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 Summer is here and we are all looking for the next “hot spot” for our family and pet to vacation and soak up the sun. Unfortunately, a “hot spot” for a dog is no day at the beach. It can turn your dog’s fun filled summer dream to a painful, agonizing nightmare.
What is a "Hot Spot"?
Hot Spots are often known as moist dermatitis, acute moist dermatitis, and pyotraumatic dermatitis. This can be a superficial or deep lesion in a localized area. The skin is usually inflamed and infected and is usually worsened by licking, scratching, and biting.
Signs/Symptoms
A painful, hairless open sore is a classic sign of a hot spot. Be careful not to over look a hot spot that may be covered by matted hair, which can sometimes disguise the severity of the problem. Dogs will usual show signs of distress such as licking, scratching, and biting at the infected area. Some dogs may become aggressive if the area is examined or touched. Lesions can sometime seem to appear out of nowhere and increase in size in a matter of hours if untreated.
Causes
There can be a number of reasons that can cause and aggravate a hot spot. Some are insect bites called by fleas, ticks, mites, and/or external parasites. Others can be injuries to the skin like a cut or scrape, humidity, food allergies, even not drying a wet dog thoroughly. It also has been shown that some dogs may initiate a hot spot out of boredom or stress- related problems. But there is always an extreme stimulating behavior involved such as licking and scratching that causes extreme inflammation of the skin.
Treatment
Consult your veterinarian first to seek the best treatment method. This will reduce possible spread of infection and ensure a speedy recovery.
1. Trim the Hair Around the Infected Area- Since the infected area is usually hairless this will prevent hair from matting over the inflamed area The first treatment for hot spots is to dry them out and get air to the area. Hair loss is a feature of hot spots, but hair can also mat over the inflamed area, covering up a potentially much more severe and large problem.
2. Clean it- Remove all debris and moisture from the area. Cleanse the area with cool water and a gentle skin cleanser.
3. Air it Out- The hot spot should be dried out and allowed to “breathe”. Get air to the infected area and allow the area to dry up
4. Apply Medications - Depending on how severe the hot spot is, your dog’s veterinarian may recommend topical drying sprays or medications. You can also use Over- the- counter hydrocortisone spray or lotion to stop the itching and help speed healing, but always check with your veterinarian before applying any medications that are not intended for dogs.
5. Be proactive- Reframe your dog from aggravating the infecting area. Most dogs will attempt to lick, scratch, and bite at the infected area. Consider using an Elizabethan collar to help prevent this unwanted behavior.
After the area has healed, prevent other hot spots from forming by following a regular cleansing regimen and keeping your dog free of external parasites. This can be achieved by using flea and tick collars, shampoos, and monthly pills. Consult with your veterinarian to get the best method for your pooch.
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