Hot Spots Are Painful
Hot spots can occur quickly and with little warning. They leave your pet with red, itchy, swollen areas that are only made worse by his or her constant licking and biting. They cause considerable pain and can make your pet irritable. If not treated immediately, the infected areas can spread and get worse.
What Causes Hot Spots on Dogs?
The medical name for a dog hot spot is pyotraumatic dermatitis. Hot spots typically occur when a dog licks or scratches an area until it is raw. The most common cause of dog hot spots are flea allergies, but they can also be caused by dog food allergies, and even coat problems (mats, old hair, etc.). Humidity and leaving a dog’s coat wet for too long can also be a factor. This problem is more common for dogs (Golden Retrievers, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Newfoundlands, and German Shepherds) with undercoats where dead hair can retain moisture. Hot spots are frequently found on the legs, feet, flank, and rump, but just about any area your pet can reach can be suspect.
Hot Spot Treatment
It is critical to treat the hot spots as soon as possible. If untreated, hot spots will typically get worse and spread.
Remove the hair from the area.
You can typically remove the hair using scissors. If it is a large area, you may need to shave it. The purpose of this procedure is to remove the fur that can hold moisture. Once the wound is clean and dry, it should heal faster. It will also help stop the infection from spreading.
Wash the affected area.
You can use a mild skin cleanser for dogs, water-based astringent, or antiseptic to wash the affected area.
Once the area is clean and dry
Once the area is clean and dry, it is recommended that you not use any creams since they can seal in the moisture and infection. Your veterinarian may recommend an antihistamine. An Elizabethan (cone shaped) collar can also be used to keep him/her from licking or chewing the area until it has had a chance to heal.
Hot spots can make your pet miserable. Early detection and cleaning can provide relief. By keeping the area clean and dry, you should see improvement in the hot spots in a few days. The key is to keep your pet from licking the area and spreading the infection.
It is recommended that you seek the assistance of a veterinarian when treating dog hot spots or any type dog allergies treatment.
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