How to keep dog from licking hot spot?

[Kelli WoodsStudent]

Does anyone have good remedies for preventing their dog from licking a hotspot?  I have no problem treating it but my treatment is immediately licked off.  I have tried everything I can think of (socks, wrapping, cone, leaving it with nothing).  He got the cone off the first time and then managed to rub it against the fence and break it just enough so he could lick his hotspot again.

[JoelleStudent]

Wow! You’ve really tried a lot! Do you think that it is just a habit for him to lick it? Or does he like the taste of the treatment you are applying? Or is it very painful or itchy? Just brainstorming…I’ve never had a dog that driven to lick a spot.

[KatieStudent]

I am also having a problem with this issue for my dog. She has very long legs and nose, so it’s impossible to find a cone that fits properly. Either she can still reach her back leg which she is picking at (smaller cone), or she can’t reach her food and water (bigger cone). I’ve tried socks and wrapping as well…to no avail.

[CariAnne NinausStudent]

You definitely don’t want to wrap or cover the hot spot. It is best to have as much air as possible, even shave the hair around the wound. Keep the larger e-collar on to prevent licking and take it off so your pet can eat and drink while you or someone else is present and can watch.

[Susan CranfordStudent]

Depending on where the hotspot is located, you might try canine surgical pajamas.  I’ve used them with my big lab.   They have some that almost completely cover a dogs torso and legs and they weren’t very expensive ($25-30).

Susan

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