Hot Spots

Question
I have a 3 yr old rottweiler that is prone to "hot spots."  
Can you tell me what causes hot spots, and if there is
anything I can do to help prevent them.  Sometimes the
hot spots really seem to irritate (they are itchy and
sore at the same time).  Sometimes I can get them to
heal within a few of days and sometimes it takes over
a week before the spot begins to dry up.  When he gets
a hot spot, I usually cut the hair around the "spot" and
then I pour peroxide on it and spread Neosporin on it.
I usually do this once or twice a day until the spot begins
to dry up.   Is this the correct way to treat these, or
should I be doing something else?  

I appreciate any advice you can give me.  
Thank you for your time.

Answer
Hi Gloria, You are doing the right thing as far as treating them.  there are a lot of hot spot remedies over the counter too that you can put on them (after you clean the spot).  You can also get steroids from the vet to help alleviate the itch.  Hot spots can be caused by a variety of things.  Most of the time it is caused by flea allergies.  The fleas don't have to be on them for them to have the allergy.  All it takes is the flea biting them.  It is the actual flea saliva they are allergic too.  Even if you treat for fleas, if the flea gets on the dog and then bites the dog, dies (from the flea treatment), they still leave their saliva behind which is what the dog is actually allergic to and the dog will knaw at that spot.  
Another thing that can cause hot spots is food allergies, but you tend to see that more all over the body than one spot, but it can happen.  Also, nerves can cause them to knaw too.  That is mostly in anxiety ridden type dogs.  

Hope this helps,

Dawn