Hot spots, also known as acute moist dermatitis, are a common issue many dogs face. These red, irritated patches of skin can develop quickly and cause discomfort due to excessive licking, scratching, or biting. Often triggered by allergies, insect bites, or skin infections, hot spots can worsen if not treated promptly. Understanding what causes hot spots and how to manage them can help keep your pup comfortable and on the road to recovery. You can soothe your dog’s skin and prevent flare-ups with care and attention!
What Are Hot Spots
Hot spots, also known as acute moist dermatitis, are red, swollen areas on a dog’s skin that are warm and painful to the touch. They often appear suddenly and can spread quickly as dogs instinctively lick, scratch, or bite at the irritated spot. The constant moisture from licking makes these patches even worse, leading to open sores, hair loss, and sometimes infection. Hot spots can appear anywhere on a dog’s body but are most common in areas like the neck, chest, hips, and behind the ears.
What Causes Hot Spots
Hot spots can be triggered by many factors, including:
- Allergies: Dogs can have allergies to things like food, pollen, dust mites, or even flea bites, and that can really make them itchy and irritable.
- Fleas and Parasites: Flea bites are a major cause of hot spots, especially if your dog is allergic to flea saliva.
- Skin Infections: Bacterial or fungal infections can cause inflammation, which your dog may try to relieve by excessive licking or scratching.
- Moisture Trapped in the Fur: Wet Fur from swimming, rain, or baths can trap moisture close to the skin, creating the perfect breeding ground for irritation and infection.
- Stress or Anxiety: Stress or Anxiety: Some dogs get hot spots when they lick themselves a lot because they’re feeling stressed or anxious.
Understanding what might have triggered your dog’s hot spot can help you address the root cause and prevent future flare-ups.
Treating Hot Spots: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Look for Symptoms:
- Red, Inflamed Skin: Look for bright red and swollen skin areas.
- Oozing or Crusting: The affected area may ooze pus or develop a crust.
- Constant Scratching or Licking: Dogs with hot spots will frequently scratch, lick, or bite the affected area.
- Hair Loss: The fur around the hot spot may fall out or be chewed off.
- Pain and Sensitivity: The area may be sensitive to touch, causing your dog discomfort.
- Trim the Area: Carefully trim the fur around the affected area. This will help the area dry and make it easier to clean. When trimming, it’s best to use blunt-nosed scissors and be gentle to avoid causing further irritation.
- Dry and Soothe: Make sure the area is completely dry after cleaning. Then, clean the hot spot with a mild antiseptic solution, such as diluted betadine or chlorhexidine. It’s important to avoid using hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, as these can further irritate the skin. After cleaning, gently pat the area dry with a clean cloth, careful not to rub or further irritate the hot spot. There are also over-the-counter options which include hydrocortisone cream, antibiotic ointments, or specialized hot spot sprays. Follow the product instructions carefully.
- Prevent Further Licking: Dogs often make hot spots worse by constantly licking the area. An Elizabethan collar (cone/e-collar), inflatable collar or muzzle can help break this cycle while the skin heals.
- Monitor the healing process: If the hot spot is getting bigger, very painful, or shows signs of infection (such as pus or a bad odor), visit your veterinarian.
Preventing Future Hot Spots
Here are some tips to help keep their skin irritation free:
- Regular Grooming: Brush your dog’s coat regularly to remove loose fur, dirt, and tangles that can trap moisture. This is very important for breeds with long or thick undercoats.
- Manage Allergies: Collaborate closely with your veterinarian to pinpoint and address any allergies that your dog may be experiencing. Your vet may recommend dietary changes that could be causing an adverse reaction. Additionally, medications like antihistamines or corticosteroids might be prescribed.
- Flea and Parasite Control: Keep your dog on a flea and parasite prevention program. Flea bites are one of the most common triggers for hot spots.
- Dry Thoroughly After Baths or Swimming: Always make sure your dog’s fur is completely dry after it gets wet. Pay extra attention to areas where moisture tends to linger, such as under the ears or between the legs.
- Monitor Stress and Anxiety: If your dog tends to lick obsessively due to anxiety, providing them with enrichment, exercise, and calming activities can help reduce this behaviour.
When to Seek Help
While hot spots can often be treated at home, you should contact your vet if:
- The hot spot is spreading or not improving after a few days.
- Your dog seems to be in significant pain or discomfort.
- You notice signs of infection, such as swelling, pus, or a bad odour.
Hot spots may be frustrating for both you and your dog, but with proper care and prevention, you can help your dog heal. By keeping an eye on their skin health, grooming regularly, and addressing potential triggers, you can reduce the chances of future hot spots.
Have you dealt with hot spots on your dog before? What tips and tricks worked for you? Share your experience in the comments—I would love to hear from you!
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