Handling Hot Spots on Dogs

Handling Hot Spots on Dogs

Handling Hot Spots on Dogs

Dogs with thick undercoats or long hair are especially prone to developing hot spots than shorter haired dogs. Dogs kept indoors or out are equally prone to getting hot spots but the likelihood of hot spots is decreased in colder climates. Hot spots can develop from insect bites, mites, ear infections, food allergies, inadequate grooming and anal gland infection.

Hot spots usually occur on a dog's head, hips or chest and this condition is also known as acute moist dermatitis. When a dog licks, scratches or bites an area excessively this could be an indication that he has hot spots. You will notice circular lesions that are raw, moist and inflamed. Hot spots are painful and extremely uncomfortable for your dog and they can spread in a matter of mere hours.

To prevent your dog from irritating the inflammation any further you should clip your dog's nails or put booties or socks on his back feet. Excessive licking and biting can be prevented with the help of an Elizabethan collar.

Treating hot spots entails a two step process. The first thing you have to do is prevent the sore from becoming more inflamed and spreading. Trimming the hair around the lesions and applying an antiseptic and some topical antibiotics prescribed by your vet should help in this.

Once you've addressed the symptoms, it's time to address the underlying cause of the condition. If the hot spots were caused by insect and flea bites, then you will have to eliminate the fleas. Flea bites can also cause ear infections that lead to hot spots and this will require antibiotics to clear up. If your dog's hot spots were triggered by an anal sack impaction, then you need to empty your dog's anal glands to deal with the problem. Allergies sometimes trigger hot spots and you will have to investigate what is causing your dog allergies. Dog allergies are a lot like human allergies and regular dusting and vacuuming can make a big difference in your dog's wellbeing.

Here are a few things you can do to reduce the risks of your dog developing hotspots:

Clip your dog's hair during the hot season.

Bath your dog regularly with medicated shampoo.

Use flea prevention regularly on your dog.

Clean your dog's ears on a regular basis.

Express your dog's anal glands when they are infected.

Hot spots are a very uncomfortable condition for your dog and you may also be frustrated by your dog's constant itching and scratching but treated promptly, the condition should clear up relatively quickly and shouldn't cause any permanent damage in your pet.

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