what-causes-hot-spots-on-dogs

Hotspots (or you can also call them Pyotraumatic or moist dermatitis) are areas of the skin which has become inflamed and infected. These spots are the most frustrating skin condition any dog can get. They are very painful and incredibly itchy too. It’s even torturous for owners to have to sit through.

If you are interested in researching the cause of hot spots and how to get rid of them, then this is the article for you. There are plenty of ways and treatments to get rid of hot spots on dogs.

 

How to Detect Hot Spots?

As mentioned above, hot spots are an area of the skin which can become inflamed and infected. Moreover, the affected skin often appears as a moist, oozing, and reddening area; which is an excellent sign to determine hot spots.

Hair loss may also be an indication. Keep an eye out to check if your dogs are licking a particular spot excessively or even chewing. Moreover, biting at that area can worsen the condition. Similarly, it may turn painful and very itchy for a dog.

 

What Causes Hot Spots?

Anything for itchiness to the skin or even allergies can lead to hot spots developing on dogs. Specific allergies such as grass, weeds, dust, or even trees can trigger hot spots.

Likewise, keep an eye out for food allergies, insect bites, and fleas being the worst case. The infection may have rooted itself so far under the dog’s skin developing an oozing appearance, and even an odor.

Allergies aren’t the only cause. Dogs are the primary cause of their hotspots upon self-licking and chewing against their skin. They also chew if they’re bored, too.

Hot spots may arise even quicker this way creating an awful looking self-inflicted wound. You can solve this issue in a heartbeat with proper treatment.

Hot spots also suggest that a dog’s immune are down and something may be wrong with the bodies resources. Most common reasons include food sensitivity, periodontal disease, and underlying illnesses.

If you’re wondering if cats can get hot spots, they can. However, cats rarely get hot spots.

 

Treatment of Hot Spots

First of all, clear all the bacterial infection in the spot to relieve pain and itching. Also, get the hair surrounding the hot spot clipped to allow cleaning and possible topical medications.

Topical treatments are an assortment of sprays, creams or ointments to kill any bacteria. The prescription may include the use of Antibiotics for a course of three to four weeks.

Furthermore, Corticosteroids and Antihistamines can also help relieve itching or pain from the inflammation.

 

How to Know What a Hot Spot Looks Alike?

A hot spot usually is a big, bleeding or sometimes even raw torched patch on the skin. The infected area will look moist or painful if the continued licking or chewing does not end.

 

Treatments Without Taking a Trip to the Vet

There is no need to schedule a trip to the vet unless the hot spot is small and non-painful because you can diagnose it immediately.

You can begin the treatment at home with products and medications such as topical sprays, medicated shampoos, and available herbal therapies. Make sure that these are pet prescribed products and safe to use around them. If you do use human products, it may be toxic to your pet if they ever ingest it.

 

Home Based Hot Spot Treatments

  • Gently clip the fur covering the area for medication to reach the wound. Make sure to use clippers approved by the groomer.
  • Prevent them from licking that area even if that means you have to make them wear a cone of shame
  • To keep the area clean, apply a warm and moist compress for 5-10 minutes three times a day. It will allow the spot to thoroughly dry and encourages good circulation.
  • Only use pet safe products and treatments approved by the vet
  • Refrain from covering the area with any bandages or wraps. The infected area needs to breath
  • Find out what is the cause of the itching or irritation. Study through all the options and theories

 

Tips on How to Prevent Hot Spots

  • Get flea control. Fleas, in most cases, are the leading cause of hot spots. They irritate dogs skin causing an even worse condition, leading to a hot spot
  • Always dry your dog off, no matter how heavy or thin a coat they have, in dry and humid weather
  • Get your dog groomed regularly
  • Always keep your furry friend busy in exercise or activity. Nobody ever wants a dull moment in their lives
  • To help maintain a healthy coat put your dog on a healthy fatty acids diet

 

When to Call the Vet for Aid?

Unfortunately, not all hot spots can be cured adequately at home. Vets can prescribe seven different medications. Dogs may have other skin infections or bite wounds. So, it is best to have the veterinarian take a closer inspection.

If the hot spot becomes extraordinarily notable or painful, then it must be adequately cleaned. If no treatment goes on for a much more extended period, then extensive therapy such as oral pain medications may come into use.

 

Dogs May Not Even Have Hot Spots

Not all of the dog’s hot spots are created by food, but some can be due to emotional stress related situations. Dogs may have an itch, and they’re trying to get rid of it at the moment.

Just keep a tight watch and make sure they don’t do anything serious to their skin. Otherwise, it may show the way to a hot spot.

 

Conclusion

Hopefully, this information has helped clear up any further questions regarding hot spots. Although, hot spots are likely to recur. Give proper baths to prevent hot spots. If your dog experiences chronic hot spots, then it’s time to have them tested for their skin, allergies, or even hypothyroidism.

Get rid of hot spots as soon as possible. Hotspots are painful for your dog to suffer through, but you as well. Follow these natural solutions to help solve your dog’s issue. Medication may only suppress hot spots for the time being, but anything to make your dog better.

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