hot spots
We’re not talking about the trendiest new club in town.
(Especially since your pup wouldn’t be allowed in)
No. We’re talking about a type of skin irritation, or dermatitis, which is not uncommon for some dogs. Hot spots can be caused by a variety of issues from insect bites to allergic reactions to an underlying skin infection to poor grooming. Most often, hot spots occur on the head, hip, or side of the chest. Moist conditions can exacerbate the issue so dogs with dense undercoats or long coats that hold in moisture can have more problems.
Frequently, your dog’s repeated licking or chewing at the same spot in response to the intense itching is your first clue that there is an issue. Hot spots can progress from a small irritation to a sore, irritated lesion in a few short hours. As these conditions can develop so quickly, it helps to be prepared so you're ready to act to reduce your dog’s discomfort. It is always wise to take your pup to the vet. They may be able to determine the underlying cause and provide immediate relief for the itching. While you wait for an appointment, here are some things you can do to begin the healing. |
TRIM THE FUR Trim you dog’s fur around the hot spot. This will allow air to circulate around the skin as well as improve access to treat the irritation. CLEAN THE AREA Using a 50-50 mixture of hydrogen peroxide and warm water, clean the area around the wound with a soft washcloth. With a severe wound, you may need to repeat steps one and two until you can clearly see the extent of the lesion. Rinse and gently pat dry. APPLY OINTMENT Apply a light coating of antibiotic ointment to the wound. Over-the-counter products such as Neosporin or Polysporin are acceptable to use on your dog. Also, most pet supply stores carry a variety of sprays to relieving the itching while stimulating healing. Wise to keep some on hand. PROTECT THE WOUND Although the steps above should begin to ease your pup’s discomfort, it still may be necessary to use the “cone of shame” to prevent your dog from continuing to lick or chew the wound. Be sure to have the camera ready, though, as a dog’s reaction to the cone is typically priceless! |
AT THE VET’S OFFICE Once you do get your pet to the vet, the doctor will try to determine the cause of the hot spot. If the cause can be diagnosed, treatment may be specifically targeted at the underlying condition. Many times, though, a specific cause cannot be determined. In either case, the vet will guide you on how to continue care of the wound. Depending on your pet’s level of discomfort, your vet may recommend an injection that will more quickly reduce the irritation or prescribe an oral antibiotic. PREVENTION What can you do to avoid all of this? As the irritation can originate from a wide variety of sources, there is no way to guarantee your dog will never develop a hot spot. However, here are a few suggestions to keep in mind that will reduce the chance of a hot spot developing.
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