Hot spots on dogs are very common. They usually become noticeable when a specific area of skin becomes infected and inflamed. This invariably results in constant licking or chewing; in fact most dogs simply cannot leave the area alone.
Other terms are sometimes used for this condition. For example, a dog hot spot is often referred to as moist dermatitis.
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Signs and Symptoms of Dog Hot Spots
Hot spots can plague many dog breeds but they are particularly prevalent among breeds with heavy or fluffy coats.
It pays to be vigilant when the first warning signs of hot spots on dogs appear.
Common signs of dog hot spots include:
- constant licking or chewing of the area
- constant scratching to alleviate the itch
- red looking skin
- a weeping wound if infected
- sometimes hair loss
In fact, if it is a severe infection and long-standing, there can be considerable hair loss.
It is sometimes necessary to part the hair to take a closer look because it is possible for the hair to grow over the inflamed area thus hiding the real source of the constant scratching.
The lesions can appear all of a sudden, or at least you might only become aware of them all of a sudden. And, yes they can become much larger quite quickly.
Regardless of the cause, whether it be because of a dog skin allergy or a parasite of some kind or something else altogether, your pet will most likely be highly agitated. It goes without saying that you can expect to see your pet “working” the affected area continuously and this will usually serve to simply make the condition worse. He may also become snappy and start to growl if you try to inspect the area more closely.
6 Causes of Hot Spots on Dogs
There is of course an initial circumstance that usually leads to this condition.
- Persistent Habit
Perhaps something seemingly trivial originally happened which led to your dog licking the area. Then this has turned into a habitual routine which sees your dog compulsively lick and chew his paws until the habit itself becomes the real problem. - Parasites
It is recommended that you check for parasites of some kind:- mites
- fleas
- insect stings
- Allergies
Dogs can suffer allergic reactions from a variety of causes; one of the main contributors here is diet. There are some books featured on this page that provide invaluable assistance in getting your dog’s nutrition right. - Injuries.
Long after an injury has healed, you can often see a dog “working the area” in a habitual fashion and this then produces an injury of its own making. - Boredom
Some dogs have been known to cause a hot spot because they are simply bored. - Stress
Some pets could be stressed for some unknown reason and take it out on their paws for example.
How to Deal with Hot Spots on Dogs
Because hot spots can increase in size quite rapidly, you need to take action as soon as you become aware of the problem.
If the area becomes infected, you should quickly visit your local veterinarian as it will be difficult for you to judge whether or not it is a superficial wound or something that has taken a much deeper hold. In fact, you should consult your vet long before an infection becomes apparent.
Often located around the back area or on the paws, hot spots are further aggravated when the dog bites, licks or scratches the lesions.
3 DIY Steps to Manage Hot Spots on Dogs
Here are some steps that you can follow to alleviate dog hot spots at home, after you have consulted your vet:
- Step 1: Shave the area that has been affected by a hot spot so that you can examine it more closely.
- If you have already been to your vet, then this may already have been done for you.
- Shaving will allow you to make a better decision as to how serious the problem is.
- This will also allow air to reach the area which might have been up until now, kept too moist by matted hair.
- Step 2: Clean the infection with cool water and a gentle skin cleanser, for dogs.
- Step 3: You can apply a cool compress to the infected area a number of times during the day when you are home.
- Tea bags make for great cool compress options and can also help to dry the area.
Commercial Dog Hot Spot Treatments
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As already indicated, you should always consult your veterinarian as soon as you notice any kind of dog skin irritation.
If the infection is very severe, your veterinarian will usually prescribe topical drying sprays, medicated shampoos and oral antibiotics that must be regularly administered to your dog.
Some products that dog owners have found successful include:
Hot Spot Itch Relief Dog Spray
Key Points in Summary
- It is essential to consult your veterinarian as soon as you notice moist skin irritations on your dog.
- Identifying one of the 6 common causes of hot spots in dogs can help to eliminate the problem.
- There are 3 steps you can follow to manage hotspots yourself at home, after seeing your vet.
- There are several helpful commercial products such as sprays, salves, shampoos and wipes.