Can Dogs Take Benadryl For Hot Spots?

If you suddenly notice your dog licking and biting at an area constantly, and you find a large oozing raw sore, you might wonder if your dog can take Benadryl for its hotspot.

Many owners are mortified that they did not notice this sooner and berate themselves as lousy pet owners. The truth is that these sores, called hot spots, appear suddenly and develop rapidly into significant lesions.

Hot spots on dogs are caused by an infection in wounds from self-trauma resulting from an itch. Breaking the itch cycle aids the healing process. Benadryl is a dog-safe antihistamine that stops itching. Hot spots often require antibiotics and other medication, and it is best to get veterinary advice for large hot spots.

It is vital to understand how hot spots develop to prevent them from forming and manage their healing if they occur. Hot spots are extremely painful, and this should be considered during management.

What Is A Hot Spot?

A hot spot is called acute moist dermatitis or pyotraumatic dermatitis. It is an inflammation of the skin that occurs suddenly due to the dog licking or scratching. There is so much inflammation that the area feels hot and hence the name hot spot.

The inflamed area oozes serum and can quickly become infected with bacteria. The bacterial infection may arise from the dog’s mouth or environmental exposure. If there is a bacterial infection, the exudate will contain pus. 

What Causes A Hot Spot?

Hot spots arise from a small area that becomes itchy. This itch may be from a flea or insect bite, food, or seasonal allergy. Impacted anal glands and ear infections can also be a reason for developing a hot spot.  

A widespread cause is found in dogs with heavy coats that swim or play in the water. They do not dry, and the excess moisture causes itchy dermatitis. The hot spot may develop under a mat of hair and not be noticed for some time.

An excessively dirty coat or boredom can also be underlying causes of hot spots. Hot spots can occur on any region of the body, but typical sites include the hips, lower back, face, neck, and limbs. 

When the dog scratches or licks, peripheral nerve endings are stimulated and create an increased sensation of itchiness. This causes the dog to scratch or lick more until a large red, raw, inflamed area forms. 

Are Hot Spots More Common In Some Dogs?

Hot spots are more common in any dog with allergies. They are prone to skin irritations sparked by allergies, and if the dog falls into the itch-scratch cycle, a hot spot will quickly develop. 

Some breeds are more prone to hot spots. These include German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Rottweilers, and St Bernards. Any dog with a heavy coat that enjoys water is at risk. Hot spots generally occur in the summer months as the heat and moisture lead to skin irritations. 

Anxious or bored dogs that develop pathological licking behaviour are also more likely to develop hot spots.

How Can I Manage My Dog’s Hot Spot At Home?

If your dog has a hot spot, the first step is to cut the hair around the area very short. This is best done with clippers as there is less chance of cutting your dog. If you use scissors, be very careful not to cut your dog, which will worsen the situation and result in a need for stitches. 

Remove all the hair on the hot spot and surrounding area. The aim is to allow the air to reach the lesion to encourage it to dry out. 

Use a gentle antiseptic such as chlorhexidine to clean the hot spot thoroughly. This treatment may be enough if it is a small area. The site will dry out and heal. Generally, the hot spot will need further treatment to stop the itch.

Can I Give My Dog 50mg Of Benadryl?

Sometimes you may notice the hot spot on a weekend or public holiday when access to veterinarians is limited. It is helpful to know hot spot first aid to help your dog. 

As previously mentioned, hot spots are caused by an itch-scratch cycle. It makes sense to interrupt this cycle using an antihistamine. Most people have Benadryl (diphenhydramine) in their medicine cupboards. 

Benadryl can be used for dogs, but it is essential to use the correct dose. The dog must be accurately weighed. 

This can be done by weighing yourself while holding the dog on a bathroom scale. Weigh yourself without the dog and subtract this number from the first weight to get your dog’s weight. 

The Merck Veterinary Manual gives the following dose rate for dogs. 

  • 0.9 to 1.8 mg per pound
  • 2 to 4 mg per kilogram

A 50 mg Benadryl tablet could be given to a dog that weighs 27 pounds or 12.5 kgs using the higher dosage rate. If you have a small dog, it may be best to use a children’s Benadryl product. Consult your veterinarian about doses if you are unsure.

It is imperative to note that you should use Benadryl, which contains only diphenhydramine without other active ingredients. Additional ingredients may be toxic to your dog. 

Older dogs and dogs with compromised kidneys should always be dosed at the lowest rate. Their metabolisms do not process medications normally, and they can easily overdose. An overdose can be fatal and accurate dosing is critical. 

Is It Okay To Put Benadryl Cream On A Dog?

Benadryl cream can be applied to your dog’s hot spot. Sometimes it may worsen the situation. Creams and lotions on a hot spot may encourage the dog to lick more and exacerbate the lesion. 

Other topical creams such as antibiotic cream and corticosteroid cream can be helpful. Cortisone creams should be used carefully as they can burn raw sores if they are too strong. One per cent cortisone creams are usually safe.

Prevent The Dog Licking Or Scratching Hot Spots 

If you use creams, they mustn’t encourage the dog to lick the area. One of the ways to prevent this is to use a pet cone or similar device to prevent the dog from accessing the hot spot. 

Hot Spots Often Need Veterinary Intervention

Hot spots are painful, and it can be difficult for the pet owner to manage this pain without veterinary help. The dog may need anesthesia to clip the area due to extreme pain. 

Infected hot spots need antibiotics, and the veterinarian may prescribe oral cortisone to effectively and quickly reduce the itch. It is crucial to investigate the underlying cause of the hot spot and treat it accordingly. This will help to prevent future hot spots.

Conclusion

Hot spots can be managed at home in some cases. If the hot spot is extensive, infected, or the dog is unmanageable from pain, it is best to contact a veterinarian. Benadryl tablets and cream can be helpful in the home management of hot spots.

References

https://pets.webmd.com/dogs/can-i-give-my-dog-benadryl#1
https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/hot-spots-in-dogs
https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/first-aid-for-hot-spots-in-dogs
https://www.petmd.com/dog/care/evr_hot_spots_what_are_they
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