5/1/2024 0 Comments Spot on my photosGood parasite prevention for dogs, treatment of skin infections, and management of allergies are essential to prevent dogs from starting to scratch and, as a result, prevent trauma to the skin. The best way to prevent additional hot spots from occurring is to identify and address the underlying cause of your dog’s itching. In many cases, the hot spot resolves in as little as three to seven days after the start of treatment. Under supervision, wearing a dog cone (also known as an Elizabethan or “E” collar, or dog recovery collar) can stop access to the hot spot to temporarily distract your dog from continued scratching, or a dog recovery suit can cover an area of the body if your dog is known to outsmart a coneįortunately, once your veterinarian has initiated treatment for the hot spot on your dog, most dogs improve rapidly.Using medicated dog wipes or solutions to gently clean the area daily.Prescribing allergy medications for dogs that stop the underlying cause of itching.Prescribing topical or oral steroids to control inflammation and decrease itching.Prescribing topical or oral antibiotics to treat secondary bacterial infections.Bathing with a chlorhexidine shampoo for dogs.Cleaning the affected area with gentle antiseptic cleansers such as chlorhexidine.Clipping the hair around the area to prevent further matting.Treatment for hot spots in dogs typically involves some combination of the following: Once the underlying cause of your dog’s itching has been diagnosed, your veterinarian will explain the best treatment to help resolve your dog’s hot spot. ![]() They will perform a full physical examination on your dog, and may recommend additional diagnostic testing, like a skin scrape, to look for parasites. In order to treat a hot spot effectively and prevent it from recurring, your veterinarian will need to determine the underlying cause of the irritation. While it may be tempting to wait for your dog’s hot spot to resolve on its own, delaying treatment will only make the problem worse. If you suspect your dog may have a hot spot, the first step is to consult your veterinarian. Hot spots on dogs are painful and very itchy, and will rapidly grow as the dog’s scratching continues to traumatize the area. The affected area is moist and may discharge pus or fluid, which can lead to crusting and matting of the surrounding fur or hair. They can occur anywhere on a dog’s body, but are most commonly seen on the head, limbs, and hips. Hot spots are typically well-defined areas of redness, swelling, and hair loss. Many skin conditions have similar symptoms to hot spots, so it is important to consult your veterinarian if you are concerned about your dog and think they may have a hot spot that needs treatment. Dogs that are frequently wet from swimming, bathing, or inclement weather are more prone to developing hot spots due to the excess moisture held against the skin by their coats. Hot spots are also more likely to occur during warm weather and periods of high humidity. Bernards, German Shepherd Dogs, Labrador Retrievers, and Rottweilers are predisposed to developing hot spots due to their thicker coats. Some breeds such as Golden Retrievers, St. Identifying and addressing the underlying cause of your dog’s hot spot is one of the most important factors in preventing future skin problems. ![]() Many of these conditions are chronic problems in dogs that can lead to recurring hot spots if they are not appropriately managed. Moisture trapped in the coat from swimming or bathing.Stress or boredom resulting in excessive licking.Common causes of the itching/scratching cycle in dogs include: Thus, any condition that causes your dog to feel itchy has the potential to result in a hot spot. Unfortunately, this self-trauma only makes the area more irritated and itchier, which causes a self-perpetuating cycle of itching and scratching. The resulting trauma to the dog’s skin causes inflammation and secondary bacterial infections. Hot spots on dogs are often triggered by scratching, licking, or chewing the affected area of skin. Unlike an insect bite, a hot spot on your dog will rapidly worsen and spread, developing into a hot, red, oozing, and painful lesion. Often a hot spot on a dog will begin as a small red area on the skin that owners may mistake for an insect bite. What Are Hot Spots on Dogs?Īlso known as acute moist dermatitis, hot spots in dogs are localized areas of skin inflammation and bacterial infection. While they are frustrating to deal with, this common condition can be aided by hot spot treatments, and even prevented with the right management of your dog’s skin and coat. These painful, oozing sores can appear seemingly out of nowhere and often spread rapidly. Hot spots are one of the most common skin conditions in dogs, particularly in the summer months.
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