Trim the hair around the hotspot
Clean the area gently with cool water or saline
Pat the skin completely dry
Apply a dog-safe antiseptic such as chlorhexidine or povidone-iodine, diluted if needed
Use a cool compress for a few minutes to reduce irritation
Prevent licking and scratching with an Elizabethan collar
Keep the area clean and dry
Check for fleas, ticks, or other parasites and treat them promptly
Remove or avoid known allergens if possible
Improve grooming and brushing to reduce matting and moisture
Wash bedding regularly and keep it dry
Provide a balanced diet with adequate omega-3 fatty acids
Avoid using human creams, ointments, or essential oils
Contact a veterinarian if the hotspot is spreading, oozing, smelly, very painful, or not improving quickly