spot

Ella woke up today with what looks to be a hot spot on her tail. She is extremely itchy and biting at her tail and but. I would suspect fleas, but she has been on Nextguard for 8 months. My next suspicion is allergies, but I really hope not. The hot spot was lightly bleeding and then got crusty. I Have been cleaning it with diluted povidone iodine and keeping it dry. I also trimmed the hair around the hot spot to get more air exposure. Is this something I should rush to the Vet for or can I keep it clean and closely monitor it? I also bought " the cone of shame" to stop her from biting at it. Poor Ella. Are hot spot common in Newfs and how do you guys handle them?
 

Brandie&Maggie

New member
If it's just a one-time thing, it could be just that, and nothing to really worry about. They happen for many reasons - allergies, fleas, getting wet and not dried properly (especially when humid), a small irritation that she licked, etc.

I would say they are common in newfies, but not "normal" if that makes sense.

What you are doing is good - keep the hair trimmed, keep her away from it, and keep it clean and dry. Cleaning it with cooled green tea is good as well, as is gold bond powder. If it doesn't clear up or gets worse, you may need to get an antibiotic spray from the vet.

Check her thoroughly and make sure there aren't anymore. If you get more of these regularly, then you should investigate the cause further. But if it's just a one-time thing, I wouldn't worry too much.
 
Cooled green tea sounds soothing. Thanks for the advice. Should I refrain from bathing and brushing for now? Hopefully, it's just a one time thing. It has been in the 90's where we live and very humid. We have been summing in the ocean a lot too. Skin issues scare me because they can be tricky to determine the root cause.
 
One more quick question: Do the other Newf owners use their regular vet for skin issues or do you guys go right to the dermatologist for skin related illness?
 

wrknnwf

Active member
I use my regular vet who sells me GentaSpray. It does wonders for drying up the moist hot spot, reduces the irritation which causes the dog to bother the wound, and doesn't cause any pain. For me, it's like a miracle and I always have some on hand.
 

Kimkc

New member
For a few months, our Newf got one hot spot after the other. We went to the vet for the first one because I had no idea what it was! The area was shaved and we were given a cream. Of course she had to wear the cone of shame! Before the first one healed, she got a second and then a third. I successfully treated the second myself, but the third one got bad fast! Back to the vet but this time, they only charged me to shave the area. We invested in the k9-iii dryer and haven't had a problem since. We blow her coat out every few days and daily, I go over her entire body while petting her. If she starts chewing or biting an area, I will put the cone on her for a day or so and so far so good. Good luck!
 
Wow...the Goldbond worked great! I also used the Zencone to stop her from knawling at it. The area is nice and dry, but there is some scabbing over it. Is it ok to bath her tomorrow and fully dry her out with the blower. It doesn't seem to be hurting her, and she could really use a bath.
 

Sound Bay Newfs

Active member
The dryers are great for drying down to the skin and getting rid of dead coat. I usually spray with Listerine, dry the area with my K-9 dryer, then sprinkle with Gold Bond powder.
 
Thanks for the help Lynn. I have been drying the area really good and using the powder, but the spot on her tail is taking longer to heal. I had to put the cone of shame on her to keep her from licking it. My vet also noticed that she has a rash on her skin all around the base of her tail, but no fleas. She has been on Nexguard for 8 months. I was even wondering if she got bit by something in the sand when I took her swimming at the beach. It seems like ever since I starting taking her to the beach, she has been a bit itchy. Who knows, skin issues can be so perplexing sometimes.
 
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