What defines a Hot Spot?

In the simplest of terms, a hot spot is an area of skin that has an infection. Typically, dogs with thick, long coats, dogs who swim and dogs who live in moist, humid environments are the most likely to have these localized skin surface infections. In addition, flea or bug bites can bring on these infections as well. Initially, these hot spots occur when an excess amount of moisture remains on the skin changing the environment of the skin and allowing bacteria to be present and grow. The bacteria release toxins which then inflame the skin and cause it to be itchy. As a result the dog will chew, bite and lick the area searching for relief. This action unfortunately causes the infection to get worse. This becomes a vicious cycle that can enlarge the spot quickly. It is amazing to note that these spots can appear quickly, usually within twenty to thirty minutes. As mentioned earlier, flea and bug bites can initiate this process as well.

Hot Spots - What to look for

Hot spots are usually easy to identify. They consist of a well-defined area of skin that is very red and inflamed, hairless, and may be oozing or scabbed over. Hot spots are most frequently found on the rear legs and around the neck but can be found in any location that a dog can reach with its teeth or rear claws. A dog is usually unable to leave this area alone and will seem to chew, lick, and scratch at it constantly. It may be so itchy and inflamed that it will be painful to the dog if touched.

Dog Hot Spot Diagnosis

Generally, all that is needed to diagnose a hot spot is a visual inspection or physical examination.

If a dog seems to get many hot spots, some diagnostic tests may be needed to find out why. These include:

Scraping of the Skin: This rules out Mange

Fungal cultures to rule out ringworm

Blood Tests - These are used to rule or seasonal or inhalant allergies.

Skin and Blood Test - These are performed in order to rule out an allergic reaction to fleas.

Invasive treatment for fleas even if none are present.

Dietary food trials to test for food allergies

Dog Hot Spot Treatment

Things to remember when providing treatment include:

Stop the itching

Clear up the infection

Stop the dog from biting or itching the area

Keep the infected area dry

Initially, the remaining hair on the hot spot and the surrounding hair are clipped. The spot is then cleaned well with an antibacterial soap and dried. Clipping and cleaning can be so painful that a dog may have to be sedated for the procedure. This depends on how bad the hot spot is.

The infection is treated with a combination of oral and topical antibiotics. Usually, the topical antibiotic that is used also contains a corticosteroid to help with inflammation. To stop the itching, a short course of oral corticosteroids is used. It is important to be aggressive in stopping the itching. This makes the dog more comfortable and stops it from continuing to chew on the spot. This breaks the itch-chew-infection cycle, which speeds healing.

If your dog is unable to stop licking the area, an Elizabethan collar or lamp shade like collar may be needed. This is generally only needed for a short period of time as most dogs become comfortable within 24 hours. Within one week, the hot spot is usually healed.

Methods to Prevent Hot Spots

To prevent hot spots, several things can be done:

Use effective flea control on a dog and in the environment

Trim the hair of long and thick haired breeds during the summer months

If you can, prevent your dog from swimming

If a dog does swim, dry it well afterwards

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Written by Heather Fox using tags: canine fitness, canine health, dog care, dog health, dog hot spots, pet fitness, pet health, Pets, skin infections