He seemed to develop a hot spot last week. I shaved the area and then treated it with witch hazel a few times a day in addition to aspirin. It went from red and seemed to dry up to now black and crusty. Just want to make sure this healthy healing.
It appears that your Labrador's hot spot has transitioned from being red and inflamed to black and crusty. This change can be a sign of healing, but it also requires careful monitoring.
Firstly, the black and crusty appearance might indicate that the area is scabbing over and starting to heal. However, it's crucial to keep the area clean and dry to prevent any secondary infections from developing.
Since your dog is still experiencing itching, it's important to prevent him from scratching or licking the affected area. This behavior can delay healing and potentially cause further irritation or infection. Using an e-collar, commonly known as a cone, can be very effective in preventing this.
For home care, continue to keep the area clean. You can gently clean it with a mild antiseptic solution.
Keep a close eye on the area for any signs of worsening, such as increased redness, swelling, pus, or a foul odor. These symptoms could indicate an infection.
If Archer's symptoms persist or worsen, consider taking him to the vet to determine the exact cause and condition.
If you have any further questions, please feel free to ask. Thank you.
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